Principal Network Engineer - Palo Alto Firewall

Description :
As a Principal Network Engineer at MKS, you will serve as a senior technical expert responsible for designing, implementing, securing, and optimizing enterprise-wide network infrastructure. This role involves driving network architecture strategy, leading advanced engineering initiatives, and functioning as the primary SME for complex network and security solutions.

Key Responsibilities :

- Design and implement secure network solutions using firewalls, VPNs, Zero-Trust models, and segmentation.

- Evaluate and recommend technologies to enhance network scalability, performance, and security.

Configure and optimize :

- Firewalls : Palo Alto (Panorama), Fortinet, Juniper

- Secure Access Platforms : Prisma Access, Z-Scaler

- Routing & Switching : Cisco, HP Aruba

- Implement advanced security controls, policies, and network segmentation strategies.

- Lead deployment of enterprise-class networking and security solutions across global sites.

Performance, Optimization & Reliability :

- Conduct capacity planning, performance tuning, and proactive network troubleshooting.

- Implement high-availability architectures and disaster recovery strategies.

- Drive continuous improvement in network reliability, automation, and monitoring.

Collaboration, Leadership & Incident Management :

- Act as the senior escalation point for critical incidents and outages.

- Collaborate with cybersecurity, cloud, and infrastructure teams to build integrated solutions.

- Mentor and guide L1 & L2 engineers; provide technical leadership and best practices.

- Maintain architecture artifacts, detailed network diagrams, and configuration standards.

- Ensure adherence to regulatory, security, and audit compliance requirements.

- Establish and enforce documentation frameworks and change control standards.

Skills & Experience You Bring :

Technical Expertise :

- Palo Alto Networks, including Panorama

- Cisco routing & switching, advanced routing protocols

- Prisma Access, Z-Scaler

- HP Aruba networking

- Fortinet & Juniper firewalls

- Strong knowledge of firewall architecture, VPN technologies, Zero Trust, NAC, and segmentation.

- Experience with network automation : Python, Ansible (preferred).

- Good understanding of cloud networking (AWS / Azure) and SD-WAN solutions.

Education & Experience :

- 7+ years of experience in network engineering, with 3+ years in a senior or architect-level

role.

Preferred Certifications :

- CCNP / CCIE (Cisco)

- Fortinet NSE

- Z-Scaler Certified Professional

- AWS/Azure Networking Specialty (preferred but optional)