Senior Network Engineer (Palo Alto)

ANGARAI; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Maryland is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to provide expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing large-scale enterprise data communication networks. This role involves managing secure LAN and WAN environments, with a focus on Palo Alto Networks. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in network administration, strong analytical skills, and the ability to recommend enhancements for improved performance and security.

Qualifications

• 9 years of general experience in a computer-related field.
• 7 years of experience in planning, designing, and analyzing telecommunications networks.
• Strong proficiency in network analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and support large-scale LAN and WAN environments.
• Lead design initiatives for network security platforms.
• Conduct capacity planning to meet communication requirements.

Skills

Network analysis

Network management tools

Palo Alto Networks

LAN/WAN management

Vendor evaluation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Palo Alto Networks security platforms

Routers

Switches

Job description

Senior Network Engineer (Palo Alto) provides senior‑level expertise in the design, implementation, and optimization of large‑scale enterprise data communications and telecommunications networks. This role is responsible for planning, monitoring, and maintaining secure and high‑performing LAN and WAN environments, with a strong emphasis on Palo Alto Networks technologies.

The Senior Network Engineer leads network design initiatives, evaluates system performance, conducts capacity and utilization studies, and recommends enhancements to improve availability, scalability, and security across enterprise network infrastructures.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and support large‑scale LAN and WAN environments using enterprise routing and switching technologies
• Plan, monitor, and oversee the installation of data and telecommunications circuits
• Administer and monitor local and wide area networks and associated equipment, including:
  • Routers
  • Switches
  • Gateways
  • Bridges
• Lead the design, configuration, and administration of Palo Alto Networks security platforms
• Conduct short‑ and long‑term network capacity planning to meet evolving communications requirements
• Perform hardware and software analyses to evaluate performance, compatibility, and suitability within existing environments
• Prepare tradeoff studies and vendor evaluations for network equipment and technologies
• Generate network monitoring and performance reports, including LAN/WAN utilization studies
• Recommend and implement network design changes and enhancements to improve system availability, performance, and security
• Utilize network analysis and management tools to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network issues
• Collaborate with infrastructure, security, and operations teams to ensure integrated network solutions
• Support client/server environments and enterprise connectivity requirements

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in:
  • Computer Science
  • Information Systems
  • Engineering
  • Or another related scientific or technical discipline
• Minimum 9 years of general experience in a computer‑related field
• At least 7 years of progressive specialized experience in:
  • Planning
  • Designing
  • Implementing
  • Analyzing data communications or telecommunications networks
• Demonstrated experience managing LAN/WAN environments in client/server architectures
• Proficiency with network analysis and network management tools and techniques
• Familiarity with IT infrastructure technologies and local/long‑distance carrier management

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in enterprise network administration
• Extensive experience designing and securing LAN/WAN environments using hub, switch, and router technologies
• Hands‑on experience with Palo Alto Networks platforms and security solutions
• Current professional certification: Palo Alto Networks Accredited Systems Engineer
• Experience conducting network utilization studies and performance optimization initiatives
• Strong background in vendor evaluation, tradeoff analysis, and network architecture design
• Proven ability to recommend and implement network enhancements for improved availability and performance