Type of Position: 1-year contract with the option for extension Hourly Pay Range: $55 - $70 per hour Responsibilities: • Conduct network security appliance cutover operations on-site at the confidential client's location in Columbia, MD. • Act as a central communication figure with customers, sales, engineering, and support teams to ensure efficient operations. • Configure, implement, and manage advanced Security Operating Platforms for optimal performance and security. • As a Palo Alto Networks Security Specialist, you will play a crucial role in transitioning policies and objects to Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), ensuring the maintenance of high-performance and security standards. • Perform detailed testing and validation for smooth migration processes. • Lead production cutovers and code upgrades with precision. • Innovate by developing new applications and threat signatures, contributing to the evolving security landscape. • Engage with the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to resolve support cases and troubleshoot issues. • Be prepared to travel as needed to meet customer demands. • Partner with the client's security and network teams, strengthening trust during critical implementations. • Ensure network segment controls are aligned with NIST and RMF frameworks. • Execute proof of concept validations within controlled lab settings. • Provide strategic technical support and insights to executive-level clients. Qualifications: • A bachelor's degree in computer science, MIS, Business, or a related discipline. • A minimum of 5 years in network and security technology roles, encompassing routing, switching, and virtual machine management. • At least 3 years dedicated to managing security solutions in expansive environments, crucial for the client's security and integrity. • Profound technical proficiency with Palo Alto Networks products is highly desirable. • Skilled in troubleshooting LAN and WAN complications. • Experience with leading cloud service providers (AWS, GCP, Azure) is a plus. Certifications: • Recognized industry certifications, including CISSP, CCNA/P, CNSE, JNCIE-SEC, PCNSA/E. • DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (Sec+, CCNA Security, CASP+, CISSP). Other Requirements: • Active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph. #J-18808-Ljbffr