Cybersecurity Architect (Palo Alto / Network Security)

Cybersecurity Architect (Palo Alto / Network Security)

Our client, a leader in their industry, has an excellent opportunity for a Cybersecurity Architect to work on a 6-12-month contract-to-hire role working 100% onsite in Orange, CA. This is a hands-on, Palo Alto-focused Cybersecurity Architect role. This role requires the ability to pass a law enforcement background investigation and work within a CJIS-compliant environment.

Due to client requirement, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our W2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401 (k) with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $85-$95 w-2; conversion salary $180,000/year plus bonus

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain an enterprise-wide security architecture with a strong focus on Palo Alto Networks NGFW, Panorama, and advanced threat-prevention services.
• Lead hands-on configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting of firewall policies, network segmentation, and Zero Trust architecture.
• Architect and secure remote access (VPN), wireless, and DNS infrastructures, enforcing MFA, least-privilege access, and modern encryption standards.
• Lead SIEM architecture, including log integration, correlation rules, dashboards, and threat detection/response capabilities.
• Serve as technical lead for incident response, developing playbooks and guiding all phases from detection through recovery and post-incident review.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (including CJIS) by developing security standards, conducting assessments, and driving remediation efforts.
• Act as a senior technical authority supporting security operations and enterprise infrastructure teams.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with 7 years, Master’s with 5 years, or PhD with 4 years of cybersecurity experience.
• Active CISSP, GREM, or comparable advanced cybersecurity certification.
• Deep hands-on expertise with Palo Alto Networks platforms (NGFW, Panorama) and enterprise network security architecture.
• Strong experience with VPN, wireless security, and secure network design.
• Experience leading or supporting SIEM platforms and incident response efforts.
• Experience providing technical leadership to SOC or enterprise security teams.
• Strong communication, documentation, and project coordination skills.

Job: JN-032026-106022

Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available and that may result in pay outside of the range provided.

W2 employees of Eliassen Group who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the following benefits: medical (choice of 3 plans), dental, vision, pre-tax accounts, other voluntary benefits including life and disability insurance, 401(k) with match, and sick time if required by law in the worked-in state/locality.

Please be advised- If anyone reaches out to you about an open position connected with Eliassen Group, please confirm that they have an Eliassen.com email address and never provide personal or financial information to anyone who is not clearly associated with Eliassen Group. If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact InfoSec@eliassen.com.