Palo Alto Subject Matter Expert

Palo Alto Subject Matter Expert

The Opportunity As a Palo Alto Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the Network Security Services (NSS) team, you will be the focal point for all Palo Alto-related tasks, operations, and projects. You will work with both corporate and customer leadership to research, analyze, and implement enterprise-wide network security solutions that bridge legacy and next-generation architectures. This role requires a unique blend of deep, hands-on expertise with traditional Gen 2/Gen 3 hardware platforms and modern, cloud-native solutions like Prisma Access (SASE) and Cortex XSOAR.

You will provide critical technical oversight, ensuring the stability, security, and modernization of our firewall infrastructure.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading the design, analysis, testing, and implementation of state-of-the-art secure network architectures centered on the Palo Alto Networks ecosystem.
• Serving as the lead technical authority for administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) across a hybrid enterprise environment.
• Managing the full lifecycle of Palo Alto hardware and software, including executing complex hardware refreshes and PAN-OS upgrades, especially on legacy platforms.
• Developing, overseeing, and maintaining configuration management processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all Palo Alto security platforms.
• Utilizing Panorama for centralized policy management, ensuring consistent and efficient configuration across a diverse fleet of physical and virtual firewalls.
• Configuring and maintaining master-level security profiles, including App-, User-, Content-, SSL Decryption, and Wild Fire threat prevention.
• Overseeing the reporting, documentation, and investigation of security-related incidents, and leading the development of corrective measures.
• Acting as a liaison to contract/customer management and the government Designated Approving Authority (DAA) regarding network security status, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluating and reporting on new and emerging network security technologies to enhance the capabilities, performance, and reliability of the network. Providing mentorship and technical oversight to junior engineers, and acting as an escalation point for complex troubleshooting efforts.

Qualifications

Required:

• Security Clearance:
  Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance and be able to successfully pass/maintain a U.S. Government Polygraph.
• A minimum of 7+ years of hands-on experience administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks NGFWs in large-scale enterprise/global environments.
• 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.
• Deep, practical knowledge of legacy Gen 2/Gen 3 hardware (e.g., PA-3000, PA-5000 series), including legacy CLI, physical hardware troubleshooting, and line-card replacements.
• Next-Gen & Cloud Security:
  Direct experience deploying and managing modern PAN-OS architectures, including Prisma Access (SASE), Prisma SD-WAN, and virtual firewalls (VM-Series) in public/private cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Proven expertise utilizing Panorama for centralized policy management, template/device group inheritance, and pushing configurations across a hybrid fleet.
• Network Foundations:
  Advanced understanding of core networking protocols critical to firewall routing and legacy-to-modern transitions, specifically BGP, OSPF, IPSec VPNs, and NAT.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., IT, Cybersecurity, Computer Science). Additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Desired:

• Advanced
  
  Certifications:
  
  Active Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Consultant (PCNSC) or Prisma Certified SASE Professional (PCSAE).
• Automation & Scripting:
  Proficiency in Python and experience automating firewall deployment, policy changes, and configuration backups using Ansible, Terraform, or Palo Alto XML/REST APIs.
• S…