Network security consultant – firewall specialist

We are 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

• 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.
• Proven experience working with both physical firewall chassis and virtualized firewall environments.
• Experience with high-availability architectures, upgrades, and patching.
• Familiarity with automation and scripting for policy deployment, auditing, and reporting.
• Integration of firewalls with supporting systems.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical skills to diagnose complex issues and propose effective solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

The candidate must be open to feedback and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Flexibility for regular travel within Europe for key project deliveries and client meetings.