Intermediate Security Analyst, Palo Alto Technologies (Contract/Consultant)

What it’s like to be an Intermediate Security Analyst at Northbridge As an Intermediate Security Analyst, you’ll play a hands-on role in protecting our technology environment while helping improve how we operate. In this contract opportunity, you’ll support day‑to‑day firewall operations using the Palo Alto Networks platform and work closely with experienced security engineers who are eager to mentor and share knowledge. You’ll also have the opportunity to identify inefficiencies in our security operations and help introduce practical automation or technology-driven improvements that make our processes more effective and scalable. This role is open to remote candidates across Canada. We want your talent! If you are great at: Collaborating with cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced, operational environment Analyzing logs, alerts, and network traffic to identify security or connectivity issues Spotting opportunities to improve processes and reduce manual effort through automation or tooling Following established runbooks while thinking critically about how processes can evolve Communicating clearly and documenting work in a structured, meaningful way You have: Experience in information security, network security, or IT operations Hands‑on exposure to Palo Alto Networks firewalls (PAN‑OS), including monitoring and rule management A foundational understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, routing, and NAT Experience reviewing firewall logs and understanding traffic flow and security policies Exposure to improving operational processes through scripting, automation, or technology enhancements (e.g., dashboards, workflows, or tooling) Nice-to-haves: Exposure to Panorama or Palo Alto threat prevention features Understanding of IPS/IDS or URL filtering, basic scripting or REST API experience Progress toward certifications such as PCCET, PCNSA, CompTIA Security+, or CCNA. We really mean it when we say we put you first. Here are a few ways how: Hybrid work! You get to work from the office and at home, allowing you to manage both worlds with the ease and flexibility you need. Competitive compensation with a strong base pay aligned to market expectations. We support your well‑being with a flexible, balanced work environment that helps you prioritize what matters most. We are invested in helping you grow in your career through access to a wide range of internal and external professional development resources , along with opportunities to build new skills and expand your expertise. NBFC cares about the community and supports the causes you believe in with donation matching and team volunteer days. We’re committed to pay transparency and fairness. The base pay range for this position is $55 to $75 per hour , which reflects the expected base pay for the position. The actual base pay offered may vary depending on your experience, skills, and alignment with the role. We’re also open to candidates at different levels, so if this range doesn’t quite match your expectations, we still encourage you to apply. This is a real opportunity — we’re actively hiring. If the role sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you. We also want to be transparent about our hiring process. While one of our systems includes AI capabilities, over 99% of our screening is done by real people. We believe in thoughtful, human‑centered hiring decisions and are committed to giving every application the attention it deserves. #LI-Hybrid #LI-SK1 Who we are: We’re Northbridge Financial. We’re proud to be 100% Canadian and owned by Fairfax Financial. We serve through our Northbridge Insurance, Federated Insurance, and TruShield Insurance brands. We have a reputation for being one of Canada’s leading commercial property and casualty insurance company. Our employees are dedicated to understanding the needs of our customers and we go above and beyond to help Canadian businesses have a safer and brighter future. We’re a company of passionate people who put people first. Do you want to join a team that believes in working hard – and having fun at work – all while making a difference? Look no further than Northbridge. At Northbridge Financial we embrace and celebrate you and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all! No matter who you are or what makes you unique, we welcome you. Please let us know how we can assist or accommodate you during the selection process.