Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Sr. Technical Support Engineer, United States Government, VM Specialist image - Rise Careers
Job details

Sr. Technical Support Engineer, United States Government, VM Specialist - job 1 of 2

Company Description

To comply with U.S. federal government requirements, U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission:

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.

Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

Who We Are

We take our mission of protecting the digital way of life seriously. We are relentless in protecting our customers and we believe that the unique ideas of every member of our team contributes to our collective success. Our values were crowdsourced by employees and are brought to life through each of us everyday - from disruptive innovation and collaboration, to execution. From showing up for each other with integrity to creating an environment where we all feel included.  

As a member of our team, you will be shaping the future of cybersecurity. We work fast, value ongoing learning, and we respect each employee as a unique individual. Knowing we all have different needs, our development and personal wellbeing programs are designed to give you choice in how you are supported. This includes our FLEXBenefits wellbeing spending account with over 1,000 eligible items selected by employees, our mental and financial health resources, and our personalized learning opportunities - just to name a few! 

Job Description

Your Career

You will work firsthand with our valued customers to address their complex post-sales concerns where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of many factors. You’re a critical thinker in understanding the methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. You’ll enjoy networking with key contacts outside your own area of expertise, with a strong capability of detailing difficult technical issues to both non-technical and technical professionals.

You will regularly participate in technical discussions with multi-functional teams, creating an environment of transparency that ultimately leads to better products, better working environments, and better cybersecurity. Your quick thinking and support to our clients provides the fast assistance they need to keep their environments secure – which means you’ll need to move quickly, thoughtfully, and provide technical assistance as needed (often, in high-pressure situations).

Your Impact

  • Provide Technical Support to customers and partners
  • Provide configurations, troubleshooting and best practices to customers
  • Manage support cases to ensure issues are recorded, tracked, resolved, and follow-ups are completed in a timely manner
  • Provide fault isolation and root cause analysis for technical issues
  • Publish Technical Support Bulletins and other technical documentation in the Knowledge Base
  • Review of technical documentation for training materials, technical marketing collateral, manuals, troubleshooting guides, etc.
  • Travel to customer sites in the event of a critical situation to expedite resolution as required
  • Provide on-call support 24x7 on an as-needed basis

Qualifications

Your Experience

  • Able to effectively communicate to all levels and stakeholders - internally and externally on complex technical issues
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, self-motivated and detail-oriented with the ability to see the bigger picture
  • Ability to work independently, as well as contribute as a team player
  • Knowledge of one or more virtualization hypervisors - VMWare ESX/ESXi, KVM/Qemu, Citrix, XenServer, Microsoft Hyper-V
  • Demonstrable basic knowledge with AWS and Microsoft Azure installation, configuration, and administration of security features and services including identity and access management, service-related security features, networking, firewalls, encryption, and related best practices
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Oracle cloud infrastructure(OCI)
  • Knowledge of deploying firewalls in one or more Public cloud infrastructures: AWS, Azure, GCP, OCI and Alibaba 
  • Experience deploying third-party networking and security services into VMware NSX for vSphere is a plus
  • Good understanding of the following networking protocols (TCP/IP, Ethernet, VLAN, OSPF, BGP)
  • Good understanding with Security Protocols (IPSEC / SSL-VPN / NAT)
  • Good understanding of Unix/Linux and Windows operating systems
  • Experience with Cisco, Checkpoint, Juniper(Netscreen), Fortinet is a plus
  • Knowledge of traffic generation tools and scripting languages is a plus

Additional Information

The Team

Our technical support team is essential to our success and mission. As part of this team, you enable customer success by providing support to clients after they have purchased our products. Our dedication to our customers doesn't stop once they sign it just evolves. Our technical team provides behind-the-scenes support to meet our customers' needs. As threats and technology evolve, we stay in step to accomplish our mission.

You'll be involved in implementing new products, transitioning from old products to new, and will fix integrations and critical issues as they are raised. In fact, you'll seek them out to ensure our clients are safely supported. We fix and identify technical problems, with a pointed focus of providing the best customer support in the industry.

We're a fast-growing, immensely successful organization because of our people and products (built and supported by our people). We work the frontlines against cyberthreats and attacks, protecting every day transactions in the digital environment. It means we're good at scaling quickly to new threats, get fulfillment from resolving new problems, and think about things just plain differently.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/commissioned roles) is expected to be between $108000 - $175200/YR. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

Our Commitment

We’re problem solvers that take risks and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at  [email protected].

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Average salary estimate

$141600 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$108000K
$175200K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Sr. Technical Support Engineer, United States Government, VM Specialist, Palo Alto Networks

If you're passionate about cybersecurity and ready to take on an exciting challenge, the role of Sr. Technical Support Engineer at Palo Alto Networks may be just what you're looking for! Based in Reston, VA, this position involves working directly with valued customers to solve complex post-sales technical issues. You'll get the chance to dive into troubleshooting, providing guidance on configurations, and ensuring that every client receives exemplary support. With your analytical skills, you’ll be able to isolate faults and analyze root causes, enabling you to assist customers quickly and efficiently, often in high-pressure situations. Networking is a significant aspect of the job, allowing you to connect with professionals from various technical backgrounds while sharing your expertise in various virtual environments, including VMWare and cloud services like AWS and Microsoft Azure. Moreover, you'll have opportunity to contribute to knowledge sharing through publications and documentation, further solidifying your impact within the team and our customers' security. At Palo Alto Networks, we take pride in our innovative solutions and work culture that emphasizes ongoing learning and a supportive environment where each member's contributions are valued. If you're ready to join a team committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity, we'd love to see how you can bring your unique skills to this vital role!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sr. Technical Support Engineer, United States Government, VM Specialist Role at Palo Alto Networks
What are the main responsibilities of a Sr. Technical Support Engineer at Palo Alto Networks?

