Network Engineer - Fortinet / SASE Focus (Contract)

Job#: 3031134 Job Description: Network Engineer - Fortinet / SASE Focus (Contract) Location: 100% REMOTE! Employment Type: Contract Engagement Overview A senior-level Network Engineer (SME) is required for a 6 month contract to support the continued adoption, configuration, and optimization of a Fortinet-based networking and security environment spanning on-prem and AWS. The environment is stable at a foundational level but remains incompletely configured, with significant hands-on work required to complete adoption and maturity. Primary Objectives The environment recently underwent major reduction and modernization so the primary objectives are below: Complete Fortinet adoption across existing and new sites, including one remaining major site rollout. 94-96% of legacy environment removed Core networking is stable and running, but not fully configured or optimized Complete Fortinet security stack configuration Support new site builds and standardization Reduce operational burden through tuning and enablement Support the organization's transition away from Cisco Umbrella and toward a SASE-driven architecture Finish SASE adoption Must Haves: Comfortable implementing, configuring, tuning, and managing, not just designing, FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiClient, FortiAnalyzer, VPN configurations, and traffic controls. Experience with SASE adoption initiatives or perimeter modernization, including security posture alignment and traffic flow optimization. Fortinet experience in AWS cloud Senior-Level Operational Maturity Worked in high-stress, high-demand, regulated environments Comfortable supporting production outages Can manage competing priorities and incomplete documentation Key Responsibilities Perform hands-on Fortinet configuration and change execution following a formal CAB/CAD process. Configure, tune, and manage FortiGate devices across on-prem and AWS environments. Implement and optimize FortiManager, FortiClient, FortiAnalyzer, VPN configurations, and traffic controls. Support SASE adoption initiatives, including security posture alignment and traffic flow optimization. Build and configure new sites while tuning and stabilizing existing deployments. Troubleshoot network performance, connectivity, and security issues across hybrid environments. Partner with Fortinet professional services while independently executing configuration and remediation tasks. Required Experience and Skills Heavy, hands-on Fortinet experience (core requirement). Proven ability to execute firewall, VPN, and security configurations directly (not advisory only). Experience supporting both on-prem infrastructure and Fortinet deployments within AWS. Background in regulated or high-stress operational environments. Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort operating independently with minimal oversight. Compensation & Benefits The anticipated pay range for this position is $80 to $90.00 per hour, additional flexibility for the right candidate. Please note that the exact compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and qualifications. This contract position may be eligible for certain benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at or . Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details. Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, inc