📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Firewall Administrator (Palo Alto)
Company: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure
Date Posted: June 30, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Manage and administer Palo Alto firewalls in a highly secure SCIF environment
Ensure the secure and efficient operation of firewall systems to protect classified government information and networks
Collaborate with security teams to maintain compliance with government security standards and protocols
Monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot firewall traffic to identify and mitigate security threats
Perform regular security assessments and audits to ensure firewalls are properly configured and functioning

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of security clearance and experience working in secure environments, making it an excellent opportunity for experienced cybersecurity professionals seeking to advance their careers in a challenging and rewarding field.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Firewall Management: Administer and manage Palo Alto firewalls, including deployment, configuration, and maintenance
Traffic Monitoring: Monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot firewall traffic to identify and mitigate security threats
Security Policy Implementation: Implement and maintain firewall rules, policies, and configurations based on security best practices and organizational requirements
Compliance & Collaboration: Collaborate with security teams to ensure compliance with government security standards and protocols
Security Assessments: Perform regular security assessments and audits to ensure firewalls are properly configured and functioning
Documentation & Support: Provide documentation and support for network architecture and firewall configurations
Incident Response: Respond to security incidents and conduct root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences
Emerging Threats & Technologies: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging security threats and technologies

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team environment to ensure the security of sensitive information.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is typically required. Relevant certifications, such as Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) or Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE), are preferred.

Experience: Candidates should have a minimum of 5-10 years of experience as a Firewall Administrator, with a strong focus on Palo Alto technologies. Experience working in highly secure environments, particularly within a SCIF, is essential.

Required Skills:

Proven experience as a Firewall Administrator, specifically with Palo Alto technologies
Strong understanding of firewall configurations, rule sets, and network security best practices
Experience working in highly secure environments, particularly within a SCIF
Knowledge of government cybersecurity policies, including NIST, FISMA, and DoD security frameworks
Experience with monitoring tools and incident management in secure environments
Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to quickly resolve complex security issues
Strong documentation skills to create and maintain firewall configuration and operational procedures

Preferred Skills:

Palo Alto certifications, such as PCNSA or PCNSE
Experience with other security technologies, such as VPNs, IDS/IPS, and SIEM solutions
Familiarity with automation tools and scripting for firewall management

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in a similar role and a strong understanding of Palo Alto technologies will be well-positioned to succeed in this role. Relevant certifications and experience with additional security technologies can provide a competitive advantage.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Detailed documentation of firewall configuration and management experience, with a focus on Palo Alto technologies
Case studies demonstrating experience in monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting firewall traffic
Examples of firewall rule sets and security policies implemented based on best practices and organizational requirements
Documentation of security assessments and audits performed to ensure firewall configuration and functionality

Technical Documentation:

Code quality, commenting, and documentation standards for firewall configuration and management
Version control, deployment processes, and server configuration for firewall management
Testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques for firewall traffic monitoring and incident management

📝 Enhancement Note: A well-curated portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of Palo Alto technologies and experience in a similar role will be essential for success in this position.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on market research for the Washington, D.C. area and the level of experience required for this role)

Benefits:

Traditional and HSA-eligible medical insurance plans with Wellness Incentives for employees and family
100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance options
100% employer-sponsored STD, LTD, and life insurance
Veterans Cohort
Gym membership reimbursement
401(k) matching
Dollar-for-dollar 501(c)(3) donation matching
Flexible-schedules and teleworking options
Paid holidays and Flexible Paid Time Off
Adoption Expense Reimbursement
Paid Parental Leave
Professional development and career growth opportunities and paid training days
Employer-sponsored Employee Assistance Program for employee and family
Team and company-wide events, recognition, and appreciation

Working Hours: Full-time, with occasional after-hours work required for maintenance and upgrades

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on market research for the Washington, D.C. area and the level of experience required for this role. Benefits are comprehensive and tailored to the needs of employees and their families.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is an award-winning, rapidly growing federal government contractor committed to providing innovative, high-performing solutions to government clients. The company fosters a workplace that encourages growth, initiative, creativity, and employee satisfaction.

