1

Firewall Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Firewall Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

A skilled engineer knowledgeable and experienced in developing and implementing Firewall/Networking Security Solutions. With the CESO program, the Defense Information System Agency (DISA) is looking ...

Firewall Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

The DISA IT Operation within Leidos' Digital Modernization Group is seeking a Firewall Engineer to support the Compartmented Enterprise Services Office (CESO) Task Order for the GIG Service ...

Firewall Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Add'l experience may be considered in lieu of degree. * 5+ years of hands-on Cisco / Palo Alto Firewall experience in both engineering and Operations and maintenance roles. * Strong knowledge of Palo ...

New

Hi Consultant required for the below mentioned requirement Senior Firewall Engineer McLean, VA 1 year contract Provides IT network security engineering for new innovations, project designs, and ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Mount Rainier, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Clinton, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Accokeek, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Glenn Dale, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This role requires an engineer who can design, implement, and manage complex firewall solutions to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with ...

Lead Firewall Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$50 - $67/hr

Overview Abile Group has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Lead Firewall Engineer on a contract providing Network and Cybersecurity services supporting an Intelligence Community customer.

Showing results 21-40

Firewall Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$11

$61

$89

How much do firewall engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for firewall engineer in Washington, DC is $61.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.97 and $69.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firewall engineer?

Firewall Engineers are IT professionals who specialize in designing, implementing, managing, and troubleshooting network security systems, particularly firewalls. Their main responsibility is to ensure that an organization’s data and networks are protected from unauthorized access and cyber threats by configuring firewall rules and monitoring network traffic. They also play a key role in responding to security incidents and maintaining compliance with security policies. Firewall Engineers often work closely with other IT and security teams to create robust security architectures.

How does a firewall engineer typically collaborate with other IT and security teams within an organization?

Firewall Engineers regularly work alongside network administrators, security analysts, and IT support teams to design, implement, and maintain secure network perimeters. They coordinate on new deployments, troubleshoot incidents, and ensure firewall policies align with evolving security requirements. Frequent communication is essential, as Firewall Engineers often participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss potential vulnerabilities and respond to emerging threats. This collaborative approach helps maintain a robust security posture and supports the organization's overall IT strategy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firewall engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firewall Engineer, you need a solid understanding of network security principles, firewall configuration, and troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications like Cisco CCNP Security or Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE). Familiarity with firewall platforms (such as Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, or Fortinet), intrusion detection/prevention systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help Firewall Engineers work collaboratively and respond quickly to security incidents. These competencies are vital to safeguarding organizational networks, ensuring compliance, and maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses.

What is the difference between Firewall Engineer vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectFirewall EngineerNetwork Security Analyst
CertificationsCCNA, CISSP, CompTIA Security+CCNA, CISSP, CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and managing firewallsMonitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, cybersecurity firms, enterprisesIT security teams, government agencies, corporations

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Firewall Engineers primarily design and maintain firewall systems to protect networks, whereas Network Security Analysts monitor and analyze security events to identify threats. Both roles often require similar certifications and work within the same industry environments, but their daily responsibilities differ significantly.

What is the salary of a firewall engineer?

The average salary of a firewall engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Professionals with skills in network security, firewall management, and relevant certifications like CISSP or Cisco CCNP may earn higher salaries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firewall Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Firewall Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What job categories do people searching Firewall Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Firewall Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Firewall Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,146 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Firewall Engineer

Leidos

Arlington, VA • On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Description

The DISA IT Operation within Leidos’ Digital Modernization Group is seeking a Firewall Engineer to support the Compartmented Enterprise Services Office (CESO) Task Order for the GIG Service Management – Operations II (GSM-O II) contract.  This person should be a seasoned, self-motivated, professional with at least 10 years of hands-on engineering and testing experience in virtualized and cloud environments. A skilled engineer knowledgeable and experienced in developing and implementing Firewall/Networking Security Solutions. 

With the CESO program, the Defense Information System Agency (DISA) is looking to transform the existing Secure Web Services (SWS) environment, used to provide secure information sharing to the community, into a more mature service offering to meet the DoD and IC community.  As part of this task order, Leidos will manage the commercial cloud migration and fully automate the continuous development & continuous integration environment, fourth estate consolidation, professionalize services – ITIL/DevSecOps based processes, improve the customer experience 1st call resolution, and achieve development of a service catalog for Defense Working Capital Fund (DWCF) Model.

This position is 100% onsite in Arlington, VA with occasional/situational travel within the Washington Metro Area.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Identify and remediate misconfigurations, conflicting rules, security gaps, firewall and load balancer security issues, optimize rule-sets, and enhance the overall security posture and performance of Firewalls and Load Balancers
  • Provide Tier 3 support to members of the operations network administrations.
  • Maintain all HW and SW components at vendor supported levels.
  • Support mission-critical Continuity of Operations (COOP).
  • Conduct a minimum of two (2) assessment of firewall each month on CESO and customer devices and generate assessment reports and provide recommendations for improvements.
  • Support the creation of network device performance and traffic utilization monthly reports.
  • Develop and/or participate in After Action Reports (AARs)
  • Provide expert advice and direction regarding the management and operation of all Palo Alto devices in the DISA CESO enterprise architecture.
  • Interact with the customer point of contact to set objectives/goals based on Palo Alto Networks technologies and available technology roadmap for architecture and design discussions.
  • Evaluate current technologies and processes associated with DISA CESO to identify gaps.   
  • Provide requirements and strategies for future cybersecurity operations.
  • Active participant in meetings with DISA CESO and mission partner working groups.
  • Adhere to applicable DOD STIGs, DISA applicable orders, and JSIG policy, guidelines, and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of directly relevant experience. Add'l experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • 5+ years of hands-on Cisco / Palo Alto Firewall experience in both engineering and Operations and maintenance roles.
  • Strong knowledge of Palo Alto concepts and best practices:
    • Panorama Installation
    • Panorama HA Config
    • Panorama Template and Template Stacks
    • Panorama Policy creation and push to group of Firewalls and Verify Push
    • Palo Alto Route configuration
    • Palo Alto IPSec Site to Site VPN Config and Troubleshooting
    • Palo Alto VM in AWS
    • Palo Alto IPS Configuration
    • Palo Alto Virtual Router / Systems
    • Palo Alto Firewall HA
  • Experience working in a high op-temp, Top Secret environment.
  • Candidate must possess an active DOD Top Secret level security clearance, and be eligible to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI
  • Candidate must be willing to take and maintain a CI/Poly
  • 8570 IAT Level II Baseline Certification (e.g. CCNA Security, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, Security+ CE, CND, SSCP)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experienced with DISA and DISA’s support to mission partners

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:May 21, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

The Leidos 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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media