Principal Network & Security Architect

Position Overview

We are looking for a Principal Network & Security Architect to serve as the company's senior technical authority for enterprise SASE, SD-WAN, and cloud security transformation projects. This person will lead complex, large-scale Palo Alto Networks Prisma deployments, including environments with thousands of mobile users, hundreds of branch locations, next-generation firewalls, multi-cloud infrastructures (AWS and OCI), Megaport connectivity, and migrations from legacy SD-WAN platforms.

The architect will own the entire technical lifecycle of each engagement—from discovery and solution design through implementation, migration, testing, and final cutover—while working alongside a dedicated project team. The role also includes providing technical consulting to customers and acting as the primary technical decision-maker throughout the engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and delivery of enterprise Prisma SASE and Prisma SD-WAN solutions, including Strata Cloud Manager, Cloud Identity Engine, Prisma Access, Prisma Browser, ADEM, CASB-X, VM-Series firewalls, PA-Series NGFWs, microsegmentation, and Prisma SD-WAN branch deployments.
• Serve as the technical lead for new customer implementations, managing all phases from project kickoff through successful completion.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, including High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), implementation plans, as-built documentation, failover testing results, and cutover runbooks.
• Design, implement, and validate cloud connectivity solutions using Megaport, AWS Direct Connect, OCI FastConnect, BGP routing, and secure cloud interconnects.
• Lead migrations from Zscaler (ZIA/ZPA) and legacy SD-WAN platforms to Prisma Access and Prisma SD-WAN while ensuring minimal business disruption and maintaining rollback capabilities.
• Facilitate customer workshops, discovery sessions, design reviews, project kickoffs, cutovers, and executive presentations, while serving as the escalation point for technical issues and vendor-related challenges.
• Support Sales Engineering by providing technical estimates, Statements of Work (SOW), Change Order input, and peer reviews.
• Mentor engineering team members, promote knowledge sharing, and develop reusable design standards for future SASE engagements.
• Ensure compliance with change management processes, documentation standards, Autotask ticketing, post-mortem reviews, and customer acceptance procedures.
• Help establish and mature our security consulting practice by developing scalable methodologies and best practices for SASE, NGFW, Zero Trust, and related security engagements.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in enterprise networking and cybersecurity.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience designing and deploying large-scale SASE solutions.
• Extensive expertise with Palo Alto Networks technologies, including Prisma Access, Prisma SD-WAN (CloudGenix), Strata Cloud Manager, VM-Series, PA-Series NGFW, GlobalProtect, Cloud Identity Engine, ADEM, and CASB-X.
• Proven experience leading migrations from Zscaler (ZIA/ZPA) and legacy SD-WAN platforms such as SilverPeak/EdgeConnect, Cisco Viptela, or Fortinet SD-WAN.
• Strong networking and security knowledge, including eBGP, iBGP, OSPF, IPsec, Zero Trust architecture, segmentation, DLP, CASB, Quality of Service (CoS), and all OSI networking layers.
• Hands-on experience with AWS, OCI, Azure, Megaport, AWS Direct Connect, and OCI FastConnect.
• Demonstrated ability to independently deliver complete Prisma implementations without relying on vendor professional services or subcontractors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with engineers, CIOs, and CISOs.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and perform effectively under pressure.
• Willingness to participate in after-hours migration windows and occasional travel when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Palo Alto Networks certifications, such as PCNSE, PCSAE, PCCSE, or equivalent.
• Additional cloud or networking certifications (Cloud CSP, NaaS Networking Specialty).
• Previous experience working for Palo Alto Networks, WWT, Optiv, AHEAD, or another Tier-1 SASE integrator.
• Experience with OT/IoT microsegmentation projects.

Work Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday through Friday
• 8-hour workday
• On-call responsibilities
• Weekend and after-hours availability for production cutovers