Company Size: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is a mid-sized company with a strong focus on employee development and growth. This size allows for a collaborative and innovative work environment, with ample opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC was founded in 2008 and has since grown to become a leading provider of innovative solutions to government clients.

Team Structure:

The cybersecurity team at Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is composed of experienced professionals with a strong focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing
The team works closely with other departments, including engineering, product management, and sales, to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions to clients
The firewall administration role reports directly to the Director of Cybersecurity and works closely with other team members to ensure the security of the company's networks and systems

Development Methodology:

Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC employs Agile methodologies, including Scrum, to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality solutions to clients
The company places a strong emphasis on code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure the security and reliability of its products
Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management are critical components of the company's development process, with a focus on automation and efficiency

Company Website: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC

📝 Enhancement Note: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, with a strong focus on employee development and growth. The company's size and industry position provide ample opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: The Firewall Administrator role is an intermediate to senior-level position, requiring a strong understanding of Palo Alto technologies and experience in a similar role. This position offers significant opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company's cybersecurity team.

Reporting Structure: The Firewall Administrator reports directly to the Director of Cybersecurity and works closely with other team members to ensure the security of the company's networks and systems. This role provides opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing with other cybersecurity professionals.

Technical Impact: The Firewall Administrator plays a critical role in ensuring the security of the company's networks and systems. This position requires a strong understanding of Palo Alto technologies and experience in a similar role to effectively manage and administer firewalls in a highly secure SCIF environment.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: The Firewall Administrator role offers opportunities for technical specialization in Palo Alto technologies and other security technologies, such as VPNs, IDS/IPS, and SIEM solutions
Technical Leadership: With experience and demonstrated proficiency, the Firewall Administrator may have the opportunity to take on a technical leadership role within the cybersecurity team, overseeing the work of junior team members and providing guidance on technical decisions
Architecture & Design: As the Firewall Administrator gains experience and expertise, they may have the opportunity to contribute to the design and architecture of the company's network and security infrastructure, ensuring its scalability and resilience

📝 Enhancement Note: The Firewall Administrator role offers significant opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company's cybersecurity team. With experience and demonstrated proficiency, the Firewall Administrator may have the opportunity to take on a technical leadership role or contribute to the design and architecture of the company's network and security infrastructure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC operates a traditional office environment, with a focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members. The company's offices are designed to be comfortable, modern, and well-equipped to support the needs of its employees.

Office Location(s): Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in other locations throughout the United States. The Firewall Administrator role is based in the company's Washington, D.C. office and requires on-site presence in a SCIF environment.

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: The company's office environment is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, with open workspaces and dedicated meeting rooms available for team discussions and project planning
Technical Equipment: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC provides its employees with modern, high-quality technical equipment, including multiple monitors and testing devices, to support their work and ensure their comfort and productivity
Cross-Functional Interaction: The Firewall Administrator role requires close collaboration with other departments, including engineering, product management, and sales, to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions to clients. The company's office environment is designed to facilitate these interactions and promote effective communication and coordination

Work Schedule: The Firewall Administrator role is a full-time position, with occasional after-hours work required for maintenance and upgrades. The company offers flexible scheduling and teleworking options to support the needs of its employees and promote work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is committed to providing a comfortable, modern, and well-equipped work environment that supports the needs of its employees and promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members. The company's office environment is designed to facilitate cross-functional interaction and effective communication and coordination with other departments.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Preparation: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with Palo Alto technologies, firewall configuration and management, and incident response. Familiarity with government cybersecurity policies and experience working in highly secure environments is essential.
Technical Assessment: Candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment, including a hands-on exercise demonstrating their ability to configure and manage Palo Alto firewalls in a secure environment.
Behavioral Assessment: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Final Evaluation: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their long-term career goals and how they align with the company's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Documentation: Candidates should provide detailed documentation of their firewall configuration and management experience, with a focus on Palo Alto technologies. This documentation should demonstrate their understanding of firewall configuration, rule sets, and network security best practices.
Case Studies: Candidates should provide case studies demonstrating their experience in monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting firewall traffic. These case studies should highlight their ability to identify and mitigate security threats and ensure the proper configuration and functionality of firewalls.
Incident Response: Candidates should provide examples of their incident response experience, demonstrating their ability to respond to security incidents and conduct root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Firewall Configuration: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to configure and manage Palo Alto firewalls in a secure environment. This may include hands-on exercises or scenario-based questions.
Incident Response: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their incident response experience and demonstrate their ability to respond to security incidents and conduct root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences.
Problem-Solving: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their problem-solving skills and demonstrate their ability to analyze complex security issues and develop effective solutions.

