Network Security Consultant - Firewall Specialist

Accenture is seeking a skilled and passionate mid-to-senior Firewall Security Consultant to join our team in Porto. This role focuses on hands-on firewall rule analysis, implementation, and maintenance using Check Point and Palo Alto technologies. You will play a key role in securing network infrastructure, supporting firewall operations, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our security posture. The ideal candidate will have several years of real-world experience in firewall operations and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-vendor environment You will participate in security initiatives across Infrastructure and Network Security combining technical specialization responsibilities. You will champion a security-first culture, participate in initiatives that protect client platforms and data, reduce risk exposure, strengthen defenses, and continuously improve the client's overall security posture. Responsibilities Analyze, optimize, and implement firewall rules using Check Point SmartConsole and Palo Alto Panorama Perform daily firewall operations including rule base management, policy deployment, and troubleshooting Conduct regular firewall policy reviews and audits using AlgoSec, Tufin or equivalent tools Manage firewall upgrades, patches, and high-availability configurations Collaborate on infrastructure and network security projects across EMEA Collaborate on engagements implementing networks, firewalls, automate policy deployment, and integration of security tools in hybrid and multi-cloud environments Support network security projects across EMEA, including automation and integration of security tools Document technical configurations, procedures, and incident reports Work with clients and Accenture teams in a multi-disciplined team structure, implementing cloud native and third-party cloud/infra/app security solutions across all the major cloud service providers Contribute to the project with daily support which can include understanding challenges, defining requirements, and/or performing hands-on technology configuration Qualifications Firewall Administration & Operations 15 years of technical experience on Checkpoint or Palo Alto firewalls Expert-level hands-on experience with Check Point (GAiA, SmartConsole, VSX, clustering/HA, Threat Prevention blades, VPN) and Palo Alto (PAN-OS, Panorama, App-ID, User-ID, GlobalProtect, Threat/URL/WildFire profiles) Advanced rule-based management: policy design, rule optimization, cleanup, and migration between platforms Strong troubleshooting skills for L3–L7 issues (routing, NAT, VPN/IPsec, SSL decryption, application identification), including deep packet analysis and log interpretation Proven experience working with both physical firewall chassis (installation, cabling, hardware upgrades, RMA procedures) and virtualized firewall environments (VSX for Check Point, VM-Series for Palo Alto, multi-tenancy, resource allocation) Experience with high-availability architectures, upgrades, and patching for both platforms Familiarity with automation and scripting (Python preferred) for policy deployment, auditing, and reporting Integration of firewalls with supporting systems (logging, monitoring, SIEM, authentication sources) Solid understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VRF, MPLS, GRE, IPsec) Change & Incident Management Proven track record of safe and efficient firewall change management (CAB processes, rollback plans, emergency changes) Incident response and root cause analysis for firewall-related security events Documentation & Compliance Ability to maintain accurate documentation (network diagrams, rule base documentation, change logs) Knowledge of compliance requirements and best practices for firewall environments Soft Skills Strong analytical skills to diagnose complex issues and propose effective solutions Proactive in identifying risks and opportunities for improvement Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (French and/or Dutch is a plus) Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders Experience working in cross-functional teams and supporting colleagues during incidents and projects Quick to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving security landscapes Open to feedback and continuous improvement. Take responsibility for assigned tasks and drive them to completion with minimal supervision Maintains high standards of quality and follows established processes Focused on delivering reliable and secure services to internal and external customers Responsive and supportive during critical incidents and planned changes Legal : Must own a valid work permit or EU/Schengen Space Nationality to legally work in Portugal. Preferred Qualifications Certifications PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer) CCSE/CCSM (Check Point Certified Security Expert/Master) Additional Information Flexibility for regular travel within Europe for key project deliveries and client meetings. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 791,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. 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