Senior Network Specialist; Firewalls

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Network Specialist with deep expertise in network security and firewall management to help safeguard and scale our global IT infrastructure. In this high‑impact, hands‑on role, you’ll lead the design, configuration, and monitoring of Palo Alto and Azure firewalls, enabling secure connectivity across on‑premises and cloud environments.

You’ll collaborate closely with Security and Infrastructure teams to ensure our systems remain resilient against evolving threats, while serving as a subject‑matter expert in network security best practices.

• Design, implement, manage, and optimize enterprise firewalls, VPNs, and network security policies.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network performance and security issues.
• Partner with the Information Security team to align firewall rules with compliance and risk standards.
• Work with Infrastructure and Application teams to ensure secure connectivity for on‑premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership during incidents.
• Stay ahead of emerging network security threats and recommend innovative solutions.
• Evaluate and deploy next‑generation firewall (NGFW) and security solutions.
• Recommend and implement automation for firewall and network security operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5 years of related experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Experience with Zero Trust architectures, SDN, or security automation (Python, Ansible, Power Shell).
• Knowledge of SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar, Sentinel).
• Relevant certifications such as Palo Alto PCNSE, CCNP Security, Fortinet NSE, CISSP, or equivalent.

• Hands‑on experience with firewall platforms such as Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA/Firepower, or Check Point as well as cloud solutions such as Azure firewall.
• Strong background in routing, switching, VPNs, TCP/IP, DNS, and authentication protocols.
• Familiarity with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

United States - Nationwide

Regular

Minimum: $89,336 – Maximum: $147,389