Senior Systems Engineer - Firewall

Williams-Sonoma•Rocklin, CA

15d•$130,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

You have a passion for data networking with a specific focus on large, global security engineering for Palo Alto firewall architecture and operations. You thrive in team-oriented environments and possess the technical depth and experience to effectively lead/influence/participate in engineering, architecture, and policy discussions, strategic planning, and roadmaps to ensure we design, build, and operate a robust, scalable, and secure network at every location. The ideal candidate will be familiar with the unique advantages and challenges of multi-vsys Palo Alto architectures, successfully advocate for WSI security needs both internally and externally, and thrive in scripting, automation, and AI Operations.

Requirements

You have a BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or equivalent work experience
You have 5+ years of Core Firewall Experience
You have a Next-Generation Firewall Engineer Certification from Palo Alto or equivalent experience
You are an expert in diagnosing and solving complex problems and providing detailed technical analysis
You have strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence others
Expertise in Palo Alto Firewalls, PANOS, Panorama, Strata Cloud Manager
Extensive understanding and competency with SNMP-based monitoring tools, Netflow, and other network-related monitoring and data-gathering tools
Advanced scripting skills in Python, Perl, iRules, TCL, Chef/Puppet or Go a plus
Experience with vendor management and contract negotiations
This role requires being onsite in the Rocklin, California office Monday through Thursday with optional office presence on Friday.

Nice To Haves

Bonus for expertise in Cisco ASRs, Catalysts, Nexus 9/7/5/2k, F5 Load Balancers, Infoblox
Advanced scripting skills in Python, Perl, iRules, TCL, Chef/Puppet or Go a plus

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain high-availability in our multi-vsys Palo Alto firewall infrastructure across the global enterprise environment
Ensure high-availability and disaster recovery designs for all firewall systems and services
Architect and enforce advanced security policies, including application-aware and user-based rules, leveraging Palo Alto’s Panorama and security subscriptions (Threat, URL, WildFire, etc.)
Perform in-depth troubleshooting and root cause analysis on complex security incidents and firewall-related network issues
Lead firewall projects, choosing target software upgrades, and integrations with other security appliances and cloud platforms across the enterprise
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure firewall solutions align with compliance, regulatory, and business requirements
Develop and maintain scripts for firewall configuration, automation, and health monitoring (e.g., using Python, Ansible, or similar tools) that the operations team will utilize
Conduct regular security assessments, vulnerability testing, and risk analysis specific to firewall environments
Stay current with emerging threats, Palo Alto Networks product updates, and cybersecurity best practices
Document technical solutions, standard operating procedures, and incident response playbooks
Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers and peers
Support tier 3/4 networking escalations in an on-call rotation
Perform systems resource optimization activities and capacity planning
Consistently lead by example, be a role model and change agent for your team and the larger technology group
Measure what matters through KPIs and drive continual process improvements
Embrace AI and automation for effective operations and scalability
Bring a passion for automation and data-driven analytical approaches to solving problems while flexing to emerging needs and changes as they arise
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

A generous discount on all WSI brands
A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits
Tax-free commuter benefits
A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
Resources for self-development
Advisor (Mentor) program
Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series