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.