Network Firewall Lead

GuidePoint Security provides trusted cybersecurity expertise, solutions and services that help organizations make better decisions and minimize risk. By taking a three-tiered, holistic approach for evaluating security posture and ecosystems, GuidePoint enables some of the nation's top organizations, such as Fortune 500 companies and U.S. government agencies, to identify threats, optimize resources and integrate best-fit solutions that mitigate risk.

An active Top Secret / SCI with CI Poly security clearance is required for consideration for hire for this role. Work is to be performed 100% onsite with our Government Customer in Springfield, VA.

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Network Firewall Lead to oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of our organization's firewall infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the security, performance, and reliability of our network perimeter defenses across multiple locations and cloud environments.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage and mentor the Firewall team
• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise-wide firewall solutions
• Develop and enforce firewall policies and procedures aligned with industry best practices and compliance requirements
• Manage and optimize firewall rules, access control lists (ACLs), and security policies
• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of firewall configurations
• Troubleshoot complex firewall and network security issues
• Implement and manage next-generation firewall features such as IPS, application control, and SSL inspection
• Coordinate with other IT teams to ensure proper integration of firewall systems with other security and network technologies
• Stay current with emerging threats and security trends, recommending and implementing improvements as needed
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior firewall and security team members
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new firewall technologies and solutions
• Develop and maintain documentation for firewall configurations, change management, and disaster recovery procedures
• Participate in on-call rotation for critical firewall and network security incidents

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent work experience 
• 10+ years of related work experience
• TS/SCI with Poly
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Expert-level knowledge of major firewall platforms (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, Forcepoint)
• Experience with network security and software-defined networking (SDN) concepts
• Hands-on experience with network security concepts, such as VPNs, NAT, IDS/IPS, and DMZ configurations.
• Strong understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, etc.), network routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), and network architectures.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCNP Security, Palo Alto PCNSE, or equivalent are highly desired.
•  Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation and management tasks 

Security Clearance Requirements:

• TS/SCI w/CI Poly

This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately.

We use Greenhouse Software as our applicant tracking system and Zoom Scheduler for HR screen request scheduling. At times, your email may block our communication with you. Please be sure to check your SPAM folder so that you don't miss updates on your application.

Why GuidePoint?

GuidePoint Security is a rapidly growing, profitable, privately-held value added reseller that focuses exclusively on Information Security. Since its inception in 2011, GuidePoint has grown to over 1000 employees, established strategic partnerships with leading security vendors, and serves as a trusted advisor to more than 4,200 customers.

Firmly-defined core values drive all aspects of the business, which have been paramount to the company's success and establishment of an enjoyable workplace atmosphere. At GuidePoint, your colleagues are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced and will seek to collaborate and provide mentorship and guidance at every opportunity.  

This is a unique and rare opportunity to grow your career along with one of the fastest growing companies in the nation.

Some added perks….

• Remote workforce primarily (U.S. based only, some travel may be required for certain positions, working on-site may be required for Federal positions)
• Group Medical Insurance options: Zero Deductible PPO Plan (GuidePoint pays 90% of the premium for employees and 70% for family plans (spouse/children/family) or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA (GuidePoint pays 100% of the employees premiums and 75% for family plans (spouse/children/family) and GPS will contribute in one lump sum: ($500 per EE annually / $1000 per family annually (includes spouse/children/family options)
• Group Dental Insurance: GuidePoint pays 100% of the premium for employees and 75% of family plans
• 12 corporate holidays and a Flexible Time Off (FTO) program
• Healthy mobile phone and home internet allowance
• Eligibility for retirement plan after 2 months at open enrollment
• Pet Benefit Option