Director - Network Infrastructure Security & Engineering (AI)

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States; reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.

Base pay range: $183,730.00–$239,228.00 per year, plus eligibility for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation.

Company

hirify.global’ Digital Technology organization builds and operates large-scale technology solutions supporting the airline and its divisions.

What you will do

• Lead AI-driven network transformation, integrating AI/ML, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation to create self-healing network capabilities.
• Own enterprise network infrastructure security strategy, including zero-trust architecture, secure access, segmentation, threat protection, and compliance.
• Direct architecture and engineering for software-defined networking, SD-WAN, cloud connectivity, application services, and network orchestration.
• Design secure and resilient connectivity across airports, campuses, remote offices, contact centers, public cloud, and third-party networks.
• Establish architecture and security standards, lead design and threat-model reviews, and partner with cybersecurity on remediation and hardening.
• Lead and develop a large network engineering and network security engineering organization, while managing technology and vendor strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent advanced network engineering certification.
• 8+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture, including deep expertise in SD-WAN, routing and switching, and software-defined networking.
• 5+ years leading network security, cybersecurity, or zero-trust initiatives.
• 5+ years applying AI/ML or intelligent automation to network engineering or network security.
• 5+ years managing network engineering and/or network security teams at scale.
• 5+ years working in or adjacent to AWS, Azure, GCP, or another cloud environment.
• Strong knowledge of network and cybersecurity principles, including zero-trust architecture, segmentation, and secure access, plus practical knowledge of AI/ML and automation tools.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship. Successful completion of an interview and reliable, punctual attendance are required.

Nice to have

• Education in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field.
• CISSP, CCSP, cloud, AI/ML, data science, or network automation certification, or equivalent applied experience.
• 10+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture.
• Strategic communication, influence, and enablement skills; experience hiring and developing diverse teams across multiple physical locations.
• Large-scale vendor management experience and experience using AI/ML and automation to improve network efficiency, reliability, and innovation.
• Understanding of generative AI capabilities and limitations, including responsible use, critical validation, data privacy, and security.

Culture & Benefits

• Health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability coverage.
• Parental leave, employee assistance, commuter benefits, paid holidays, and paid time off.
• 401(k), flight privileges, and potential bonus or long-term incentive compensation.
• Equal opportunity employment and reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.