Network Security Architect in Palo Alto

Network Security Architect in Palo Alto InfiCare - 4.3 Dallas, TX Job Details Contract $65 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications CCNP Security Stakeholder engagement Data center experience Azure CCNP Wireless networking Meraki Regulatory compliance CISSP Compliance audits & assessments Network security implementation Network switch

CCIE CISM

Information security compliance

VLAN DHCP

Cisco routers/switches implementation AWS IT security architecture NIST standards BGP Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) implementation Cloud networking DNS Network architecture PCNSE Network routing

EIGRP VPN

management Senior level Cross-functional collaboration Cross-functional communication 802.11 (Wi-Fi) Stakeholder management 10 years

Full Job Description Role:

Network Security Architect - Palo Alto (Cisco Data, Meraki & DNA)

Location :

Dallas, TX - Hybrid role

Duration:

12+ Months Long Term contract Role Overview The Network Security Architect / Lead is responsible for end‑to‑end ownership of network security architecture , with Palo Alto Networks as the primary security platform. The role also requires solid working knowledge of enterprise network data infrastructure , including Cisco switches, Meraki wireless, and Cisco DNA Center , to ensure security designs are fully integrated with campus, branch, and data center networks. This role provides technical leadership , architectural governance , and hands‑on guidance to engineering teams while working closely with security, network, cloud, and operations stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Required Skills & Experience Must‑Have (Primary) Strong hands‑on and architectural experience with Palo Alto NGFW & Panorama Deep understanding of network security concepts and enterprise design Proven experience designing security for large enterprise or government environments Ability to lead technical discussions and make architecture decisions 1. Network Security Architecture & Leadership (Primary) Act as the technical authority for enterprise network security architecture Design, standardize, and maintain Palo Alto NGFW architectures , including: Zones and segmentation Security and NAT policy design IPS/IDS, threat prevention, URL filtering, and decryption Remote access and site‑to‑site VPNs Lead Panorama architecture and governance (templates, device groups, standards) Review and approve firewall changes, designs, and security exceptions Guide firewall migrations, upgrades, and modernization initiatives Ensure adherence to security best practices and regulatory frameworks (e.g., NIST, CIS) 2. Network Data Architecture - Cisco Switching (Secondary) Maintain strong architectural understanding of Cisco enterprise switching : Core, distribution, and access layer design VLANs, trunking, routing (OSPF/BGP/EIGRP), port‑channels Ensure secure integration between Cisco switching and Palo Alto firewalls Advise on segmentation, resiliency, and performance from a security‑first perspective Support network design reviews where security and data networks intersect 3. Wireless & Campus Networking - Meraki / Cisco DNA Provide architectural oversight for Cisco Meraki Wi‑Fi environments Wireless policies, segmentation, and access control Dashboard governance and design standards Support and guide Cisco DNA Center deployments for: Network automation and assurance Visibility, telemetry, and compliance Ensure wireless and campus networks align with enterprise security strategy 4. Governance, Risk & Compliance Define and maintain security architecture standards, SOPs, and diagrams Support audits and compliance efforts (government / regulated environments) Translate technical security risks into clear business impact for leadership Review vendor solutions and provide architectural recommendations Secondary / Supporting Skills Solid working knowledge of: Cisco enterprise switching (Data networks) Cisco Meraki wireless Cisco DNA Center Understanding of how network data, wireless, and security architectures integrate Experience working with cross‑functional infrastructure teams Preferred / Nice to Have Exposure to Infoblox (DNS/DHCP/IPAM) Cloud networking/security experience (AWS / Azure) Familiarity with Zero Trust, SASE, or Prisma Access Experience in public sector, city, or regulated environments Certifications (Preferred) PCNSE or PCNSA (Palo Alto Networks)

CCNP / CCIE

(Enterprise or Security)

CISSP / CISM

(strongly preferred for Architect/Lead roles) Experience Level 10-15+ years overall network & security experience 5+ years in senior engineering, architect, or technical lead roles Ideal Candidate Profile Thinks in architecture and risk , not just configurations Can explain complex security topics in simple, business‑friendly language Comfortable leading design decisions and guiding teams Strong documentation and governance mindset #IND2

Job Type:

Contract Pay:

$65.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week

Experience:

Palo alto: 5 years (Required) Network architecture: 6 years (Required)

NGFW:

3 years (Required)

Work Location:

On the road