Position title: Firewall Engineer

Position #:JR101348

The University of Maryland is seeking an experienced Palo Alto Firewall Engineer to design, implement, manage, and optimize firewall solutions in a complex academic and research-driven network environment. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Palo Alto Networks firewalls, network security, and policy-driven threat prevention strategies. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently, and experience working in higher education IT environments.

This position is considered essential and may be required to work at the normal work location or an alternative location during a major catastrophic event, weather emergency, or other operational emergency to help maintain the continuity of University services.

Physical Demands: Predominantly operates in an office environment though significant periods of time may be spent in computer room and communications equipment spaces for installation, testing, and troubleshooting. Some work (less than 5%) requires moving and lifting of heavy communications equipment. Position also requires being on call to provide some outside of business hours support. This position is considered an essential position and may be required to work at the normal work location or an alternative location during a major catastrophic event, weather emergency, or other operational emergencies to help maintain continuity of University services

Licenses/ Certifications: Relevant certifications such as Palo Alto Networks PCNSE, CISSP, CCNP Security, or equivalent are highly desirable.

Minimum Qualifications

* Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  

* Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in IT Security. 

Other: 

* Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.   

* Knowledge of developing and implementing security projects and programs.

* Knowledge of the operating principles of network security devices including intrusion detection, prevention systems, and firewalls.

* Skill in oral and written communication.

* Skill in the use of Google Office Suite. 

* Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

* Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service and sensitivity to a culturally and ethnically diverse community.

Additional Job Details (Preferences):

* 3+ years of hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls (PA-series, Panorama, GlobalProtect, WildFire, etc.).

* Strong understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, BGP, OSPF, etc.) and security concepts (IDS/IPS, SIEM, DLP, Zero Trust, etc.).

* Experience with cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP) and securing hybrid university environments.

* Proficiency in scripting (Python, PowerShell, or Ansible) for automation and network security operations.

* Hands-on experience with logging, monitoring, and analysis tools such as Splunk, Elastic, or Palo Alto Cortex XSOAR.

* Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills in resolving complex security and networking issues.

Strong understanding of regulatory compliance frameworks including FERPA, HIPAA, NIST 800-171, and EDUCAUSE guidelines.

* Strong verbal and written communication skills to document processes and interact with university stakeholders effectively.

Visa Sponsorship Information:

* DIT will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future.

* F1 STEM OPT support is not available for this position.

Additional Job Details:

* Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, List of References

* Best Consideration Date: May 3, 2025

* Open Until Filled: Yes

* Salary Range: $120,000-$144,000

* Please apply at: https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCP/details/Firewall-Engineer_JR101348

Job Risks: Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required: No. For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department: DIT-EE-Network and Infrastructure Services

Worker Sub-Type: Staff Regular

Benefits Summary: For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks: Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility: The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO/AA Statement: The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer; all qualified applicants, including veterans and people with disabilities, will receive consideration for employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities. Please read the entire University of Maryland Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement of Policy. Women, Minorities, Disabled, Veterans, and LGBTQ+ Welcome!

Diversity Statement: The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice: The University of Maryland (UMD) does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities. Specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in UMD programs and activities, including with respect to admission and employment.

Salary/Compensation: $120,000 - $144,000 per year