Network Engineer (Palo Alto Networks Specialist) (Local to Sacramento, CA Only)

Role: Network Engineer (Palo Alto Networks Specialist)
Location: Local to Sacramento, CA (2 days in-office until July. Beginning July it will be 4 days in-office)
REQUIRED CERTS: Palo Alto Networks (PCNSE)

Job Summary:
We are looking for a seasoned Network Engineer with deep expertise in Palo Alto Networks security platforms to take a lead role in designing and managing enterprise network security infrastructure. This position requires a highly technical professional with strong leadership capabilities, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to align technical strategies with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
* Network Security Architecture: Design, deploy, and maintain advanced network infrastructure solutions using Palo Alto firewalls and security technologies.
* Security Policy Management: Develop and maintain security rules, NAT policies, site-to-site and remote-access VPNs, and enforce network segmentation within the Palo Alto ecosystem.
* Performance Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Continuously monitor network and firewall performance, proactively identify issues, and drive swift resolution to ensure availability and efficiency.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with IT, security, and application teams to integrate firewall and security solutions into broader infrastructure and cloud environments (mandatory).
* Compliance & Best Practices: Implement and maintain compliance with security standards (e.g., NIST, ISO, CIS benchmarks), ensuring robust protection against internal and external threats.
* Documentation & Standards: Maintain comprehensive documentation for network configurations, topologies, change management, and standard operating procedures (mandatory).
* Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders to align business requirements with technical design, resolve conflicts, and drive projects forward (mandatory).
* Mentorship & Support: Provide expert-level support and knowledge transfer to internal teams and clients, particularly around Palo Alto firewalls deployments and operations.

Minimum Qualifications:
* Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
* 7+ years of progressive experience in network engineering with a strong concentration on Palo Alto firewalls.
* Proven experience in Palo Alto firewall design, implementation, and lifecycle management in large enterprise environments.
* Solid understanding of networking protocols and services including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, IPsec, SSL VPN, and routing protocols.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills (mandatory).
* Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and drive resolution of conflicting requirements (mandatory).
* Deep knowledge of cybersecurity principles, firewall rule management, and threat prevention technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with other firewall platforms such as Cisco ASA, Fortinet, or Check Point.
* Familiarity with cloud networking and security practices, particularly within AWS environments.
* Proficiency in scripting and automation (e.g., Python, PowerShell, REST API integrations).