Principal Security Engineer – Network Security & Akamai WAF, 6-12 month Contract

Job Description

Company: Space Executive

Principal Security Engineer – Network Security & Akamai WAF

Tampa, FL or Coppell, TX | Hybrid (3 days onsite) | Contract to Perm | Excellent Rates

Space Executive is working with a globally recognised financial markets organisation seeking a Principal Security Engineer to take ownership of their Akamai security estate and help drive the next phase of their Zero Trust security strategy.

This is a highly visible role within the CISO organisation, ideal for a hands-on security specialist who enjoys solving complex challenges, influencing security architecture, and protecting critical internet-facing platforms at scale.

The Opportunity

You’ll become the subject matter expert for Akamai security technologies across the enterprise, leading architecture, implementation, optimisation, and ongoing security enhancements. This is not a governance or oversight position. We are looking for someone who enjoys getting hands-on with technology and leading from the front.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, deployment, tuning, and optimisation of Akamai WAF solutions across cloud and on-premise environments

• Act as the go-to expert for Kona Site Defender, Adaptive Security Engine, Bot Manager, API Security, Client Reputation, and edge security services

• Develop custom WAF policies, bot mitigation strategies, rate limiting controls, and API protection frameworks

• Support the secure onboarding of critical applications through traffic analysis, profiling, baselining, and phased enforcement

• Partner closely with Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence, and Architecture teams to strengthen Zero Trust controls

• Drive visibility and reporting through SIEM integrations, monitoring, and security analytics

• Identify opportunities for automation using APIs, Infrastructure as Code, and CI/CD pipelines

• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and best practice guidance across the wider security engineering function

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of cybersecurity engineering experience

• Deep hands-on expertise with Akamai security technologies and WAF management

• Strong understanding of Zero Trust security principles and network security architecture

• Experience managing web application security, false positive reduction, bot protection, and edge security controls

• Knowledge of Azure cloud security and identity management

• Strong understanding of DNS, TCP/IP, HTTP/S, firewalls, and application delivery technologies

• Experience with SIEM platforms, threat investigation, and security monitoring

• CISSP or similar security certification is advantageous

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage technical and executive stakeholders

Why Join?

• Work within one of the world’s most critical financial market infrastructures

• Significant influence on enterprise security strategy

• Large-scale Akamai deployment already underway

• Long-term contract with strong potential to convert permanently

• Collaborative, highly technical security team

If you’re an Akamai specialist looking for a role where you can genuinely make an impact, I’d be keen to speak with you.

Source: LinkedIn