Senior Network Security Administrator

Gunnison provides comprehensive cybersecurity support services to the HHS OCIO. We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Palo Alto Firewall Engineer to join our IT security team.

This position will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity, availability, and security of our network infrastructure by managing and maintaining our Palo Alto firewall systems.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with Palo Alto Networks technologies and a strong understanding of network security principles.

Location : Hybrid, Atlanta, GA

Duties and responsibilities include :

• Network Design and Implementation :
• Design, deploy, and manage network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless networks.
• Configure and Monitor Cisco IP Phone with ISE Systems
• Implement network solutions that align with the organization's strategic goals and objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend new networking technologies and solutions to improve performance and efficiency.
• Network Maintenance and Support :
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot network issues to ensure minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Perform regular network maintenance tasks, including firmware updates, patch management, and hardware replacements.
• Provide technical support and expertise to resolve network-related issues and outages promptly.
• Security Management :
• Implement and manage network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection / prevention systems, and encryption.
• Conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify and mitigate risks.
• Develop and enforce network security policies and procedures to protect organizational data and resources.
• Network Optimization :
• Analyze network traffic and performance metrics to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Optimize network configurations and implement quality of service (QoS) policies to ensure efficient data flow.
• Collaborate with other IT teams to optimize network-related aspects of applications and services.
• Documentation and Reporting :
• Maintain detailed documentation of network configurations, changes, and procedures.
• Generate regular reports on network performance, security incidents, and maintenance activities.
• Develop and update disaster recovery and business continuity plans for network infrastructure.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration :
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior network administrators and IT staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including systems administrators, developers, and security professionals, to support IT projects and initiatives.
• Participate in planning and execution of IT infrastructure projects and upgrades.
• Soft Skills :
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

Required Qualifications :

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in network administration, with at least 2 years as VOIP administrator.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing complex network environments.
• Proficiency with networking technologies and protocols (e.g., TCP / IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF).
• Experience with network hardware (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers) from vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of network security best practices and tools (e.g., firewalls, IDS / IPS, VPNs).
• Familiarity with wireless networking technologies and management.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Relevant certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), CompTIA Network+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or similar preferred.

Clearance Requirement : Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust.

Why Join Gunnison?

• Gunnison takes on ambitious projects. We target fun, challenging work that requires creative thinking and innovation.
• Quality is our top priority.
• Gunnison employee benefits meet or exceed what other companies in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area offer.
• There is a great sense of camaraderie at Gunnison. This is an atmosphere we will maintain as we continue to grow.
• We are growing rapidly and the opportunity for individual professional growth with Gunnison is outstanding.
• We hire for careers at Gunnison, not to fill a position.

Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Must be eligible for employment in the United States. We are unable to sponsor candidates at this time.

In 1994 Gunnison Consulting Group began serving the greater Washington, D.C. metro area, focused on tackling our customers' most ambitious technology projects.

By creating a culture dedicated to enabling our customers and employees to achieve more than they ever thought they could , the company has thrived for over 25 years.