Cleared Palo Alto Network (PANW) Firewall Engineer

Are you looking to take the next steps in your career as a Palo Alto Networks Firewall Engineer? Let’s chat and see if we are a good match!

Opportunity:
Virtual Service Operations is searching for a skilled Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Firewall Engineer to join our team in Reston, VA. In this role, you will deploy and manage a complex firewall environment—including PA-1400, PA-3400, and PA-5500 PQC-capable devices—via a Panorama M-700 with 1,000 device licenses, along with VM Series firewalls utilizing VM Flex Credits. You will work directly with security and network teams to migrate, optimize, and maintain Next-Generation Firewall infrastructure in a mission-critical DoD environment. If you have extensive experience with Palo Alto Networks products and a passion for enterprise network security, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Configure, implement, and maintain the Security Operating Platform in a complex DoD environment
• Optimize and migrate security policies and objects from legacy environments to Next-Gen Firewalls
• Deploy and manage PA-1400, PA-3400, PA-5500, and PA-7000 Series firewalls via Panorama M-700
• Manage VM Series firewalls and VM Flex Credits in virtual firewall environments
• Test and validate migration environments and coordinate cutover to production
• Provide guidance on code upgrades and facilitate development of new application and threat signatures
• Interact with the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to understand and resolve support cases
• Understand customer environments, requirements, and security roadmaps to implement appropriate security solutions
• Communicate effectively with customers, sales teams, peers, engineering, and support teams
• Work with security and network teams to build confidence across business units impacted by changes
• Some travel may be required depending on customer request

Qualifications:

• 7–9 years of experience with network and security solutions and technologies
• Minimum 5 years of experience with BGP, SD-WAN concepts, VXLAN, and general routing and switching
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading security solutions in large, complex environments
• Extensive hands-on knowledge of Palo Alto Networks products including PA-7000 Series, PA-5500 Series, PA-3400 Series, and VM Series
• High-level experience with Panorama and log collectors
• Proficiency with NGFW and GlobalProtect
• Detailed technical experience in the installation, configuration, and operation of high-end firewall appliances
• Strong experience in internetworking, LAN, and WAN technologies
• Solid understanding of internet protocols and applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and technical peers
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work calmly under pressure
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, Business, or equivalent education, training, or experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with PA-1400 and PA-5500 PQC-capable devices
• Familiarity with DoD security frameworks and classified network environments
• Experience supporting large-scale firewall migrations in enterprise or government settings