Palo Alto Firewall Administrator

Title: Palo Alto Firewall Administrator

Location: Birmingham, AL (4 days onsite)

Status: Full-time employee

Department Name: Specialized Cyber Security Engineering

Southern Company is seeking a passionate and capable Palo Alto Firewall Administrator to join our Cybersecurity organization. This position will support Southern Company’s Specialized Cyber Security information security program to ensure Operational Technology (OT) assets are adequately protected.

There will be a hands-on technical evaluation during the interview process

• Strong experience in Palo Alto Firewall Technologies, including hands‑on experience in providing firewall support, installation, and analysis of infrastructure communication.
• Possess an in‑depth knowledge of information security methodologies, tools, technologies, and best practices and how they relate to the organization.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems in a systematic and logical manner and maintain good communication with all relevant parties throughout the troubleshooting process.
• Understand key firewall concepts including but not limited to VPN, NAT, Threat prevention, URL Filtering, application filtering, SD‑WAN, etc.
• Well versed in networking and routing concepts
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills; ability to solve complex technical issues
• 3+ year’s direct administration of Palo Alto firewall solutions.
• Experience with Global Protect is a plus

• Develop requirements for firewall rule implementation including source and destination IPs, Ports, Transport Protocol
• Configure, install, and support network and firewall infrastructure following a mature change management and development process
• Provide security oversight and governance for network and firewall infrastructure including firewall rulesets, intrusion prevention policies, exception requests, etc.
• Work with an experienced team of network and security engineers to perform vulnerability and fault analysis on devices to develop and implement remediation and recovery plans
• Perform root cause analysis of issues and make appropriate recommendations to avoid future failures
• Develop and maintain high‑level and low‑level design documentation including network diagrams within Microsoft Visio
• Support Operational Technology (OT) and the enterprise in all aspects of information security administration
• Comply with regulations and security best practices while handling confidential data
• Conduct investigations and analysis as directed
• Engage with TO and business units to evaluate and implement security process for critical infrastructure and key resources
• Provide governance and oversight of business unit security activities to ensure compliance with all corporate information security policies and procedures
• Establish and execute program updates as necessary to adapt to the changing threat landscape as well as local, state, and federal security requirements
• Assist in the ongoing development of Southern Company’s OT security architecture to identify areas of opportunity and partner with architects to research alternatives and recommend solutions
• Perform security testing and audits to identify vulnerabilities and resolve weaknesses
• Research security enhancements and make recommendations to management
• Work with vendors where appropriate to elevate issues

• Must have a valid state driver’s license
• Must be able to pass background requirements including NERC CIP and enhanced Insider Threat Program (ITP)
• Additional duties as assigned
• Travel required up to 20%

This position falls under the company’s Insider Threat Program and will have access to, and control over sensitive data, systems or assets. Enhanced personnel screening, which includes a background review, drug screen and psychological assessment, will be required if you are selected for this position

Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three…