Fractional Network Consultant

Job Title: Fractional Network Consultant
Location-Type: Remote
Start Date: October
Duration: Contract, 12 weeks
Compensation Range: $100-$150/hr W2
Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, and 401K
Visa Sponsorship: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Job Description:
The client is seeking an experienced, technology-agnostic NSPM Architect/Consultant to lead a time-boxed assessment, solution recommendation, and proof of concept that will determine the optimal long-term network security policy management strategy for the organization.

Job Summary
•Assess the client's current network security policy management environment, workflows, requirements, and existing technology capabilities.
•Evaluate the client's existing Palo Alto Networks and ServiceNow functionality against dedicated NSPM platforms to identify capability gaps.
•Conduct a detailed gap and capability analysis across all candidate solutions, including evaluation of implementation complexity, licensing, integration requirements, and total cost of ownership.
•Design the recommended target architecture for enterprise Network Security Policy Management based on assessment findings.
•Build and execute a working proof of concept within the 12-week engagement using representative firewall policies and ServiceNow workflows.
•Deliver a scored capability assessment, recommended architecture, POC results, product and licensing recommendation, implementation estimate, proposed operating model, and production deployment roadmap.

Minimum Requirements:
•Demonstrated experience with Network Security Policy Management (NSPM) in enterprise environments.
•Deep, hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewall environments and security policy management.
•Strong working knowledge of ServiceNow, specifically workflows and integrations related to firewall change management or network security.
•Experience evaluating or implementing FireMon or a comparable NSPM platform.
•Experience conducting formal technology assessments, product evaluations, and proofs of concept.
•Strong documentation and stakeholder communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings into architecture, cost, and implementation recommendations.
Preferred Qualifications:
•Combined hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks (Strata Cloud Manager), ServiceNow, and FireMon or equivalent NSPM tools.
•Experience designing integrations between security platforms and ITSM or workflow systems.
•Demonstrated ability to provide objective, vendor-agnostic product recommendations supported by evidence.
•Background in network security architecture with expertise in firewall policy design and governance.