Palo Alto Network Specialist - Security Protocols (10-15 yrs)

Responsibilities :

- Develop and execute a comprehensive network security strategy aligned with business objectives.

- Provide technical leadership and guidance to the network security team.

- Stay abreast of emerging security threats and technologies, and recommend proactive measures.

- Act as a subject matter expert on Palo Alto Networks solutions.

Palo Alto Networks Infrastructure Design and Implementation:

- Architect and design complex Palo Alto Networks solutions, including next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), Panorama, GlobalProtect, and Prisma Access.

- Lead the implementation and configuration of Palo Alto Networks devices and services.

- Ensure the scalability, high availability, and performance of the Palo Alto Networks infrastructure.

- Design and implement secure network segmentation and access control policies.

- Oversee the day-to-day management and operation of the Palo Alto Networks firewall infrastructure.

- Develop and maintain firewall rule sets and security policies.

- Monitor firewall performance and security logs, and respond to security incidents.

- Perform regular firewall audits and vulnerability assessments.

- Manage and optimize GlobalProtect VPN solutions.

- Lead the response to network security incidents involving Palo Alto Networks devices.

- Conduct thorough investigations and root cause analysis.

- Develop and implement incident response plans and procedures.

- Lead and mentor a team of network security engineers.

- Provide technical guidance and support.

- Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

- Manage team workloads and priorities.

- Manage relationships with Palo Alto Networks and other security vendors.

- Evaluate and recommend new security products and services.

- Negotiate contracts and ensure vendor performance.

- Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of network security infrastructure and processes.

- Provide regular reports on network security performance and incidents.

- Present security findings and recommendations to senior management.

- Implement automation solutions to streamline network security operations.

- Optimize Palo Alto Networks configurations for performance and efficiency.

- Implement and manage API based integrations with other security tools.

Required Skills and Experience :

- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

- Minimum of 10+ years of experience in network and firewall engineering and operations. -

- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in a leadership role.

- Extensive hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks NGFWs, Panorama, GlobalProtect, and Prisma Access.

- Deep understanding of network security concepts and best practices.

- Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing, and switching.

- Experience with security information and event management (SIEM) systems.

- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to lead and mentor a team.

- Experience with scripting languages (Python, PowerShell) is highly desirable.

- Palo Alto Networks Certifications (PCNSE, PCNSC) are highly desired.

Preferred Qualifications :

- Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.

- Experience with cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP).

- Experience with security automation and orchestration.

- Experience with vulnerability management tools.

- Experience with Zero Trust networking.