Lead Firewall Engineer / Cybersecurity Engineer

Machine Learning Technologies, LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 83,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Machine Learning Technologies, LLC is seeking an experienced Lead Firewall Engineer / Cybersecurity Engineer to oversee enterprise firewall and network security for Washington, DC engagements. The role emphasizes hands-on administration of Palo Alto firewalls and collaboration with infrastructure, cloud, and security teams.

Ideal candidates bring 11+ years in cybersecurity engineering, strong policy and architecture skills, and experience across AWS/Azure environments.

Qualifications

• 11+ years of cybersecurity engineering experience with emphasis on network and firewall security.
• Extensive hands-on experience administering Palo Alto Networks firewalls in large enterprise environments.
• Strong knowledge of firewall policies, rule reviews, configuration changes, security architecture, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with IDS/IPS, cloud security, SIEM, EDR, DLP, and CASB.

Responsibilities

• Lead network and perimeter security engineering efforts for enterprise environments.
• Manage enterprise firewall infrastructure and strengthen security controls.
• Support cloud and on-prem cybersecurity initiatives across AWS and Azure.
• Prepare security architecture diagrams and runbooks; provide technical guidance to teams.

Skills

Cybersecurity engineering

Network security

Threat analysis

Scripting (Python/PowerShell/Bash)

Cloud security (AWS/Azure)

Documentation & runbooks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity or related field

Master's degree preferred

Certifications such as CISSP, PCNSE, CCNP Security, GIAC, CEH, Security+

Tools

Palo Alto Networks

SIEM

EDR

WAF

DLP

CASB

NIST/CIS/PCI frameworks

Zero Trust

Job description

Lead Firewall Engineer / Cybersecurity Engineer

Location:

Washington, DC

Duration:

12Months+ Extension

Domain Exposure:

Government

Client:

To Be Discussed Later

Employment Type:

W-2, 1099, C2C

Work Authorization:

US Citizen, Green Card, H-1B, OPT-EAD, CPT, Other

Job Title: Lead Firewall Engineer / Cybersecurity Engineer

Location: Washington, DC

Duration: 12 Months + Extension

Bill Rate: $73/hour (C2C)

Job Type: W-2, 1099, C2C

Client: To Be Discussed Later

Work Authorization:US Citizen, Green Card, OPT-EAD, CPT, H-1B, H4-EAD, Other

Position Overview:

Seeking an experienced Lead Firewall Engineer / Cybersecurity Engineer with extensive hands‑on experience in enterprise firewall administration, particularly Palo Alto Networks. The candidate will lead network and perimeter security engineering, manage enterprise firewall infrastructure, strengthen security controls, and support cloud and enterprise cybersecurity initiatives.

Key Required Skills:

• 11+ years of cybersecurity engineering experience, with strong focus on network and firewall security.
• Extensive hands‑on experience administering and managing Palo Alto Networks firewalls in large enterprise environments.
• Strong knowledge of firewall policies, rule reviews, configuration changes, security architecture, and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing, switching, VPNs, WAN/LAN, and network security architecture.
• Experience with IDS/IPS, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), SIEM, EDR, DLP, and CASB.
• Experience supporting security operations across AWS and Microsoft Azure environments.
• Knowledge of vulnerability management, security risk assessments, threat analysis, and incident response.
• Scripting and automation experience using Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
• Strong knowledge of NIST, CIS Controls, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 security standards.
• Experience preparing security architecture diagrams, technical documentation, operational procedures, and runbooks.
• Ability to lead security projects, collaborate with infrastructure/network/cloud teams, and provide technical guidance.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications such as CISSP, PCNSE, CCNP Security, GIAC, CEH, or Security+.
• Experience supporting SOC operations, threat hunting, root cause analysis, and forensic investigations.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust architecture and cloud‑native security tools.
• Experience with security automation and orchestration.
• Master's degree in Cybersecurity, IT, or a related discipline.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship/ immigration status, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.