ATS Keywords: [Comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category: programming languages, web frameworks, server technologies, databases, tools, methodologies, soft skills, industry terms]

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Firewall Administrator role is designed to assess the candidate's technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and ability to work effectively in a team environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with Palo Alto technologies, firewall configuration and management, and incident response, as well as their long-term career goals and alignment with the company's mission and values.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: [Not applicable for this role]

Backend & Server Technologies:

Palo Alto Technologies: The Firewall Administrator role requires a strong understanding of Palo Alto technologies, including firewall configuration, rule sets, and network security best practices. Candidates should have proven experience with Palo Alto firewalls and be familiar with the latest developments in Palo Alto technology.
Government Cybersecurity Policies: The Firewall Administrator role requires a strong understanding of government cybersecurity policies, including NIST, FISMA, and DoD security frameworks. Candidates should be familiar with the latest developments in government cybersecurity policies and best practices.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Monitoring Tools: The Firewall Administrator role requires experience with monitoring tools and incident management in secure environments. Candidates should be familiar with industry-standard monitoring tools and incident management platforms, such as SIEM solutions.
Automation Tools: The Firewall Administrator role may require experience with automation tools and scripting for firewall management. Candidates should be familiar with industry-standard automation tools and scripting languages, such as Python or PowerShell.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Firewall Administrator role requires a strong understanding of Palo Alto technologies, government cybersecurity policies, and industry-standard monitoring and automation tools. Candidates should be familiar with the latest developments in Palo Alto technology and government cybersecurity policies and best practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Security Focus: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC places a strong emphasis on security, with a focus on ensuring the protection of sensitive information and the security of the company's networks and systems. The Firewall Administrator role is critical to this focus, requiring a strong understanding of Palo Alto technologies and experience in a similar role.
Innovation: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, with a focus on staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and best practices. The Firewall Administrator role offers opportunities for technical specialization and innovation in Palo Alto technologies and other security technologies.
Collaboration: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment, with a focus on knowledge sharing and effective communication and coordination among team members. The Firewall Administrator role requires close collaboration with other departments, including engineering, product management, and sales, to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions to clients.
Code Quality: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is committed to maintaining high standards of code quality, with a focus on code review, testing, and quality assurance practices. The Firewall Administrator role requires strong documentation skills to create and maintain firewall configuration and operational procedures.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The Firewall Administrator role requires close collaboration with other departments, including engineering, product management, and sales, to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions to clients. The company's office environment is designed to facilitate these interactions and promote effective communication and coordination among team members.
Code Review Culture: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is committed to maintaining high standards of code quality, with a focus on code review, testing, and quality assurance practices. The Firewall Administrator role requires strong documentation skills to create and maintain firewall configuration and operational procedures.
Knowledge Sharing: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is committed to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, with a focus on promoting effective communication and coordination among team members. The Firewall Administrator role offers opportunities for technical specialization and knowledge sharing with other cybersecurity professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is committed to fostering a culture of security, innovation, collaboration, and code quality, with a focus on ensuring the protection of sensitive information and the security of the company's networks and systems. The Firewall Administrator role is critical to this culture, requiring a strong understanding of Palo Alto technologies and experience in a similar role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Emerging Threats: The Firewall Administrator role requires a strong understanding of emerging security threats and technologies. Candidates should be familiar with the latest developments in Palo Alto technology and government cybersecurity policies and best practices.
Highly Secure Environment: The Firewall Administrator role requires experience working in highly secure environments, particularly within a SCIF. Candidates should be familiar with the unique challenges and requirements of working in a highly secure environment and have experience managing and administering firewalls in a similar setting.
