Network Specialist

Network SpecialistHybrid RoleCompensation: $30-$35 per hourABOUT THE ROLEOur client is seeking a skilled Network Specialist to serve as a Firewall Administrator, focusing on the administration and support of Palo Alto firewalls (3K and 5K series) managed by Panorama. This contract role is ideal for experienced professionals with a strong background in Palo Alto firewall management, high availability (HA) configurations, and advanced troubleshooting. You will play a key role in building and maintaining Security and NAT policies, supporting HA pairs with multiple virtual firewalls, and ensuring the security and reliability of network operations. The position also involves working with GlobalProtect VPN environments, IPSEC VPN tunnels, mixed-vendor environments, and collaborating directly with Palo Alto Support to resolve platform issues. Experience with Layer 2 and 3 networking is preferred.WHAT YOU'LL DOAdminister and maintain Palo Alto firewalls (3K and 5K series) managed by PanoramaBuild and manage Security and NAT policies to ensure robust network securityConfigure and support HA firewall active/standby and multiple virtual firewall environmentsTroubleshoot and collect performance data using CLI for effective issue resolutionPerform PAN-OS upgrades on HA firewalls and Panorama management consoles (minimum two upgrade cycles completed)Administer and troubleshoot GlobalProtect VPN environments and IPSEC VPN tunnels to WAN and third-party vendorsSupport mixed-vendor environments, including Cisco and Cradlepoint devicesConfigure BGP for VPN tunnel setup and managementManage Palo Alto dedicated log collectors and utilize firewall templates and template stacks in PanoramaIntegrate User-ID with Active Directory and RADIUS for user authenticationImplement multi-factor authentication with AzureImplement and manage SSL certificates on Palo Alto firewalls, including lifecycle managementConfigure and manage External Dynamic Lists for dynamic policy enforcementLeverage firewall logs to inform and automate policy decisionsUtilize TAG objects for enhanced rule management beyond documentation/identificationCollaborate directly with Palo Alto Support to resolve platform and operational issuesApply Layer 2 and 3 networking knowledge as needed to support network operationsWHAT YOU BRINGAt least 3 years of direct, hands-on administration of Palo Alto firewalls (3K and 5K series) managed by PanoramaExperience building and maintaining Security and NAT policiesProven ability to manage HA firewall active/standby configurations and support HA pairs with multiple virtual firewallsStrong CLI skills for troubleshooting and performance data collectionDemonstrated experience performing PAN-OS upgrades on HA firewalls and Panorama management consoles (minimum two upgrade cycles completed)Expertise in administering and troubleshooting GlobalProtect VPN environments and IPSEC VPN tunnels to WAN and third-party vendorsExperience working in mixed-vendor environments, including Cisco and Cradlepoint devicesWorking knowledge of BGP for VPN tunnel configurationExperience with Palo Alto dedicated log collectorsProficiency in using firewall templates and template stacks in PanoramaExperience with User-ID integration with Active Directory and RADIUSAbility to implement multi-factor authentication with AzureExperience with SSL certificate implementation and lifecycle management on Palo Alto firewallsKnowledge of External Dynamic List configuration and managementAbility to use firewall logs to inform and automate policy decisionsEffective use of TAG objects beyond rule documentation/identificationExperience working directly with Palo Alto Support to resolve platform issuesLayer 2 and 3 network experience preferredDisclaimer: Brooksource, Medasource, and Calculated Hire are part of the Eight Eleven Group family of companies and operate under Eight Eleven Group, LLC. All employees receive the same benefits, policies, and terms of employment.EEO:We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related conditions), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.Benefits & Perks:Eight Eleven Group offers competitive medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care FSA, and supplemental coverage with plans that can fit each employee's needs. We offer a 401k plan that includes a company match and is fully vested after you become eligible, paid time off, sick time, and paid company holidays. We also offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides services like virtual counseling, financial services, legal services, life coaching, etc.Pay Disclaimer:The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.