Palo Alto Senior SME - 545255

Palo Alto Senior SME - 545255

This contract role is for a Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) specializing in Palo Alto firewalls, based in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The position requires deep expertise in designing, deploying, and managing Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) within Azure Cloud environments. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in network security, advanced troubleshooting, and a strong understanding of cloud infrastructure. This is a hybrid role with a UK shift schedule and requires a face-to-face interview process.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and manage Virtual Palo Alto firewalls in Azure Cloud environments.
• Configure and maintain Panorama for centralized management.
• Implement and manage High Availability (HA) configurations.
• Configure and troubleshoot Site-to-Site VPNs.
• Develop and maintain security policies aligned with organizational standards.
• Configure and manage NAT (Static, Dynamic, PAT) rules.
• Manage device groups, templates, and perform backup and restoration of firewalls.
• Perform software upgrades and ensure system stability.
• Conduct L3-level troubleshooting for complex network and security issues.
• Analyze and optimize packet flow within firewall architecture.
• Perform packet inspection, packet switching, and analyze TCP flags and state tables.
• Ensure compliance and best practices in firewall configurations.

Requirements

• Technical Skills: Palo Alto NGFW, VPN, Panorama, Azure Cloud deployment, Static and Dynamic Routing (BGP), High Availability, NAT configuration, L3 troubleshooting, TCP/IP fundamentals, packet flow analysis, stateful inspection.
• Additional Skills: Understanding of Azure Cloud infrastructure, traffic flow, load balancing, familiarity with Azure networking components (VNets, NSGs, UDRs), knowledge of Cisco FTD vs Palo Alto differences.
• Qualifications: Minimum 10+ years of experience in network security and Palo Alto firewall administration. Relevant certifications such as PCNSE or equivalent preferred. Education: BTech.

Work Arrangements

• Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India (Pan India considered)
• Type: Contract
• Work Mode: Hybrid
• Shift: UK Shift
• Interview Process: Face-to-face interview required