Security Operations Specialist OR Lead

ZealHire Inc.; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ZealHire is seeking a Security Operations Specialist/Lead in NYC for a hybrid role requiring local candidates. The position focuses on Palo Alto firewalls, VPN security (GlobalProtect), and advanced SecOps tooling to monitor, analyze, and respond to incidents.

Required are 6+ years of Palo Alto Network support, strong networking knowledge, and experience with tools like Palo Panorama, Indeni, Forescout, Datadog, and Prisma. Cloud knowledge in AWS/Azure is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field.
• 6+ years of Palo Alto Network support with Level 2 troubleshooting.
• Strong networking and security fundamentals.
• Palo Alto Panorama experience.
• Cloud knowledge (AWS, Azure) and relevant certifications encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Understand network fundamentals (TCP, UDP, IP headers, DNS, DHCP).
• Capture and analyze packet captures to diagnose issues.
• Monitor Palo Alto firewall performance and document configurations.
• Implement and monitor firewall configurations, NAT, threat prevention, and VPN security.
• Use SecOps tools (Palo Alto Panorama, Indeni, Forescout, Datadog, Prisma) for monitoring and response.
• Design security policies and network diagrams for LAN/WAN/SD-WAN and firewall systems.
• Troubleshoot high-level network issues and provide escalation support.
• Provide proactive analysis and preventative recommendations to technical teams.
• Assist with VPN (GlobalProtect) configuration, MFA, AD/LDAP for access controls.
• Coordinate incident response with internal/external stakeholders.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

Packet captures

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Problem-solving under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Palo Alto Panorama

Indeni

Forescout

Datadog

Prisma

Wireshark

Splunk

Job description

Security Operations Specialist OR Lead | JPC-8498

ZealHire. NYC, New York, United States Contract Deadline: Oct 22, 2026

Location: NYC, NY Need LOCALS ONLY
This is hybrid 3-4 days per week
Visa : USC/GC ONLY

Key Responsibilities:

• Strong understanding of Network fundamentals like TCP, UDP, IP Header, DNS, DHCP etc
• Candidate should be capable of taking Packet captures and understanding of packet captures
• Strong knowledge on Networking Fundamentals and Firewall concepts + NAC (example - like Aruba ClearPass and Cisco ISE)
• Monitor Palo Alto firewall performance, conduct routine analysis, and maintain accurate documentation of configurations and changes.
• Implement and monitor Palo Alto firewall configurations, including rule sets, NAT policies, threat prevention, and VPN security protocols.
• Utilize advanced SecOps tools such as Palo Panorama, Indeni, Forescout, Datadog, and Prisma for monitoring, analysis, and response.
• Design and manage complex security policies and network architecture diagrams covering LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, and firewall systems.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting of high-level network and performance issues, applying deep technical expertise to resolve escalated problems efficiently.
• Provide proactive analysis, pattern identification, and early warning insights to guide technical teams in preventive actions and system optimization.
• Respond to escalated support tickets, providing expert-level assistance in the configuration, installation, and maintenance of Palo Alto firewalls.
• Administer and configure Global Protect VPN services, including gateways, portals, licensing, and user group management to ensure secure and scalable remote access.
• Manage VPN policies and user authentication mechanisms, integrating MFA, Active Directory (AD), and LDAP to enforce robust access controls.
• Troubleshoot Global Protect VPN connectivity issues, ensuring minimal disruption to remote users while maintaining compliance with corporate security standards.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders during major incidents involving firewall or VPN systems, ensuring timely resolution and communication.
• Conduct research on emerging network security technologies and trends, recommending innovative solutions aligned with organizational goals.
• Deliver training and mentorship to junior staff, enhancing team capabilities and promoting knowledge transfer.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Min. of 6 years of experience in Palo Alto Network support, with a focus on Level 2 troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, etc.) and network security practices.
• Palo firewall Panorama domain experience
• Experience with network troubleshooting tools and technologies (e.g., Wireshark, Splunk Log).
• Knowledge in Cloud (AWS, Azure)
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCIE R & S , relevant Firewall Certifications, CompTIA Network+ will be plus )

$000,000 – $000,000 Salary range is not shown on the candidate portal