Palo Alto SME

About the role

Abile Group has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Palo Alto SME on a contract providing Network and Cybersecurity services supporting an Intelligence Community customer. All the personnel on the team will work together to support transport and cybersecurity information technology (IT) services on multiple networks and security domains, at multiple locations worldwide, inclusive of new facilities and building constructions to support the IC mission.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the lead technical authority for administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) across a hybrid enterprise environment.
• Manages the full lifecycle of Palo Alto hardware and software, including executing complex hardware refreshes and PAN-OS upgrades, especially on legacy platforms.
• Develops, oversees, and maintains configuration management processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all Palo Alto security platforms.
• Utilizes Panorama for centralized policy management, ensuring consistent and efficient configuration across a diverse fleet of physical and virtual firewalls.
• Configures and maintains master-level security profiles, including App-ID, User-ID, Content-ID, SSL Decryption, and WildFire threat prevention.
• Oversees the reporting, documentation, and investigation of security-related incidents, and leads the development of corrective measures.
• Acts as a liaison to contract/customer management and the government Designated Approving Authority (DAA) regarding network security status, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluates and reports on new and emerging network security technologies to enhance the capabilities, performance, and reliability of the network.
• Mentors and provides technical oversight to junior engineers, and acts as an escalation point for complex troubleshooting efforts.

Requirements

• Clearance Required: TS/SCI with ability to obtain a CI Poly.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., IT, Cybersecurity, Computer Science).
• A minimum of 7+ years of hands-on experience administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks NGFWs in large-scale enterprise/global environments.
• Required Certifications: Must hold an active Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification. Must be DoD 8140.01 and DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II compliant (e.g., Security+ CE). Must be able to successfully obtain/maintain a CSSP Infrastructure Support certification within 120 days of the start date.

Desired Skills

• Automation & Scripting: Proficiency in Python and experience automating firewall deployment, policy changes, and configuration backups using Ansible, Terraform, or Palo Alto XML/REST APIs.
• Security Orchestration: Hands-on experience with Cortex XDR or Cortex XSOAR for automated threat response.
• Migration Tools: Proficiency using Palo Alto Networks Expedition to migrate and consolidate legacy rules to modern App-ID-based policies.
• Enterprise Architecture: Background in designing Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) architectures across complex, segment-isolated enterprise environments.
• Broader Experience: Experience with other security platforms and technologies such as F5 (APM, AFM), Juniper SRX, and Cisco FTD/ASA.

Benefits

Abile Group, founded in July 2004 to support the Intelligence Community and its contractors across Enterprise Analytics, IT & Systems Engineering, and Program & Project Management, merged with Valiant Solutions in January 2026 - an established provider of cybersecurity technologies and services for Federal Agencies since 2005. Together, this partnership creates a stronger, more integrated cybersecurity organization with expanded opportunities for employees, deeper technical collaboration, and a unified mission.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A