Network Security Tech Lead

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:

About the Role

Network Security Tech Lead is responsible for both leading and delivering enterprise network security operations. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical execution to protect Mattel’s global network infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments. The position oversees and contributes to the work of Network Security Engineers and Administrators, ensuring robust firewall, email, and web security, as well as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) management and compliance with enterprise security standards.

The Tech Lead will drive delivery of secure, resilient, and scalable network security services while also acting as a subject matter expert (SME) and escalation point for complex troubleshooting, incident response, and architecture initiatives. This role requires deep technical expertise in Palo Alto Networks technologies, cloud security platforms, PKI, and WAF solutions, along with a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide direct technical leadership and guidance to Network Security Engineers and Network administrators, ensuring delivery of secure and reliable network protection across enterprise and cloud infrastructures.
• Lead and actively participate in the deployment, operation, and optimization of Palo Alto Networks (PAN) firewalls (hardware and virtual), Prisma Access, GlobalProtect, and related services.
• Oversee configuration management, performance tuning, and security policy enforcement across global firewall environments.
• Manage and maintain enterprise Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), including certificate lifecycle management with tools such as Keyfactor, Venafi, or equivalent, and integrations with external Certificate Authorities (GlobalSign, Entrust, DigiCert).
• Lead configuration, customization, and maintenance of Web Application Firewalls (WAF) (e.g., Imperva) to safeguard applications and APIs, resolving rule conflicts and performance issues.
• Oversee Email Security Gateways (e.g., Checkpoint Harmony, Proofpoint) and related O365 mail routing and DNS security configurations.
• Participate in high-severity incident response, threat mitigation, and root cause analysis alongside infrastructure and SOC teams.
• Develop and maintain operational runbooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical documentation to support security operations, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement in firewall automation, rule optimization, and network visibility using modern tools and analytics.
• Collaborate with enterprise architects, SOC teams, and application owners to align network security initiatives with business and compliance objectives.
• Lead or contribute to design discussions, roadmap planning, and implementation of emerging technologies such as Zero Trust network architecture and cloud-native security controls.
• Mentor engineers, foster professional growth, and promote a culture of accountability and delivery excellence.
• Participating in after-hours support rotation for major outages or critical incidents as needed.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• 10+ years of experience in Network Security operations, including at least 5 years in a tech lead role or senior engineering capacity within a large enterprise.
• Proven expertise with Palo Alto Networks firewalls, Prisma Access, Global Protect, and related security platforms.
• Experience managing WAF, Email Security, and PKI environments, including integration with cloud services (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Proficiency in firewall rules are optimization, troubleshooting, and automation.
• Deep understanding of network protocols, VPNs, RADIUS/TACACS+, and cloud networking architectures.
• Familiarity with Windows and Linux systems administration and integration.
• Experience supporting compliance and audit initiatives (e.g., SOX, NIST CSF, PCI).
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and manage technical teams.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and vendors.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Cybersecurity, or related discipline.
• Certifications such as PCNSE, CCNP Security, CCSP, or GIAC (GSEC).
• Experience with ServiceNow ITSM processes and workflow automation.
• Familiarity with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and SASE frameworks.
• Scripting and automation experience (PowerShell, Python, or REST APIs).

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:
We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy