Senior Network Security Engineer (Palo Alto)

Job Title: Senior Network Security Engineer (Palo Alto)
Role Type: Contract
Role Duration: 16 months + possible extensions
Location: Reston, VA
Work Model: Onsite – Full Time
Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly required

Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Network Security Engineer with deep expertise in Palo Alto Networks technologies to support a complex, high security environment. This is a fully onsite, cleared contract role requiring hands on experience with greenfield deployments, custom App ID development, and enterprise scale firewall environments.
The ideal candidate is technically strong, customer facing, and comfortable leading implementation, migration, and upgrade activities across large, mission critical networks. Experience with Palo Alto VM Series, Panorama (M 700), and PA 7000 series firewalls is essential.

Key Responsibilities
• Work full time onsite in Reston, VA within a secure customer environment
• Collaborate with customers, internal engineering teams, and support organizations
• Assess customer network and security requirements and align solutions to long term security roadmaps
• Design, configure, implement, and maintain Palo Alto Networks Security Operating Platforms
• Lead and execute greenfield firewall deployments and security migrations
• Develop and implement custom App ID policies and application control strategies
• Test, validate, and support migration and cutover activities
• Plan, coordinate, and execute code upgrades and platform cutovers
• Provide technical guidance on best practices for upgrades and operational stability
• Support the development and tuning of application and threat signatures
• Partner with Technical Assistance Center (TAC) teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues
• Build trust and confidence while working closely with customer security and network teams
• Travel may be required based on customer needs

Required Qualifications
• Active CI Polygraph clearance (required)
• 5+ years of experience with enterprise network and security technologies
• 3+ years leading or implementing security solutions in large, complex environments
• Extensive hands on experience with:
o Palo Alto Networks PA 7000 Series firewalls
o Palo Alto VM Series firewalls
o Panorama (M 700) and log collectors
o Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) technologies
o GlobalProtect
• Strong working knowledge of:
o BGP
o SD WAN concepts
o VXLAN
o General routing and switching
• Demonstrated experience with:
o Greenfield deployments
o Custom App ID creation and implementation
o Firewall installation, configuration, and operations in high availability environments
• Experience supporting LAN and WAN technologies
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, Business, or equivalent education and experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in high pressure environments

Required Certifications
• CompTIA Security+ or CASP (required)

Preferred Certifications
• CISSP
• CCNA
• CNSE
• JNCI SEC