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Pcnsa Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pcnsa information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the PCNSA position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA), you need a solid understanding of network security concepts, firewall management, and familiarity with the Palo Alto Networks platform. Experience with security incident response tools, network monitoring systems, and holding the PCNSA certification are typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable traits that set exceptional professionals apart. These skills and attributes are essential to ensure secure, resilient network infrastructures and to mitigate cybersecurity threats efficiently.

What is a PCNSA?

A PCNSA (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator) job involves managing, configuring, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks' next-generation firewalls to ensure network security. Professionals in this role monitor traffic, implement security policies, and respond to threats to protect organizational data. They often work as network security administrators, engineers, or analysts in IT and cybersecurity teams. Certification demonstrates expertise in firewall management and network security best practices.

What are some common challenges faced by a PCNSA in day-to-day operations?

A PCNSA often encounters challenges such as staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats, accurately configuring complex firewall rules, and ensuring compliance with security policies. You may also need to respond quickly to incidents, troubleshoot network connectivity issues, and coordinate closely with IT and security teams. These tasks require a proactive approach and continuous learning, but they offer valuable experience in protecting organizations against sophisticated cyberattacks. If you enjoy dynamic work environments and problem-solving in real time, this role can be both challenging and highly rewarding.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pcnsa jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Pcnsa jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Pcnsa jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Pcnsa job openings:
Infographic showing various Pcnsa job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 18% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Network & IT Automation Engineer

H5 Data Centers

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$90K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

H5 Data Center Network / IT Automation Engineer Job Description

Position Summary

The Network / IT Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated solutions that improve the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of the organization’s network and IT infrastructure. This role blends traditional networking expertise with modern automation and scripting skills to reduce manual effort, enhance uptime, and support growing operational needs.


Essential Job Functions

Network Engineering & Support

  1. Design, deploy, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless systems.
  2. Troubleshoot network performance issues and ensure high availability.
  3. Implement network monitoring, logging, and alerting systems.
  4. Assist with LAN, WAN, SD‑WAN, and data center network architecture improvements environments.

Automation & Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC)

  1. Develop and maintain automation scripts and workflows to streamline operations.
  2. Build Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using tools such as Ansible, Terraform, or similar.
  3. Automate device provisioning, configuration management, compliance checks, and patching.
  4. Improve repeatability and reduce configuration drift across environments.
  5. Implement zero-trust principles, secure VPNs, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and cloud security solutions.

Systems & IT Operations

  1. Automate routine IT tasks (e.g., server provisioning, backup validation, user account lifecycle).
  2. Support hybrid cloud and on‑prem infrastructure environments.
  3. Implement monitoring and self‑healing workflows for critical systems.
  4. Collaborate with security teams to implement automated security controls.
  5. Conduct technical site evaluations for prospective acquisitions, including detailed assessments of network infrastructure, security architecture, data center operations, and overall technology maturity.

Documentation & Process Customer Support & Leadership

  1. Create and maintain detailed documentation: runbooks, architecture diagrams, automation workflows, and SOPs.
  2. Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation across IT operations.
  3. Provide mentorship to IT and network teams on adoption of automation tools and best practices.

Qualifications


  1. 3–7 years of experience in network engineering or systems administration.
  2. Strong proficiency with enterprise networking (Cisco, Juniper, Unifi, Palo Alto, Fortinet, etc.).
  3. Hands‑on experience with automation/scripting:
    • Python, PowerShell, Bash.
  4. Familiarity with configuration management / IaC tools:
    • Ansible, Terraform, Git, CI/CD pipelines.
  5. Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), VLANs, firewalls, and VPN technologies.
  6. Experience with monitoring platforms (Zabbix, Prometheus, PRTG, SolarWinds, etc.).
  7. Experience with APIs and programmatic device interaction (REST, NETCONF/RESTCONF, gNMI).
  8. Knowledge of DevOps practices and principles.
  9. Experience automating cloud services (Azure, AWS, GCP).
  10. Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).
  11. Network certifications (CCNA/CCNP, JNCIA/JNCIS, PCNSA, etc.).
  12. Background in cybersecurity workflows and automated detection/response. Quired: CCNP or CCIE
  13. Preferred: CISSP, CCSP, PMP (Project Management Professional), CISA or relevant audit /assessment certifications

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to balance operational needs with strategic improvement initiatives.
  • Ability to work well in a team or independently with minimal supervision.