Senior Network Security Engineer & Architect
I am a dynamic and results-driven Senior Network Security Engineer with more than 11 years of experience designing, implementing, and securing enterprise networks across banking, manufacturing, and consulting industries.
To explore selected projects I have delivered across banking, manufacturing, hospitality, and aviation — visit my Project Portfolio.
A professional reference letter from senior management is available upon request.
Professional Expertise
I specialize in multi-vendor environments and modern network paradigms:
- Vendors: Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Check Point, Aruba, F5.
- Focus Areas: Zero Trust Architecture, Network Automation, and Data Center Modernization (VXLAN/BGP-EVPN, NDFC, SD-Access).
- Automation & IaC: Enhancing operational efficiency using Python, Bash, Ansible, and Terraform.
Leadership & Methodology
Beyond technical implementation, I have a proven track record as a Network Security Team Lead. I am experienced in:
- Managing cross-functional and self-organizing engineering teams.
- ITSM & Change Management within Agile/Scrum frameworks.
- Improving SLA performance through DevSecOps collaboration.
“Building secure, automated and scalable network infrastructures — one architecture at a time.”
Tech Stack at a Glance
| Category | Technologies |
|---|---|
| Security | Cisco ISE, ClearPass, Firepower, FortiGate, Palo Alto NGFW, Check Point |
| Networking | Cisco Catalyst/Nexus, Aruba CX, HP Comware, BGP, OSPF, VLAN, STP |
| Wi-Fi | Aruba Mobility Master/Central, Cisco Meraki MR, Ekahau, 802.1X, Guest Wi-Fi |
| Data Center | VXLAN/BGP-EVPN, Cisco NDFC, Nexus 9000, FabricPath, HA Clustering |
| Firewall & ZTNA | Palo Alto NGFW, FortiGate, Check Point, Cisco Firepower, Fortinet ZTNA, Cloudflare Zero Trust |
| Delivery | F5 BIG-IP LTM/GTM, SSL Offloading, GSLB |
| Automation & IaC | Python, Bash, Ansible, Terraform (AWS, Cloudflare), Git, NetDevOps |
| Cloud | AWS (VPC, Transit Gateway, Advanced Networking), Azure (vNet, NSG) |
| Monitoring | SolarWinds, ManageEngine OpManager, Zabbix, Splunk SIEM |
Certifications
- Cisco: CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, CCNA
- ISC2: Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- Aruba (HPE): ACMP, ACCP (ClearPass Professional), MASE, ASE
- Palo Alto Networks: PSE: Strata Associate
- Fortinet: NSE 4 Network Security Professional
- AWS: Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (In Progress / Expected 2026)
Connect & Follow My Work
Feel free to reach out for professional inquiries or follow my technical deep dives:
- LinkedIn: Barash Helvadzhaoglu — Professional networking and career updates.
- Xing: Barash Helvadzhaoglu — Business networking in the DACH region.
- Substack: Technical Notes & Insights — Subscribe for in-depth network security and architecture articles.
- Email: info@barashhelvadzhaoglu.com