Senior Network Security Engineer (Secret Clearance)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Network Security Engineer to support a leading cybersecurity organization. The Senior Network Security Engineer will lead the implementation, migration, and optimization of enterprise firewall and network security infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Palo Alto Networks technologies, large-scale network environments, and identity-integrated security architectures. This position requires an active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities of the Senior Network Security Engineer:

• Lead the installation, configuration, and operation of Palo Alto Networks firewall platforms including PA-5430 hardware and Panorama management systems (M-700 or virtual appliance).
• Configure and manage Panorama components including device groups, templates, and centralized security policy management.
• Implement High Availability (HA) firewall configurations to ensure resilience and uptime.
• Develop and manage application-aware security policies using App-ID, Policy Optimizer, NAT, User-ID, File Blocking, Threat Prevention, and URL Filtering.
• Lead and execute complex firewall migration efforts across enterprise environments.
• Integrate firewall solutions with enterprise identity and security platforms including Active Directory/Entra ID and Cisco ISE for identity-based access control.
• Perform post-implementation tuning and operational optimization including refining threat prevention profiles, consolidating policies, and removing unused objects.
• Conduct routine performance and security assessments including monthly health checks and configuration reviews.
• Support enterprise network environments including LAN, WAN, routing, and switching infrastructure.
• Produce technical documentation including network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures.

Qualifications of the Senior Network Security Engineer:

• Active Secret clearance required.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience with enterprise network and security technologies including LAN, WAN, BGP, SD-WAN concepts, VXLAN, and routing and switching.
• 3+ years of experience leading security engineering efforts within large enterprise environments.
• Hands-on experience with installation, configuration, and management of high-end firewall appliances.
• Experience managing Palo Alto Networks firewalls and Panorama platforms.
• Experience integrating firewall technologies with enterprise identity and access management systems such as Active Directory, Entra ID, and Cisco ISE.
• Strong experience performing firewall policy optimization and threat prevention tuning.
• Proven ability to lead complex firewall migration initiatives.

Compensation for the Senior Network Security Engineer:

• $130,000 - $150,000 annually based on experience
• Full benefits: Healthcare, Dental, Vision, 401k, Flexible work schedule

This job opens for applications on March 13, 2026.

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Keywords: Network Security Engineer, Palo Alto Networks, PA-5430, Panorama, M-700, Firewall Engineering, Firewall Migration, Network Security, LAN, WAN, BGP, SD-WAN, VXLAN, App-ID, User-ID, Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, Cisco ISE, Active Directory, Entra ID, Secret Clearance