Network Engineer - San Diego, CA

About the Role

Join our team as a Network Engineer IV supporting Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific) Old Town Campus. This position provides advanced engineering, integration, and sustainment support to CNIC Public Safety Systems Ashore Programs, responsible for the design, procurement, integration, installation, and lifecycle sustainment of networked systems that protect mission-critical assets and personnel from natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made threats.

This role is based in San Diego, California, with a travel requirement of 50% or greater in support of CONUS and OCONUS operations. The position is contingent upon your ability to obtain, maintain, or transfer a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, configure, and sustain Cisco (Catalyst Switching and Routing, ISR VOIP Gateways, Firepower/ASA), Aruba (switching and wireless), Antaira switching network, Cambium microwave solutions, and Juniper (EX, QFX, SRX).
• Support end-to-end system lifecycle: staging, integration, testing, fielding, and sustainment.
• Deploy and troubleshoot networks in NIWC labs, integration environments, shore facilities, and data centers.
• Integrate new systems into existing PSS networks.
• Implement secure network architectures aligned with Risk Management Framework (RMF), Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and vendor-specific security guidance.
• Perform system hardening, vulnerability remediation, and compliance validation.
• Configure and maintain VLANs, trunking, QoS, redundancy mechanisms, VPNs (IPSec), ACLs, firewall policies, and routing protocols (Static, OSPF, BGP).
• Support Aruba wireless deployments, including controller-based and distributed architectures.
• Conduct site surveys, system installs, and operational verification testing during travel.
• Maintain configuration baselines, diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Interface with government customers, program managers, cybersecurity and RMF teams, and Government Wide Area Network (WAN) providers.
• Create Standard Operating Procedure documentation for designs and implementation strategies.
• Produce system specifications, design requirements, test evaluation planning documents, and technical publications.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance (post-employment).
• Must meet DoD 8570/8140 baseline certification, such as:
  • Security+ CE (minimum), or
  • Higher certifications (CISSP, CASP+, etc.).
• Juniper certifications (JNCIA or higher) or Cisco (CCNA or higher).
• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, or a High School Diploma/GED with a minimum of 12 years of relevant network engineering experience (DoD or enterprise) in lieu of degree.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant network engineering experience (DoD or enterprise).
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Juniper networking (Junos OS, EX/QFX/SRX platforms).
  • Aruba switching and wireless (ArubaOS, Instant AP, Aruba Central).
  • Cisco Switching and Routing (Catalyst, ISR) and Firewall (ASA, Firepower).
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Layer 2 technologies (VLANs, STP, LACP).
  • Routing (Static, OSPF, BGP).
  • TCP/IP and subnetting.
  • RADIUS authentication.
• Experience supporting mission-critical or classified systems.
• Ability to work in field/deployed environments with minimal supervision.
• Experience with Navy Public Safety Systems desired.
• Experience with vulnerability remediation and STIG configurations for system hardening.
• Ability to multitask, teach, or assist others in resolving systems-related issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel as necessary (50% or more).

Desired Skills

• Ability to lift and rack equipment.
• Willingness to work in shipboard or confined spaces.
• Willingness to travel frequently and on short notice for critical break-fix and troubleshooting efforts.

Benefits

Eligible employees gain access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching funds.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages (pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection).
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.
• Employee Assistance Plan.

Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Pay

The salary range for this position is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by factors including scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education, training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. Eligible positions may also include annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities.