Job Summary
The security engineer role focuses on designing implementing and maintaining robust network security controls using Palo Alto next generation firewalls within a hybrid work model. The role requires four to six years of hands on security engineering experience ensuring resilient protection for enterprise environments enabling safe business growth and delivering tangible risk reduction for clients and society.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement secure network architectures using Palo Alto next generation firewalls to protect enterprise applications and data assets
- Configure and optimize security policies on Palo Alto devices to enforce granular access control and reduce exposure to emerging threats
- Monitor firewall logs and security events to detect anomalies investigate incidents and support timely remediation activities
- Develop and maintain reusable configuration templates and rule bases to ensure consistent enforcement of security standards across environments
- Collaborate with application and infrastructure teams to validate network security requirements and ensure secure enablement of business services
- Conduct regular rule base reviews to identify redundant policies improve performance and align configurations with evolving security baselines
- Perform impact assessments for change requests involving network segmentation and firewall rules to minimize operational risk and downtime
- Coordinate with security operations teams to fine tune threat prevention features and improve detection coverage against advanced attack techniques
- Document network security designs configurations and operational procedures to support audit readiness and knowledge transfer within the team
- Participate in incident response activities by providing firewall insights implementing containment measures and supporting root cause analysis
- Execute regular health checks upgrades and patching of Palo Alto platforms to maintain stability compatibility and security posture
- Support compliance initiatives by mapping firewall controls to regulatory requirements and providing evidence for internal and external assessments
- Advise stakeholders on secure connectivity patterns to enable hybrid work models while maintaining strong protection for users and data
Qualifications
- Possess a bachelors degree or equivalent practical experience in information technology computer science or a related discipline
- Bring four to six years of hands on experience as a security engineer with strong focus on network security implementation and operations
- Demonstrate deep expertise in configuring managing and troubleshooting Palo Alto next generation firewalls including policies objects and user identification
- Exhibit practical experience with threat prevention features such as intrusion prevention antivirus url filtering and application control on enterprise firewalls
- Show familiarity with tcp ip routing concepts nat vpn technologies and network segmentation strategies relevant to secure enterprise architectures
- Apply knowledge of security frameworks and best practices to design controls that align with organizational risk management objectives
- Display strong analytical and problem solving abilities to diagnose complex connectivity and security issues under time sensitive conditions
- Communicate effectively with technical and non technical partners to explain risks propose solutions and gain agreement on remediation actions
Certifications Required
Preferred certifications include Palo Alto Networks PCNSA or PCNSE and vendor neutral credentials like CompTIA Security Plus or CISSP associate level.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.
