Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Palo Alto/Zscaler designs, implements, and optimizes cloud security (ZIA, ZPA, ZDX) and secure access, acting as a key technical advisor, leading deployments, handling escalations, defining standards, and integrating with existing networks, focusing on zero trust, threat prevention, and data protection for large enterprises.

Role Overview

Senior Security SME (Zscaler/Palo Alto): A technical authority for cloud-delivered security, leading strategy, design, implementation, and support for Zscaler's Zero Trust Exchange (ZIA/ZPA) and potentially Palo Alto Networks' security platforms (NGFWs, Prisma Access).

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Design: Define global standards, architecture, policies for Zscaler (ZIA/ZPA) and Palo Alto (NGFW, Prisma).

Implementation & Optimization: Lead deployments, POCs, migrations, configure policies, and optimize performance.

Technical Leadership: Act as primary escalation point, provide L3/SME support, troubleshoot complex issues, and perform root cause analysis.

Collaboration: Work with Network, Security, Cloud teams, and stakeholders to integrate solutions with enterprise infrastructure.

Documentation & Training: Develop SOPs, runbooks, and train service delivery teams.

Security Posture: Ensure alignment with security policies, compliance, and industry best practices (Zero Trust, SASE).

Required Skills & Experience

Deep expertise in Zscaler (ZIA, ZPA, ZDX) and/or Palo Alto Networks (NGFW, Panorama, Prisma Access).

Hands-on experience with large-scale cloud security, access management, routing, and traffic inspection.

Strong understanding of networking (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S) and security concepts (Firewalls, Proxies, DLP, CASB, Threat Prevention).

Experience with automation and integration (APIs, scripting) is a plus.

Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

Relevant certifications (e.g., Zscaler Certified Expert, Palo Alto PCNSE) are often preferred.

Experience in a large, complex enterprise environment, possibly BFSI or similar regulated industries.