Sr. Firewall Engineer

Position Summary

The Senior Firewall Engineer supports the GSM-O effort and is responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining complex firewall solutions that protect the security and integrity of network infrastructure. This position is located at the Pentagon and requires 100% on-site support. The role requires advanced experience with firewall technologies, including Cisco ASA/Firepower, Juniper SRX, and Palo Alto, along with a strong background in security networking within a Department of Defense environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage firewall solutions using Cisco ASA/Firepower, Juniper SRX, and Palo Alto technologies.
• Monitor firewall performance and security logs to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential threats.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce network security policies and procedures.
• Perform system audits to ensure compliance with applicable standards, requirements, and regulations.
• Collaborate with IT, security, and network teams to integrate firewall solutions across the environment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network and firewall-related issues promptly and document actions within ticketing systems.
• Maintain and update firewall configurations, including security policies and firewall ACLs, as approved through Change Management.
• Serve as the focal point for all firewall tasks, operations, projects, and assessments.
• Ensure all assigned firewall tasks are delivered according to established timelines.
• Provide written reports and oral briefings to the Government Task Lead and PMO Team.
• Conduct annual performance assessments and periodic check-ins for assigned personnel.
• Validate and approve time charging for Leidos and vendor personnel, as applicable.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to personnel supporting the Firewall Task Area.
• Develop and execute continual service improvement strategies to enhance operational processes and support strategic project, program, and business goals.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of directly relevant experience. Additional military or relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of firewall experience within a Department of Defense environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge in planning, directing, and managing a firewall team in an organization of similar size and complexity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of perimeter and internal firewall implementation in both physical and virtual environments.
• Advanced experience managing standard baseline configurations across numerous firewalls.
• Advanced experience evaluating firewall rules to ensure maximum security while minimizing redundancy.
• Experience researching, evaluating, and fielding new and innovative firewall technologies.

Required Clearance and Certifications

• Must have, at minimum, an active DoD Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI. Active TS/SCI is preferred.
• Must have DoD 8570 IAT II or higher certification prior to start.
• Must have a Juniper, Cisco, or Palo Alto certification prior to start.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, frequently required to use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects/tools/controls, and occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Travel up to 10%.