Palo Alto SME

About the role

Serve as the technical authority for Palo Alto security platforms across a large hybrid enterprise. You will lead architecture, administration, modernization, and complex troubleshooting across legacy hardware, next-generation firewalls, cloud security, and centralized policy management. Travel up to 15% may be required.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, and implement secure network architectures using Palo Alto technologies.
• Administer and troubleshoot physical and virtual next-generation firewalls.
• Lead hardware refreshes, PAN-OS upgrades, and legacy platform modernization.
• Manage policies, templates, and device groups through Panorama.
• Configure App-ID, User-ID, Content-ID, SSL Decryption, WildFire, and related security services.
• Maintain standards, procedures, configuration controls, and technical documentation.
• Investigate security incidents and recommend corrective actions.
• Mentor junior engineers and serve as an escalation point.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a government polygraph.
• At least seven years of hands‑on Palo Alto NGFW experience in large enterprise environments.
• Active PCNSE certification.
• Current DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II certification.
• Ability to obtain CSSP Infrastructure Support certification within 120 days.
• Experience with legacy Palo Alto hardware, PAN‑OS, Panorama, Prisma Access, Prisma SD‑WAN, and VM‑Series firewalls.
• Advanced knowledge of BGP, OSPF, IPSec VPNs, NAT, and hybrid cloud networking.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent additional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• PCNSC, PCSAE, or another advanced Palo Alto certification.
• Python, Ansible, Terraform, or API‑based automation experience.
• Cortex XDR, Cortex XSOAR, or Expedition experience.
• Zero Trust architecture and experience with F5, Juniper, or Cisco security technologies.