Access Control, Administrative Skills, Analysis Skills, Communication Skills, Firewalls, Forensic Science, Identify Issues, Information Architecture, Internet Security, Leadership, Network Architecture/Engineering, Network Configuration Management, Network Security, Network Support, Network Traffic Analysis, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), User Groups, VPN (Virtual Private Network)
JOB TITLE: Senior Network Engineer (ZeroTrust, Palo Alto VPN)
**TOP 3 SKILLS:**. Network Engineering, ZeroTrust, Palo Alto VPN
LOCATION: San Jose, CA (100% onsite)
DURATION: 6+ months
RATE RANGE: $65.00 to $90.00/hour
POSITION SUMMARY:
Senior Network Engineer needed to help optimize or redesign the VPN user group hierarchy to implement Zero Trust for the VPN that is managed by our Palo Alto Firewall with strong cybersecurity mindset to support the design, configuration, and implementation of Zero Trust networking, starting with VPN access using Palo Alto Networks technologies.
This role is initially focused on transforming our VPN environment from a traditional network-based model to an identity- and role-based Zero Trust access model. For the right candidate, the role will expand into additional security and network architecture areas over time.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, security-focused, and comfortable working closely with cybersecurity and infrastructure teams in a regulated, audit-conscious environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Zero Trust & VPN Engineering
- Design and configure Palo Alto Networks VPN solutions to support Zero Trust principles
- Implement least-privilege VPN access, where users can only access systems required for their role
- Define and enforce user- and group-based access policies rather than broad network access
- Partner with cybersecurity leadership to align VPN controls with Zero Trust strategy
Network Security & Visibility- Support network segmentation and secure access to sensitive systems (e.g., admin and infrastructure services)
- Ensure configurations are fully auditable and defensible for future compliance reviews
Forensics & Access Context - Use AlienVault and Palo Alto to:
- Analyze VPN traffic and user activity
- Identify systems and applications accessed by ~ 100 VPN users for this engagement
- Support forensic investigations related to VPN access
- Provide actionable insights to help:
- Build a VPN access context based on VPN traffic analysis of the 100 users
- Assign users to the correct VPN groups as part of the Zero Trust initiative
Collaboration & Communication- Work closely with:
- The IT Architecture team
- The Cybersecurity team
- Clearly communicate technical findings, access models, and design decisions
- Participate in design reviews, scoping discussions, and implementation planning
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to work onsite in San Jose, CA
- Senior-level experience in network security engineering
- Strong hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and VPN
- Demonstrated understanding of Zero Trust networking concepts
- Experience implementing identity-based and role-based access controls
- Hands-on experience with utilizing SIEM (AlienVault preferred) for logging, analysis, and forensic investigations
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with highly technical teams
BENEFITS SUMMARY: Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.
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