Network and Security Operations Lead

About Neptune Technology Group

Neptune Technology Group is a leading manufacturer of advanced water metering and utility management solutions, serving utilities and communities since 1892. With manufacturing operations across the US and Mexico and distribution reaching into Canada, Neptune is committed to precision, reliability, and sustainability in managing the world’s most critical resource: water.

Network & Security Operations Lead

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Network & Security Operations Lead to join our Enterprise IT Operations team as a technical leader. This is a key professional role responsible for designing, building, and operating sophisticated network and security infrastructure across our multi-location enterprise environment. The successful candidate will work independently on complex, mission-critical systems with minimal supervision, bringing deep technical expertise and strategic thinking to enhance our network capabilities, operationalize security requirements in partnership with our Security & Compliance function, and drive operational performance across both domains.

This role operates as the primary IT Operations executor for security requirements and policies

defined by Neptune's Security & Compliance team, ensuring those standards are consistently

embedded across network and infrastructure operations. This role includes responsibility for leading

and mentoring the Network & Security Operations team, driving technical excellence, and serving as a subject matter expert across both networking and security operations disciplines.

Primary Responsibilities

Network Design & Infrastructure Development

•  Design, build, and configure new network infrastructure to support business growth and technological initiatives
•  Maintain and upgrade existing network systems including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and VPNs
•  Oversee capacity planning and scaling to ensure network infrastructure meets current and future organizational needs

Equipment & Systems Management

•  Install and configure network equipment including routers, switches, servers, WAN accelerators, and load balancers
•  Manage and maintain security infrastructure including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, network access control (NAC), and other network-layer security tooling in alignment with Security & Compliance requirements
•  Monitor, install patches, and execute upgrades with minimal disruption to business operations

Security Operations Partnership

•  Operationalize security policies and technical requirements defined by the Security & Compliance (S&C) team across all network domains
•  Maintain network-layer visibility and data feeds into SIEM and security monitoring platforms
•  Coordinate incident response activities at the network and perimeter layer in conjunction with S&C
•  Support vulnerability management execution — including patch scheduling, remediation verification, and documentation — as directed by S&C
•  Participate in security assessments, audits, and compliance reviews as the IT Operations representative

Network Performance & Optimization

•  Test and monitor network connectivity, capacity, and functionality across all locations
•  Investigate network inefficiencies and implement enhancements to optimize overall network performance
•  Troubleshoot complex network issues as they arise, providing rapid resolution to minimize downtime

Vendor & Stakeholder Collaboration

•  Serve as primary liaison with network vendors and third-party service providers
•  Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless integration of network services
•  Serve as IT Operations' primary liaison to the Security & Compliance team, coordinating on vulnerability remediation timelines, security tool integrations, incident response at the network layer, and compliance audit support
•  Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Team Leadership & Development

•  Lead and develop a blended network and security operations team, providing technical guidance and professional development across both disciplines
•  Establish and enforce technical standards, best practices, and processes within