Sr. Engineer, Network Security Operations - INSPYR Solutions

Notes from meeting: Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 Summary: They are seeking an experienced Senior Palo Alto Firewall Engineer for a 6-month contract-to-hire role, offering a competitive salary of $130,000 to $150,000. The role is primarily based in the Dallas or Phoenix office, following a hybrid schedule (Tues, Wed, Thur). Responsibilities: Network engineering with a focus on operations, break-fix, and support. Proficient in troubleshooting and packet capture. Collaborate with the AA manager on day-to-day operations, OS upgrades, and features using the Panorama monitoring platform. Familiarity with Cisco ASA is a plus, especially on the lifecycle management (LCM) side. Participate in a rotation schedule (3 to 6 weeks) and be available for all severity levels (sev 1, 2, 3). Manage monitoring and alerts using the Panorama monitoring platform at a Level 3 capacity. Preferably possess experience with routers, switches, and project-type installations on the operational side. Soft Skills: Team player with a collaborative mindset. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment without a prima donna attitude. Previous experience with companies like Toyota, McKesson, and NextGen is advantageous. Demonstrates reliability, takes pride in work, and exhibits strong teamwork. Interview Process: Three total interviews with virtual options available. This role presents an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional to contribute to day-to-day operations, support key functions, and become an integral part of our team. Candidates with a strong background in Palo Alto Firewall engineering, network operations, and relevant soft skills are encouraged to apply. 5 vetting questions: Network Security Troubleshooting: Can you describe a specific instance where you successfully troubleshooted a complex network security issue, specifically involving Palo Alto and Cisco Firewalls? How did you approach the problem, and what tools or methodologies did you employ to identify and resolve the issue? Cloud Network Design and Maintenance: Given the emphasis on Public Cloud technologies like Azure, AWS, and GCP in this role, can you share an experience where you designed and maintained a cloud virtual network within a major cloud provider? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you ensure optimal connectivity and migration of existing workloads? Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Automation: The job description mentions Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Shell scripts. Can you provide an example of a project where you automated network implementations using IaC or scripting? What tools or languages did you use, and how did automation contribute to the efficiency of the network operations? Networking Protocols and Load Balancing: With a focus on routing protocols like BGP and OSPF, as well as load balancing technologies, can you discuss a scenario where you optimized network performance by designing and implementing routing protocols or load balancing solutions? What considerations did you take into account, and how did your decisions impact the network's overall efficiency? Change Management and Collaboration: The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and adherence to enterprise-level change management processes. Could you share an experience where you collaborated with different teams to implement a significant network change? How did you ensure communication and coordination, and what challenges did you face in managing the change process? Glider Assessment Required? No Glider Assessment Name (If Applicable) (drop down) N/A Laptop Specs N/A From Julien Jeantet: The following questions aim to help you gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the organization's approach to technology and security. 1) Can you explain what a typical day looks like for a Network Security Operations Engineer and how their work helps the overall Information Technology Team and the company as a whole? 2) Could you tell me more about the types of technology the team currently uses for Next Generation Firewalls and Cloud managed networks, and share any interesting projects or challenges they are working on in these areas? 3) The job mentions working with different teams. Can you give examples of recent projects where teamwork was important and how the team makes sure everyone is on the same page and communicates well? 4)How does the team handle urgent situations, like being on call or traveling for work occasionally? Can you explain how the on-call schedule works to ensure support is available 24/7? 5)With network security always changing, how does the team keep up with the latest in Fortinet and Cisco technologies and stay informed about industry trends and new security threats? Are there training opportunities provided for professional development? 6) What is the interview process like? Are you able to hire virtual? Or are you going to require an onsite interview in Dallas? 7)Any wiggle room on the rate for a rockstar candidate?