HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass / NAC Specialist

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass / NAC Specialist to lead the technical design and delivery of an enterprise Network Access Control (NAC) engagement.

In this role, you will assess the existing network and authentication environment, develop practical design recommendations, and take ownership of implementation from discovery and proof-of-concept validation through to deployment and handover. You will work closely with engineering teams and customer stakeholders to deliver secure, reliable wired and wireless network access solutions as part of a broader network redesign.

The ideal candidate brings strong Level 3 expertise in HPE Aruba Networking, hands-on experience deploying ClearPass and Aruba Central in enterprise environments, and a proven track record of implementing 802.1X authentication and NAC solutions in production.

About the Client

You will be working with a specialist technology services provider delivering networking, cybersecurity, secure access, and cloud solutions to organisations across Australia and the South Pacific. The business supports customers throughout the technology lifecycle, from assessment and solution design to implementation, handover, and ongoing operations.

The organisation values technical expertise, practical recommendations, clear accountability, and close collaboration with customer engineering teams to deliver solutions aligned with their operational requirements.

Ideal Profile

Technical Expertise & Experience

• Demonstrated Level 3 expertise in HPE Aruba Networking, supported by recent, hands-on experience deploying ClearPass and Aruba Central in enterprise environments.
• Proven experience delivering multiple NAC engagements, covering technical assessment, solution design, configuration, validation, and implementation.
• Strong production experience implementing 802.1X authentication on Aruba platforms, including an understanding of deployment constraints and troubleshooting.
• Ability to independently assess existing environments, recommend appropriate solutions, and deliver agreed technical outcomes with minimal supervision.
• Experience leading technical workshops and explaining design decisions to experienced customer engineering teams.

NAC & Network Access Technologies

• Strong knowledge of Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager and Aruba Central, including deployment, configuration, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Practical understanding of Classic Central and New Central, including platform differences and their implications for NAC architecture, hardware capabilities, and firmware dependencies.
• Experience with 802.1X, EAP methods, RADIUS, TACACS+, MAC authentication, and wired and wireless access control.
• Familiarity with device profiling, posture assessment, guest access, and role-based policy enforcement.
• Understanding of enterprise identity systems, authentication services, and network policy enforcement.

Integration & Infrastructure

• Experience integrating NAC solutions with enterprise identity, networking, and security platforms.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Active Directory, Entra ID, PKI, MDM, firewalls, and SIEM platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across authentication, policy enforcement, and network connectivity.
• Ability to manage technical changes methodically, validate outcomes, and maintain accurate configuration records.

Desirable Experience

• Relevant HPE Aruba Networking certifications, such as ACCP, ACMP, ACCX, or an equivalent current qualification.
• Experience with Aruba CX switching and Aruba wireless, particularly Aruba 2930 and CX 6200 switches.
• Practical experience implementing certificate-based authentication and PKI.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Intune, Entra ID, or Okta integrations.
• Experience integrating NAC solutions with Palo Alto Networks or Fortinet firewalls and SIEM platforms.
• Delivery experience in government, education, or other regulated environments.

Professional Capabilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Strong ownership, sound judgement, and the ability to manage priorities independently.
• A structured, methodical approach to troubleshooting, testing, and technical change.
• High attention to technical accuracy, documentation, and implementation quality.
• Proactive communication of progress, risks, dependencies, and recommendations.
• A collaborative and professional approach to working with customer engineers and delivery partners.

Responsibilities

Technical Assessment & Solution Design

• Assess existing Aruba, NAC, and authentication environments to identify gaps, risks, dependencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead the technical design of ClearPass, Aruba Central, and wired and wireless access control solutions aligned with the broader network redesign.
• Evaluate Classic Central and New Central architecture considerations, including hardware compatibility, firmware dependencies, and support for the proposed NAC and 802.1X approach.
• Develop practical recommendations that address customer requirements, platform compatibility, and implementation risks.

ClearPass & NAC Implementation

• Deploy and configure Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager and Aruba Central, including authentication services, policies, and integration settings.
• Implement wired and wireless access control using 802.1X, MAC authentication, and guest access.
• Configure device profiling, posture assessment, and role-based policy enforcement where required.
• Integrate ClearPass with enterprise identity, networking, and security systems, including Active Directory, Entra ID, PKI, MDM, firewalls, and SIEM platforms within the agreed scope.

Proof of Concept & Technical Validation

• Develop and validate proof-of-concept implementations to demonstrate required authentication, access control, and policy outcomes.
• Test proposed configurations before broader deployment to confirm functionality and suitability.
• Diagnose and resolve authentication, policy, and connectivity issues through structured investigation, testing, and controlled changes.
• Validate implementation outcomes and ensure technical requirements are met.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Delivery Coordination

• Lead technical discussions and contribute expertise during customer discovery and design workshops.
• Provide clear recommendations, progress updates, and advice on technical risks and dependencies.
• Coordinate with engineering teams and delivery partners on implementation planning, testing, cutovers, and rollback arrangements.
• Maintain alignment between technical decisions, customer requirements, and agreed project deliverables.

Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

• Produce clear technical design documents, configuration records, and as-built documentation.
• Document implementation decisions, configurations, and relevant operational procedures.
• Support handover and knowledge transfer to ensure the customer team can effectively understand and manage the delivered solution.

How we take care of our team

💰 Get paid in Australian Dollars
🏥 Medical insurance from day one for you + spouse (or parents if unmarried)
🩺 Generous OPD coverage from doctor visits to all your medical needs
🏡 Home office setup allowance to build your ideal workspace
🌐 Internet allowance to keep you connected
💪 Gym & wellness allowance to stay fit and balanced
🎉 Work hard, play hard – regular team events & engagement activities
🧠 Diji Assist – Mental health & counseling support when you need it
📚 We invest in you – reimbursement for industry certifications
🗣️ Open-door culture – your ideas and feedback always matter
🌍 Flexible work – home or office, wherever you do your best work
🏆 Rewards & recognition that actually recognize you
🥳 Great christmas & financial year-end parties to unwind with your loved ones