Job Description Title: Palo Alto Firewall Administrator
Location: The Energy Center - 3535 Colonnade Parkway
3535 Colonnade Parkway
Birmingham 35243
Status: Full-time employee
Department Name: Specialized Cyber Security Engineering
Purpose: Southern Company is seeking a passionate and capable Palo Alto Firewall Administrator to join our Cybersecurity organization.This position will support Southern Company's Specialized Cyber Security information security program to ensure Operational Technology (OT) assets are adequately protected.
*** There will be a hands-on technical evaluation during the interview process *** Education / Experience: - Strong experience in Palo Alto Firewall Technologies, including hands-on experience in providing firewall support, installation, and analysis of infrastructure communication.
- Possess an in-depth knowledge of information security methodologies, tools, technologies, and best practices and how they relate to the organization.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems in a systematic and logical manner and maintain good communication with all relevant parties throughout the troubleshooting process.
- Understand key firewall concepts including but not limited to VPN, NAT, Threat prevention, URL Filtering, application filtering, SD-WAN, etc.
- Well versed in networking and routing concepts
- Excellent problem solving and analytical skills; ability to solve complex technical issues
- 3+ year's direct administration of Palo Alto firewall solutions.
Job Responsibilities: - Develop requirements for firewall rule implementation including source and destination IPs, Ports, Transport Protocol
- Configure, install, and support network and firewall infrastructure following a mature change management and development process
- Provide security oversight and governance for network and firewall infrastructure including firewall rulesets, intrusion prevention policies, exception requests, etc.
- Work with an experienced team of network and security engineers to perform vulnerability and fault analysis on devices to develop and implement remediation and recovery plans
- Perform root cause analysis of issues and make appropriate recommendations to avoid future failures
- Develop and maintain high-level and low-level design documentation including network diagrams within Microsoft Visio
- Support Operational Technology (OT) and the enterprise in all aspects of information security administration
- Comply with regulations and security best practices while handling confidential data
- Conduct investigations and analysis as directed
- Engage with TO and business units to evaluate and implement security process for critical infrastructure and key resources
- Provide governance and oversight of business unit security activities to ensure compliance with all corporate information security policies and procedures
- Establish and execute program updates as necessary to adapt to the changing threat landscape as well as local, state, and federal security requirements
- Assist in the ongoing development of Southern Company's OT security architecture to identify areas of opportunity and partner with architects to research alternatives and recommend solutions
- Perform security testing and audits to identity vulnerabilities and resolve weaknesses
- Research security enhancements and make recommendations to management
- Work with vendors where appropriate to escalate issues
Additional Information: - Must have a valid state driver's license
- Must be able to pass background requirements including NERC CIP and enhanced Insider Threat Program (ITP)
- Additional duties as assigned
About Us About Southern Company Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
About the Team Southern Company Services
