Job Description & Details
Network modernization is reshaping how enterprises connect their offices, factories, and cloud services, making skilled network architects in high demand. Companies are rapidly moving from legacy firewalls to SD‑WAN solutions to boost security and scalability. This L3 Network Engineer/Architect contract role offers hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge Palo Alto and Prisma technologies across multiple sites.
Job Summary
The contractor will lead the redesign and migration of LAN, firewall, and SD‑WAN infrastructure for a multi‑site enterprise. Responsibilities include upgrading Palo Alto firewalls, migrating VLAN gateways to core switch SVIs, deploying Prisma SD‑WAN, and ensuring seamless cutover with comprehensive testing and documentation. The role requires full travel, on‑site deployment, and close collaboration with internal and vendor teams.
Top 3 Critical Skills Table
| Skill | Why it's critical | Mastery Level |
|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto Firewall Migration (PA‑440 → PA‑1420) | Core security platform upgrade; ensures network protection and policy consistency | Senior |
| Prisma SD‑WAN Deployment | Enables scalable, resilient WAN connectivity across sites and supports IT/OT segmentation | Senior |
| Network Architecture Design (Core/Distribution/Access) | Provides the foundation for scalable LAN and OT networks, reducing complexity | Senior |
Interview Preparation
- Explain the process of migrating a PA‑440 firewall to a PA‑1420 platform.
What the interviewer is looking for: Understanding of hardware replacement, configuration export/import, policy translation, and validation steps. - How would you design a core/distribution/access model for a mixed IT/OT environment?
What the interviewer is looking for: Knowledge of segregation, VLAN design, routing protocols, and security zones. - Describe the steps to transition a WAN circuit from VeloCloud to Prisma SD‑WAN.
What the interviewer is looking for: Experience with ION device provisioning, tunnel configuration, policy migration, and failover testing. - What are the key considerations when moving VLAN gateways from firewalls to core switch SVIs?
What the interviewer is looking for: Impact on routing, broadcast domains, security policies, and traffic engineering. - How do you validate post‑cutover network health across multiple sites?
What the interviewer is looking for: Testing methodology, use of health checks, documentation, and issue remediation process.
Resume Optimization
- Palo Alto Networks PA‑440
- Palo Alto Networks PA‑1420
- Prisma SD‑WAN
- VeloCloud migration
- LAN core/distribution/access design
- IT/OT network segmentation
- VLAN and SVI configuration
- Firewall policy migration
- On‑site deployment and cutover
- Network documentation and diagrams
Application Strategy
When reaching out to the recruiter, send a concise email that opens with a friendly greeting, attaches your updated resume, and clearly highlights your top relevant skills. Make sure to mention related skills you possess, such as Palo Alto firewall migration, Prisma SD‑WAN deployment, and enterprise network architecture design. Reference specific projects where you performed similar migrations or redesigns, and tie them directly to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Career Roadmap
| Current Role | Typical Experience | Core Focus | Next Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| L3 Network Engineer/Architect (Contract) | 5–7 years in LAN/WAN, firewalls, SD‑WAN | Design & execute network migrations | Senior Network Architect (8–10 yrs) |
| Senior Network Architect | 8–10 years leading enterprise network programs | Strategic planning, multi‑site architecture | Network Engineering Manager / Director |
| Network Engineering Manager | 10+ years managing teams & large‑scale projects | Leadership, budgeting, cross‑functional alignment | Director of Network Services |