Cleared Palo Alto Network (PANW) Firewall Engineer

Virtual Service Operations•Reston, VA

8h•$90,000 - $190,000•Onsite

About The Position

Virtual Service Operations is searching for a skilled Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Firewall Engineer to join our team in Reston, VA. In this role, you will deploy and manage a complex firewall environment—including PA-1400, PA-3400, and PA-5500 PQC-capable devices—via a Panorama M-700 with 1,000 device licenses, along with VM Series firewalls utilizing VM Flex Credits. You will work directly with security and network teams to migrate, optimize, and maintain Next-Generation Firewall infrastructure in a mission-critical DoD environment. If you have extensive experience with Palo Alto Networks products and a passion for enterprise network security, we want to hear from you!

Requirements

7–9 years of experience with network and security solutions and technologies
Minimum 5 years of experience with BGP, SD-WAN concepts, VXLAN, and general routing and switching
Minimum 3 years of experience leading security solutions in large, complex environments
Extensive hands-on knowledge of Palo Alto Networks products including PA-7000 Series, PA-5500 Series, PA-3400 Series, and VM Series
High-level experience with Panorama and log collectors
Proficiency with NGFW and GlobalProtect
Detailed technical experience in the installation, configuration, and operation of high-end firewall appliances
Strong experience in internetworking, LAN, and WAN technologies
Solid understanding of internet protocols and applications
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and technical peers
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work calmly under pressure
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, Business, or equivalent education, training, or experience
Must be within driving distance of Reston, VA or willing to relocate
Must be willing to work fully on-site
Active TS-SCI clearance with CI Polygraph — required at time of application
Minimum Security+ certification required (SecurityX / CASP+ acceptable)
Required certification: CNSE
Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-focused environment
Must be willing and able to travel as required

Nice To Haves

Experience with PA-1400 and PA-5500 PQC-capable devices
Familiarity with DoD security frameworks and classified network environments
Experience supporting large-scale firewall migrations in enterprise or government settings
Preferred additional certifications: CISSP, CCNA, JNCIE-SEC

Responsibilities

Configure, implement, and maintain the Security Operating Platform in a complex DoD environment
Optimize and migrate security policies and objects from legacy environments to Next-Gen Firewalls
Deploy and manage PA-1400, PA-3400, PA-5500, and PA-7000 Series firewalls via Panorama M-700
Manage VM Series firewalls and VM Flex Credits in virtual firewall environments
Test and validate migration environments and coordinate cutover to production
Provide guidance on code upgrades and facilitate development of new application and threat signatures
Interact with the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to understand and resolve support cases
Understand customer environments, requirements, and security roadmaps to implement appropriate security solutions
Communicate effectively with customers, sales teams, peers, engineering, and support teams
Work with security and network teams to build confidence across business units impacted by changes
Some travel may be required depending on customer request