Network Engineer - Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)

Role Summary

The Commonwealth is seeking a Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) Network Engineer to support the secure deployment and operationalization of Zscaler Private Access as a key component of the Commonwealth s Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) strategy.

This role will focus on designing, implementing, and supporting network connectivity and access paths for private applications using ZPA, while translating existing network access models and legacy VPN-based connectivity into scalable, policy-driven access patterns aligned with Zero Trust principles.

The position is network-focused and hands-on, supporting application access enablement while ensuring solutions are secure, auditable, and operationally sustainable across the Commonwealth. The role works in close coordination with the Enterprise ZTNA program, including enterprise network and security teams.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with Enterprise ZTNA network and security teams, as well as identity and application stakeholders, to design and support ZPA-based access to internal applications.

Design, implement, and maintain Zscaler Private Access connectivity, including App Connectors, Server Groups, Application Segments, and access policy configurations.

Analyze and assess legacy network and VPN-based access requirements, agency-specific application needs, and connectivity dependencies, and translate them into ZPA application-level access models.

Support the onboarding of applications to ZPA by validating network paths, ports, protocols, and dependency requirements, and coordinating testing and validation activities.

Configure and support ZPA access policies that enforce least-privileged access while minimizing disruption to mission-critical operations.

Troubleshoot ZPA-related access and connectivity issues, including user access failures, application reachability concerns, and connector health or routing issues.

Participate in migration activities to transition users and applications from legacy access models to ZPA in coordination with enterprise and agency stakeholders.

Ensure ZPA configurations and access models are documented, auditable, and aligned with Commonwealth security, governance, and compliance requirements.

Develop and maintain technical documentation, including configuration standards, procedures, diagrams, and operational runbooks.

Engage with vendors and Zscaler support to resolve complex issues and support platform stability and optimization.

Required Skills and Experience

Strong background in enterprise networking, including routing, firewalling, DNS, and traffic flow analysis.

Experience implementing and supporting secure application access technologies such as Zscaler Private Access or similar Zero Trust access platforms.

In-depth understanding of Zero Trust Network Access concepts and application-level segmentation.

Ability to analyze complex, legacy network environments and translate them into scalable, enforceable access models.

Experience working in regulated or compliance-driven environments, ensuring adherence to security and governance standards.

Strong documentation, communication, and collaboration skills for cross-functional engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

Zscaler certifications such as Zscaler Digital Transformation Administrator or Zscaler Digital Transformation Engineer.

Completion of Zscaler administrator or engineer training courses relevant to ZPA.

Industry-recognized certifications such as CCNP, Security+, CySA+, or equivalent.

Experience supporting large, multi-agency, or public-sector enterprise environments.

Familiarity with regulatory and security frameworks such as CJIS, NIST 800-53, or similar standards.

Hands-on experience supporting access modernization initiatives in complex enterprise environments.

Position Characteristics

This role supports the Enterprise ZTNA program and works closely with enterprise network and enterprise security teams.

The position balances strong security controls with operational requirements, focusing on reliable and secure private application access.

The ZPA Network Engineer is responsible for ensuring ZPA-based access is implemented consistently and operates effectively within the Commonwealth s Zero Trust architecture.