Lead Network Engineer

Covered California; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement savings

Work-life balance

Leave benefits

Job summary

Covered California's Information Technology Division is seeking an IT Specialist II to support enterprise networking and security across hybrid cloud and on-prem environments. You will work with Cisco gear, Palo Alto firewalls, and Prisma Access VPNs to maintain reliable connectivity for state agencies, contractors, and customers.

Successful candidates will have strong documentation, vendor management, and project experience, plus relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Expert-level experience with SASE, SD-WAN, enterprise networking and security products, firewall technologies, and Prisma Access VPNs.
• Extensive experience with networking and cybersecurity in distributed field, hybrid cloud, and on-premises environments.
• Ability to manage vendor relationships throughout the lifecycle, including procurement, performance monitoring, risk management, issue resolution, renewals, and closeout.
• At least three years of experience with Cisco networking equipment and Palo Alto Networks firewalls.

Skills

Network design

SASE

SD-WAN

Cybersecurity

Vendor management

Cisco networking

Palo Alto firewalls

Prisma Access VPNs

Education

Public sector IT role spec

Job description

Become a part of Covered California's Information Technology Division!

Join the Covered California team!

The purpose of the Network Operations team is to continuously improve our network infrastructure that seamlessly connects people, devices, data, enabling innovation and driving digital transformation across our organization. The team provides a reliable and resilient network infrastructure that meets the needs of our customers and consumers.

At Covered California, we recognize our employees are our most valuable asset. We have a variety of career fields that help make a difference in the lives of Californians, and we're looking for talented and enthusiastic individuals to join our team! Learn more about why you should join the Information Technology Division.

Application Deadline: 10/27/2026 @ 11:59 pm PST

Required Documents: Application and Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

Qualifications We're Looking For:

• Ability to prepare, review, evaluate and edit technical and professional documents.


• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally with diverse individuals, organizations, state agencies, local governments, contractors, customers, and colleagues.


• Experience prioritizing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and documenting project status.


• Experience supporting diverse stakeholders in a professional or public-service environment.


• Expert-level experience with SASE, SD-WAN, enterprise networking and security products, firewall technologies, and Prisma Access VPNs.


• Extensive experience with networking and cybersecurity in distributed field, hybrid cloud, and on-premises environments, including Azure, Microsoft 365, and cloud-based remote access.


• Ability to manage vendor relationships throughout the lifecycle, including procurement, performance monitoring, risk management, issue resolution, renewals, and closeout.


• At least three years of experience with Cisco networking equipment, Palo Alto Networks firewalls, enterprise networks and data centers, firewall rules and policies, VPN configuration, firewall upgrades, IT hazard prevention, threat mitigation, and standard IT audits.


• Experience managing enterprise-level IT projects.


• PCNSE, Cisco CCNA, or higher certification preferred.

Minimum Qualifications for Information Technology Specialist II:

• Information Technology Specialist II - https://eservices.calhr.ca.gov/enterprisehrblazorpublic/Public/ClassSpec/ClassSpecDetail/1414

Employee Benefits:

Covered California provides incredible benefits for our employees, including healthcare, retirement and savings, work-life services, leave benefits, and work-life balance. To learn more, visit https://hbex.coveredca.com/careers/benefits/.

Note:

• New to state civil service employees are typically hired at the minimum of the salary range.