Cybersecurity Architect (Palo Alto / Network Security)

On-site in Orange, CA

Our client, a leader in their industry, has an excellent opportunity for a Cybersecurity Architect to work on a 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.

This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $85.00 to $90.00/hr. w2, $170,000 - 180,000/year conversion salary

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise-wide security architecture with a strong focus on Palo Alto Networks NGFW, Panorama, and advanced threat prevention services.
• Lead hands-on configuration, migration, 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.

• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years, Master’s with 5+ years, or PhD with 4+ years of cybersecurity experience.
• Active CISSP, GCIH, CEH 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.

• BS in Cybersecurity or related technical field with 7+ years of relevant experience, or
• MS in Cybersecurity or related technical field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or
• PhD in Cybersecurity or related technical field with 4+ years of industry experience.
• Required certification: CISSP or GREM or similar. Other relevant certifications such as GCIH or CEH are beneficial.

Recruitment Transparency Notice

Eliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its initial application screening and hiring process. You may receive email and SMS notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team ( [email protected] , 781-808-2924) inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in different ways, including but not limited to, assistance in reviewing application materials to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI in our process is intended to support fairness, efficiency, and consistency, and Eliassen Group takes measures to prevent bias or discrimination in connection with its hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge, agree, and consent to Eliassen Group’s use of these tools, including AI tools, as part of the application and hiring process.

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 that may result in pay outside of the provided range.

· When you work with Eliassen Group, all email communication will come from an Eliassen.com address, never Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

· Eliassen Group will never ask you for personal information (home address, bank account, or check routing number) until you have worked with someone clearly associated with Eliassen Group.

If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact [email protected] .

About Eliassen Group:

Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients’ capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.

Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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