Principal - IT Infrastructure Job

Role Overview

As a Principal within the IT Infrastructure team at Elm, you will serve as the organization’s foremost technical authority in network security, driving the design, implementation, optimization, and governance of secure network environments across the enterprise. This pivotal role is instrumental in fortifying Elm’s technology landscape against evolving threats while ensuring strict adherence to strategic objectives, regulatory mandates, and industry best practices. You will provide expert leadership in advanced security architectures, threat mitigation, incident response, and operational controls, enabling the organization to maintain resilience, protect critical systems, and sustain operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

This position encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, each designed to elevate Elm’s network security posture and operational integrity. Your core duties will include:

• Network Security Operations Excellence:
  • Oversee the execution of complex network security operations, ensuring alignment with defined service levels, operational benchmarks, and business imperatives.
  • Analyze and resolve advanced network security incidents, conducting in-depth root cause analysis for major or recurring issues to prevent future occurrences.
  • Recommend and implement enhancements to bolster security resilience, operational efficiency, automation adoption, and control efficacy.
  • Conduct rigorous security audits and facilitate compliance with pertinent standards, policies, and operational controls to uphold regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Security Architecture & Service Design:
  • Evaluate and recommend cutting-edge network security technologies, configurations, and design frameworks to enhance defensive capabilities.
  • Design and validate robust network architectures that align with threat models, business requirements, and enterprise technology standards.
  • Perform comprehensive gap analyses to assess the effectiveness of implemented security controls and countermeasures, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Provide authoritative guidance on intricate network security configurations, deployment strategies, design workshops, and architecture reviews to foster informed decision-making.
• Threat Mitigation & Incident Response Support:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support incident response protocols, forensic investigations, and meticulous documentation of security events impacting network environments.
  • Establish and maintain operational security controls and countermeasures to minimize exposure to network-based threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Contribute to compromise assessments, proactive threat hunting initiatives, and vulnerability response activities, ensuring a proactive stance against emerging risks.
  • Implement actionable recommendations derived from risk assessments, security reviews, and remediation plans to strengthen overall protection strategies.
• Secure Connectivity & Encryption Management:
  • Manage secure data transmission requirements through the application of appropriate encryption methodologies, secure connectivity protocols, and approved security standards.
  • Validate secure network configurations to safeguard enterprise systems, services, and data flows across diverse infrastructure environments.
  • Support the design and deployment of secure connectivity solutions for internal platforms, external integrations, and critical business services.
  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with network access, connectivity dependencies, and encryption protocols to ensure end-to-end security.
• Project Delivery & RFP Support:
  • Draft detailed technical requirements and contribute to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for network security solutions and related services, ensuring alignment with organizational needs.
  • Leverage subject matter expertise to evaluate proposals, vendor solutions, and technical alternatives, providing critical input to procurement decisions.
  • Lead designated technical workstreams in network security projects, overseeing all phases from planning and execution to implementation and stabilization.
  • Ensure project deliverables meet stringent technical, security, performance, and operational requirements, driving successful outcomes.
• Vendor and Support Coordination:
  • Act as the primary technical liaison for vendor engagements pertaining to network security technologies and support services, fostering productive partnerships.
  • Manage escalations of critical technical issues with vendors, ensuring timely resolution and strict adherence to Elm’s operational and security standards.
  • Review vendor deliverables to verify compliance with contractual obligations, technical specifications, and organizational requirements.

Qualifications & Competencies

To excel in this role, you will possess a proven track record in network security leadership, with deep expertise in designing, implementing, and governing secure network environments. Ideal candidates will demonstrate exceptional analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels. Strong project management acumen, vendor coordination capabilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential. A thorough understanding of compliance frameworks, risk management principles, and emerging security technologies will further position you for success in this critical position.