Freelance Network Firewall Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Job description:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Palo Alto Firewall Engineer to join our team. This role is critical in ensuring the security, reliability, and performance of our enterprise network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in configuring, managing, and optimizing Palo Alto Networks technologies, including Strata Cloud Manager, Prisma Access, GlobalProtect, Panorama, and Palo Alto's SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solutions. This position requires a professional who can work effectively in both on-premises and cloud-based environments, ensuring seamless integration and robust security across all platforms.

What you would do in this job

Firewall Management and Configuration:

• Deploy, configure, and manage Palo Alto firewalls across on-premises and cloud environments.
• Implement and maintain security policies, access controls, and NAT rules to meet organizational requirements.
• Optimize firewall performance and ensure high availability.

Cloud Security and SASE Solutions:

• Administer and manage Palo Alto's Prisma Access for secure remote access solutions.
• Utilize Strata Cloud Manager to monitor and manage distributed firewalls.
• Implement and support Palo Alto's SASE products to ensure secure access for users across hybrid environments.

Network Security Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

• Monitor network traffic for anomalies using Panorama and other tools to ensure proactive threat detection.
• Troubleshoot complex network security issues, including VPNs (GlobalProtect), connectivity problems, and policy conflicts.
• Perform regular audits of firewall configuration to ensure compliance with security standards.

Automation and Optimization:

• Develop scripts or use automation tools to streamline firewall management tasks (e.g. policy updates, log analysis).
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Collaboration and Documentation:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to design secure network architectures that align with business goals.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation, including network diagrams, change logs, and SOPs.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of education (in computer information technology, cyber security, computer forensics, computer science, or closely related field) and experience managing Palo Alto Networks technologies and working with cloud environments and their integration with Palo Alto solutions:

• Bachelor's degree or higher and five years of experience
• Associate degree and seven years of experience
• High school diploma/GED and nine years of experience

Experience managing Palo Alto Networks technologies should include Strata Cloud Manager, Prisma Access, GlobalProtect VPN solutions, Panorama centralized management platform, and Palo Alto SASE products (e.g. Prisma SD-WAN).

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Strong understanding of network security concepts such as firewalls, VPNs, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and zero-trust architectures.
• Experience configuring advanced features like App-ID, User-ID, Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, WildFire, and SSL decryption.
• Hands-on experience in large-scale enterprise environments with complex network infrastructures.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python) or automation tools for managing firewalls at scale.
• Experience with third-party SIEM tools for log analysis and incident response integration.
• Experience, or knowledge of, compliance frameworks such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, or ISO 27001 as they relate to network security.
• Exposure to SD-WAN technologies or other advanced networking solutions.
• Relevant certifications such as Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) or Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE).
• Experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multi-cultural, and inclusive environment.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to identifying risks and resolving issues under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with technical teams and presenting complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to change management processes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities effectively.

Specifications of Position:

Minimum Specification Requirements:
Must have to be accepted for consideration for this position.

Level of Education

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience
• Associate's degree and 4 years of experience
• High school diploma or GED and 6 years of experience

Years of experience in Position Title

Two plus years' experience in technical writing, preferably in an IT environment

Desired Qualifications:
Not required, but desire experience in these specifications for this position.

ITSM

• Strong understanding of ITIL or IT Service Management frameworks

Work Processes

• Experience documenting software tools and business processes

Productivity Tools

• Proficiency with documentation and content development tools, i.e. Microsoft Word, Visio, PowerPoint, Confluence, SharePoint, etc.

Communications Requirements

• Communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences through well-structured documentation, ensuring accuracy, usability, and consistency across all formats

Work Environment

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-