Location
Columbia MD
Type of Position: 1-year contract with the option for extension

Hourly Pay Range:
$55 - $70 per hour

Responsibilities:

• Conduct network security appliance cutover operations on-site at the confidential client's location in Columbia, MD.
• Act as a central communication figure with customers, sales, engineering, and support teams to ensure efficient operations.
• Configure, implement, and manage advanced Security Operating Platforms for optimal performance and security.
• As a Palo Alto Networks Security Specialist, you will play a crucial role in transitioning policies and objects to Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), ensuring the maintenance of high-performance and security standards.
• Perform detailed testing and validation for smooth migration processes.
• Lead production cutovers and code upgrades with precision.
• Innovate by developing new applications and threat signatures, contributing to the evolving security landscape.
• Engage with the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to resolve support cases and troubleshoot issues.
• Be prepared to travel as needed to meet customer demands.
• Partner with the client's security and network teams, strengthening trust during critical implementations.
• Ensure network segment controls are aligned with NIST and RMF frameworks.
• Execute proof of concept validations within controlled lab settings.
• Provide strategic technical support and insights to executive-level clients.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in computer science, MIS, Business, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years in network and security technology roles, encompassing routing, switching, and virtual machine management.
• At least 3 years dedicated to managing security solutions in expansive environments, crucial for the client's security and integrity.
• Profound technical proficiency with Palo Alto Networks® products is highly desirable.
• Skilled in troubleshooting LAN and WAN complications.
• Experience with leading cloud service providers (AWS, GCP, Azure) is a plus.

Certifications:

• Recognized industry certifications, including CISSP, CCNA/P, CNSE, JNCIE-SEC, PCNSA/E.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (Sec+, CCNA Security, CASP+, CISSP).

Other Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph.