As a Firewall Engineer at the University of Maryland, you'll be responsible for the design, implementation, management, and optimization of firewall solutions within a complex academic network. You will also actively participate in developing policy-driven security strategies to prevent potential threats, ensuring the integrity and safety of the university's network environment.

To qualify for the Firewall Engineer position at the University of Maryland, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and at least five years of professional experience in IT Security. Relevant certifications such as Palo Alto Networks PCNSE, CISSP, or CCNP Security are highly desirable. Specialized knowledge of network protocols and security concepts will also be beneficial.

Yes, hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls, specifically the PA-series and associated technologies, is preferred for the Firewall Engineer position at the University of Maryland. The ideal candidate should have at least three years of direct experience to effectively manage and optimize firewall operations.

The work environment for a Firewall Engineer at the University of Maryland is predominantly office-based, though the role may also involve significant time spent in computer room settings for troubleshooting and installations. The university offers a collaborative and dynamic atmosphere geared toward academic excellence and innovation.

Successful Firewall Engineers at the University of Maryland should possess strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, as well as proficiency in network security concepts. Additionally, effective communication skills are essential for documenting processes and interacting with diverse university stakeholders.

When answering this question, detail your specific experiences, including the types of Palo Alto firewalls you've worked with and particular projects where you've implemented security protocols. Highlight any achievements or challenges you've overcome to reinforce your expertise.

Discuss various strategies such as firewall rule management, continuous monitoring, employee training on security awareness, and manual efforts to detect vulnerabilities. Show your understanding of comprehensive security models combining technology and user behavior.

It's important to demonstrate continuous learning. Mention specific industry blogs, websites, conferences, or courses you follow to keep your knowledge up to date, as well as any certifications you pursue regularly.

Choose a specific example that outlines the problem clearly and focuses on your analytical approach to tackling the issue. Highlight the steps you took, the collaboration involved, and the successful outcome.

Emphasize your understanding of policy development concerning firewall configurations. Explain your methods for identifying network vulnerabilities and how you would draft and implement policies that mitigate these risks efficiently.

Provide a clear narrative about a specific incident, focusing on your actions during the crisis. Highlight your decision-making abilities, teamwork, and communication skills under pressure.

List the monitoring tools you've used, such as Splunk or Palo Alto Cortex XSOAR, and explain how you've utilized them for logging, monitoring, or analyzing network traffic to enhance security measures.

Discuss your techniques for risk assessment and prioritization based on urgency and impact. Explain how you balance immediate responsibilities with long-term security initiatives.

Demonstrate your understanding of various compliance frameworks (FERPA, HIPAA, etc.) and discuss how they guide policies and implementation in a university environment to avoid violations and uphold data integrity.

Focus on your passion for supporting an academic environment and your desire to contribute to the university's mission. Highlight specific programs or initiatives that resonate with you and how your skills align with their needs.