VM Palo Cloud Firewall Engineer

Job#: 3021022

VM Palo Cloud Firewall Engineer

Hybrid from Mclean, VA;
Plano, TX or Richmond, VA

through end of the year

This VM Palo Cloud Firewall Engineer needs to have extensive experience designing, deploying, and maintaining virtual Palo Alto firewalls in cloud environments. This role is focused on cloud-native firewall architecture, not physical appliances, and requires hands‑on expertise with Palo Alto VM‑Series firewalls and AWS networking.

• Design, implement, and support virtual Palo Alto VM‑Series firewalls in AWS cloud environments.
• Architect and deploy Palo Alto firewall instances via EC2, including installation, configuration, and lifecycle management.
• Develop secure network designs that align with cloud-native patterns, traffic flows, and AWS best practices.
• Configure and optimize AWS networking, including VPC design, routing, subnets, transit gateways, security groups, and NACLs.
• Partner with application and cloud engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of firewall solutions into cloud workloads.
• Troubleshoot complex network traffic flows within AWS to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Create documentation, runbooks, and design diagrams supporting firewall and cloud network architecture.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on Palo Alto virtual firewall technology, beyond Panorama GUI-only operations.

• Expert-level experience with Palo Alto VM‑Series firewalls, including design, deployment, and ongoing support.
• Strong proficiency deploying virtual firewalls within AWS EC2.
• Deep understanding of AWS networking and how traffic flows through cloud environments (VPCs, routing, IGWs, TGWs, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience configuring VPCs, subnets, policies, route tables, and related AWS network constructs.
• Ability to design and execute enterprise-scale cloud firewall architectures.
• Hands‑on skills that extend beyond GUI administration (Panorama); must be capable of architecting and engineering solutions.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for cloud-based traffic flows and firewall behavior.

• Palo Alto certifications (PCNSE, PCNSA).
• AWS certifications (Solutions Architect, Advanced Networking).

Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) on the HDHP plan, a Support Linc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program, and other discounts.

In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’.

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or .

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