Palo Alto Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Crimson Phoenix; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Crimson Phoenix seeks a Palo Alto Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the Network Security Services team. You will lead enterprise-wide Palo Alto deployments, including NGFW configurations, PAN-OS upgrades, and security profiling, across a hybrid environment.

You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with leadership, and evaluate new security tech to enhance network reliability and modernization. This role is anchored in Virginia, USA with potential cross-site initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, testing, and implementation of state-of-the-art secure network architectures centered on the Palo Alto Networks ecosystem.
• Serve as the lead technical authority for administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) across a hybrid enterprise environment.
• Manage the full lifecycle of Palo Alto hardware and software, including executing complex hardware refreshes and PAN-OS upgrades, especially on legacy platforms.
• Develop, oversee, and maintain configuration management processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all Palo Alto security platforms.
• Utilize Panorama for centralized policy management, ensuring consistent and efficient configuration across a diverse fleet of physical and virtual firewalls.
• Configure and maintain master-level security profiles, including App-ID, User-ID, Content-ID, SSL Decryption, and WildFire threat prevention.
• Oversee the reporting, documentation, and investigation of security-related incidents, and lead the development of corrective measures.
• Act as a liaison to contract/customer management and the government Designated Approving Authority (DAA) regarding network security status, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate and report on new and emerging network security technologies to enhance the capabilities, performance, and reliability of the network.
• Provide mentorship and technical oversight to junior engineers, and act as an escalation point for complex troubleshooting efforts.

Job description

As a Palo Alto Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the Network Security Services (NSS) team, you will be the focal point for all Palo Alto-related tasks, operations, and projects. You will work with both corporate and customer leadership to research, analyze, and implement enterprise-wide network security solutions that bridge legacy and next-generation architectures. This role requires a unique blend of deep, hands-on expertise with traditional Gen 2/Gen 3 hardware platforms and modern, cloud-native solutions like Prisma Access (SASE) and Cortex XSOAR. You will provide critical technical oversight, ensuring the stability, security, and modernization of our firewall infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, testing, and implementation of state-of-the-art secure network architectures centered on the Palo Alto Networks ecosystem.
• Serve as the lead technical authority for administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) across a hybrid enterprise environment.
• Manage the full lifecycle of Palo Alto hardware and software, including executing complex hardware refreshes and PAN-OS upgrades, especially on legacy platforms.
• Develop, oversee, and maintain configuration management processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all Palo Alto security platforms.
• Utilize Panorama for centralized policy management, ensuring consistent and efficient configuration across a diverse fleet of physical and virtual firewalls.
• Configure and maintain master-level security profiles, including App-ID, User-ID, Content-ID, SSL Decryption, and WildFire threat prevention.
• Oversee the reporting, documentation, and investigation of security-related incidents, and lead the development of corrective measures.
• Act as a liaison to contract/customer management and the government Designated Approving Authority (DAA) regarding network security status, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate and report on new and emerging network security technologies to enhance the capabilities, performance, and reliability of the network.
• Provide mentorship and technical oversight to junior engineers, and act as an escalation point for complex troubleshooting efforts.