Network Security Administrator II - Palo Alto Firewall Specialist

Position Summary Working within the Digital Hands’ Security Operations Center (SOC), the Network Security Administrator II, Firewall Specialist, is responsible for a broad range of firewall management tasks, including daily administration, advanced support for systems and applications, handling of Move/Add/Change/Delete requests, performing installations and upgrades, and serving as primary liaison for vendor support on behalf of the customer. This technical role requires a high level of hands‑on experience and a thorough understanding of computer, network, and application security in a fast‑paced services organization. Duties and Responsibilities Monitor, deploy changes, support, and handle day‑to‑day firewall rule deployments, and firewall hardware/software refresh activities. Analyze, recommend, and deploy firewall solutions based on analysis of issues and implications for the business and continuous improvements. Identify emerging issues and trends to inform decision‑making. Conduct independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues around firewall policies and hardware/software refresh. Participate in customer implementation/onboarding of related security controls monitoring and/or management. Monitor and track performance, and address any issues related to firewalls and rule policies. Provide end‑to‑end technology support including computer, applications, network and storage, and root‑cause analysis. Participate in new technology releases as applicable to firewall. Attend internal and customer meetings as required to provide technical expertise and serve as a subject‑matter expert on network firewall‑related matters. Analyze network security requirements and implement perimeter security changes. Collaborate with customers’ IT and security departments. Collaborate with vendor support for security solutions. Collaborate with internal departments. Maintain health and performance of security solutions. Apply latest security patches and ensure proper defenses are implemented. Optimize customer network and security postures. Perform security assessments and vulnerability scans. Create alerts within solutions to trigger operational events or actions. Create alerts within monitoring solutions to trigger health and performance alerts. Create monthly security reports for customers. Create and maintain dashboards for monitoring solutions. Participate in business continuity planning and testing. Participate in the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) associated with managed systems and applications. Participate in on‑call rotation. Perform other duties as assigned. Education and Work Experience Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; or equivalent experience. 2+ years of experience in Security Administration, preferably working within an MSSP. 5+ years hands‑on experience with Web Application Firewalls; F5 and Zscaler. 5+ years of hands‑on firewall experience, preferably with multiple firewall products such as Palo Alto, Fortinet, Check Point, Cisco, and Juniper. Must have proven experience implementing, maintaining and writing policies within firewall technologies. Extensive experience with policy management and rule deployment. Knowledge of firewall rule policy optimizations and remediations. Operating systems knowledge and systems administration skills for various versions of UNIX, LINUX, and Windows and Windows Server. Professional certifications such as CCSA, CCSE, CCNA, CCNP Security, PCNSA, PCNSE, NSE 4, NSE 5, Network+, Security+, are highly desired. Strong knowledge of policies, procedures, audits, and risk management. Deep understanding of network and security protocols (SSL, DNS, IPSEC, NAT, etc). Experience in information security, ideally in multi‑platform environments preferred. Experience with analyzing security attacks and exploits. Experience with SDN and SASE. Experience with SDWAN Technologies. Basic understanding of programming concepts and code. Access Control Concepts, Methodologies, and Techniques. Experience in the evaluation of new technology and security threats as they arise. Familiarity with information security best practices. Demonstrated documentation skills including creation of project metric reports and the creation of communication plans and change control documents. Knowledge, Skills and Characteristics Required High level of interest in security and the need for the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information and information systems to be maintained. High level of integrity, judgment, and situational awareness. Promoter of cross‑team collaboration and growth. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent analytical reasoning, creative problem solving, problem sensitivity. Excellent presentation and listening skills. Excellent organizational and time‑management skills and the ability to prioritize. Flexibility and adaptability to change. Excellent customer service skills. Equal Employment Opportunity Digital Hands is dedicated to a diverse and inclusive workplace and culture, and proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Digital Hands is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Digital Hands participates in the U.S. Government’s E‑Verify program to determine employment eligibility. In compliance with the federal government, all hired applicants will be required to verify identity and employment eligibility upon hire. To learn more about E‑Verify, please visit dhs.gov/e-verify. By submitting your application, you agree that Digital Hands may collect, use, and process your information, which may include personal information and sensitive personal information, in connection with Digital Hands’ recruitment activities. You may delete your application and/or unsubscribe from receiving notifications of career opportunities at Digital Hands at any time. For additional details on how Digital Hands uses and protects your personal information in the application process, including your rights under the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), click here to view our Privacy Notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ascent360