Incident Response: The Firewall Administrator role requires experience in incident response, with the ability to respond to security incidents and conduct root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences. Candidates should be familiar with industry-standard incident management platforms and best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: The Firewall Administrator role offers opportunities for technical specialization in Palo Alto technologies and other security technologies, such as VPNs, IDS/IPS, and SIEM solutions. Candidates should be prepared to pursue relevant certifications and continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in Palo Alto technology and government cybersecurity policies and best practices.
Conference Attendance: Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC is committed to promoting the professional development and growth of its employees. The company offers opportunities for conference attendance, certification, and community involvement to support the continued learning and development of its team members.
Mentorship & Leadership Development: With experience and demonstrated proficiency, the Firewall Administrator may have the opportunity to take on a technical leadership role within the cybersecurity team, overseeing the work of junior team members and providing guidance on technical decisions. The company offers mentorship and leadership development opportunities to support the growth and development of its team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Firewall Administrator role offers significant opportunities for technical specialization and growth within the company's cybersecurity team. With experience and demonstrated proficiency, the Firewall Administrator may have the opportunity to take on a technical leadership role or contribute to the design and architecture of the company's network and security infrastructure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Palo Alto Technologies: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with Palo Alto technologies, including firewall configuration, rule sets, and network security best practices. They should be familiar with the latest developments in Palo Alto technology and government cybersecurity policies and best practices.
Incident Response: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their incident response experience, including their ability to respond to security incidents and conduct root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences. They should be familiar with industry-standard incident management platforms and best practices.
Problem-Solving: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their problem-solving skills and demonstrate their ability to analyze complex security issues and develop effective solutions. They should be familiar with industry-standard problem-solving methodologies and best practices.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC's company culture, including its focus on security, innovation, collaboration, and code quality. They should be familiar with the company's mission, values, and commitment to fostering a positive work environment.
Technical Methodologies: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of the company's technical methodologies, including its use of Agile methodologies, code review, testing, and quality assurance practices. They should be familiar with industry-standard development methodologies and best practices.
User Experience Impact: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of the impact of their work on user experience, including their ability to ensure the security and reliability of the company's products and services. They should be familiar with industry-standard user experience design and optimization practices.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Documentation: Candidates should provide detailed documentation of their firewall configuration and management experience, with a focus on Palo Alto technologies. This documentation should demonstrate their understanding of firewall configuration, rule sets, and network security best practices.
Case Studies: Candidates should provide case studies demonstrating their experience in monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting firewall traffic. These case studies should highlight their ability to identify and mitigate security threats and ensure the proper configuration and functionality of firewalls.
Incident Response: Candidates should provide examples of their incident response experience, demonstrating their ability to respond to security incidents and conduct root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Firewall Administrator role is designed to assess the candidate's technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and ability to work effectively in a team environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with Palo Alto technologies, firewall configuration and management, and incident response, as well as their long-term career goals and alignment with the company's mission and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Firewall Administrator position:

Submit your application through the application link provided
Customize your resume to highlight your relevant experience with Palo Alto technologies, firewall configuration and management, and incident response
Prepare a detailed portfolio demonstrating your experience in firewall configuration, rule sets, and network security best practices, with a focus on Palo Alto technologies
Research the company's mission, values, and commitment to fostering a positive work environment, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process
Familiarize yourself with the company's technical methodologies, including its use of Agile methodologies, code review, testing, and quality assurance practices, and prepare to discuss your experience with these methodologies

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Firewall Administrator (Palo Alto)