As a Sr. Technical Support Engineer at Palo Alto Networks, your primary responsibilities include providing technical support to customers and partners, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and managing support cases. You'll work on fault isolation and root cause analysis, publish technical support bulletins, and engage in on-call support when necessary. Additionally, you'll be involved in evaluating technical documentation and providing best practices related to configurations and troubleshooting, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications do I need to become a Sr. Technical Support Engineer for Palo Alto Networks?

To qualify for the Sr. Technical Support Engineer position at Palo Alto Networks, candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with a deep understanding of various virtualization hypervisors and cloud services, including AWS and Microsoft Azure. Experience with networking protocols, familiarity with security protocols, and knowledge of operating systems like Unix/Linux and Windows are essential. Additionally, effective communication skills to interact with both technical and non-technical stakeholders are crucial.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What type of networking knowledge is required for the Sr. Technical Support Engineer role?

A strong understanding of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, VLAN, OSPF, and BGP is necessary for the Sr. Technical Support Engineer at Palo Alto Networks. Knowledge of security protocols like IPSEC and SSL-VPN, along with experience deploying firewalls in cloud infrastructures, will also be beneficial. This technical foundation is important for successfully troubleshooting and resolving client issues.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How does Palo Alto Networks support the professional growth of Sr. Technical Support Engineers?

Palo Alto Networks prioritizes ongoing learning and personal development for its employees. As a Sr. Technical Support Engineer, you will have access to personalized learning opportunities and participate in a culture that emphasizes innovation and collaboration. The company offers various wellness programs, technical training, and mentorship initiatives to help you continuously grow in your career, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in cybersecurity.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What should I expect during the interview process for a Sr. Technical Support Engineer position at Palo Alto Networks?

The interview process for the Sr. Technical Support Engineer role at Palo Alto Networks typically includes discussions on your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and experience with customer interactions. You may also encounter scenario-based questions that test your analytical skills and handling of high-pressure situations. It's advisable to prepare examples that highlight your technical expertise and how you contribute to customer success.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Sr. Technical Support Engineer, United States Government, VM Specialist
Can you describe your experience with troubleshooting in a virtualized environment?

To effectively answer this question, walk the interviewer through specific experiences where you diagnosed and resolved issues in virtualized environments. Discuss the tools you used, the steps taken to isolate fault, and how you communicated your findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you prioritize multiple support cases when working under pressure?

Highlight your time management skills and discuss a systematic approach to handle tasks. Mention tools or methods you use to keep track of cases and how you communicate updates to customers, ensuring they feel supported throughout the process.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What methods do you use to keep your technical knowledge current?

Share your approach to continuous learning, whether it's attending industry conferences, participating in online courses, or engaging in professional networking. Mention specific areas of cybersecurity or virtualization that you are currently exploring, demonstrating your commitment to staying informed.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe a challenging technical issue you faced and how you resolved it.

Construct a narrative around a specific incident, emphasizing the steps you took to diagnose the issue, collaborate with peers, and implement a solution. End with the impact your resolution had on the customer or team, showcasing your problem-solving capabilities.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you handle communication with non-technical customers?

Discuss your ability to use layman’s terms and metaphors to explain technical concepts. Provide an example where you clarified a technical issue to a non-technical customer, focusing on the benefits of effective communication for customer satisfaction.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What experience do you have with cloud services like AWS or Azure?

Detail your hands-on experience with cloud platforms, discussing specific projects or tasks involving installation, configuration, or security management. Highlight any certifications you may have and how they relate to the job's requirements.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How would you define success in a technical support role?

Explain that success in this role encompasses customer satisfaction, effective issue resolution, and continuous improvement of processes. Offer insights into how you measure success in your previous positions, including customer feedback and personal growth.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you explain a time when you had to work with a diverse team to solve a problem?

Highlight a specific situation that involved cross-functional teamwork. Talk about your role, the dynamics in the team, and how working collaboratively led to effective solutions, showcasing your interpersonal skills.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What do you think are the most important qualities for a Sr. Technical Support Engineer?

Discuss qualities like analytical thinking, customer empathy, strong communication skills, and technical expertise. Use examples to demonstrate how these traits have contributed to your previous success in support roles.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you approach writing technical documentation?

Explain your process for creating clear and concise documentation. Discuss the importance of considering the audience, structuring information logically, and providing useful visuals or examples to enhance understanding.

Join Rise to see the full answer

Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.

804 jobs
MATCH
Calculating your matching score...
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 23, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!