SC Cleared Firewall Solution Architect - 4 months initially - Remote/Harlow

SC Cleared Firewall Solution Architect - 4 months initially - Remote/Harlow - (RL8243)

Overview
The customer is seeking an experienced Firewall Solution Architect/Designer to lead the replacement of their existing Firewall infrastructure. The engagement covers the design, planning, and migration strategy for a large-scale Palo Alto environment, with delivery required by end of 2026.

Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 4 Months Initially
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Location: Harlow 2 days pw. Rest remote
PAYE Rates: Competitive

Clearance: SC Clearance is highly desirable.

Key Objectives

• Replace existing Firewall infrastructure as part of a network security refresh.
• Develop a comprehensive migration strategy from the current environment.
• Design and plan the future-state Palo Alto security architecture.
• Support datacentre and remote site Firewall deployments.
• Ensure all design and implementation activities are completed before product end-of-life deadlines.

Current Environment

• Palo Alto Networks selected as the strategic Firewall platform.
• Existing Forcepoint solution approaching end of support and requiring replacement.
• Environment includes:

1. 2 Datacentres
2. 10 Remote Sites
3. 8 Physical Firewalls
4. Multiple Virtual Systems (VSYS)

• Palo Alto technologies in use/planned:

1. Panorama
2. Advanced Threat Prevention
3. VPN Services
4. Prisma Management Cloud

• No requirement for:

1. Prisma Access
2. SASE deployment at this stage
3. Browser-based security solutions

Required Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience designing and delivering enterprise Firewall migrations.
• Strong expertise with Palo Alto Networks solutions.
• Deep understanding of:

1. Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) architecture
2. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
3. Advanced security features and threat prevention
4. Firewall policy design and optimisation
5. Datacentre networking and security architecture
6. Migration planning and cutover strategies

• Ability to assess and design solutions without direct hands-on access to existing Firewall configurations.
• Experience producing high-level and low-level designs, implementation plans, and migration roadmaps.

Certifications

• Active SC Clearance (highly desirable).
• Palo Alto Networks certifications preferred (PCNSA/PCNSE or equivalent).
• Cisco networking certifications preferred (CCNP or equivalent).

To apply for this SC Cleared Firewall Solution Architect contract job, please click the button below and submit your latest CV.
Curo Services endeavours to respond to all applications, however this may not always be possible during periods of high volume. Thank you for your patience.
Curo Services is a trading name of Curo Resourcing Ltd and acts as an Employment Business for contract and temporary recruitment as well as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies.