Lead Network Security Engineer - DoD Classified Infra

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Crest (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Paid leave

Retirement plans

Insurance programs

Education and training assistance

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a Lead Network Security Engineer to secure classified DoD network infrastructure at China Lake, CA. You will apply Cisco networking expertise and cybersecurity skills to keep mission systems secure, reliable, and available.

Working with cross‑functional teams, you’ll configure, monitor, and harden enterprise LAN/WAN, manage access controls, and support incident response while upholding RMF and DoD security requirements.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance w/SCI eligibility and ability to obtain SAP access.
• U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field; additional experience may substitute.
• 8–10 years of experience supporting enterprise networks in DoD or regulated environments.
• CCNA certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• DoD 8140 IAT Level III certification (e.g., CASP+ CE, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP, etc.).
• Hands-on experience configuring and maintaining Cisco network infrastructure.
• RMF experience per DoD and Navy cybersecurity requirements.
• Familiarity with vulnerability management, patch compliance, and information assurance controls.
• Experience supporting Solaris, Linux, or UNIX-based systems.
• Experience installing or configuring IDS, firewalls, or perimeter defense technologies.
• Experience with continuity of operations, failover testing, or system-availability docs.
• Experience integrating network with broader enterprise systems.

Responsibilities

• Configure, administer, and troubleshoot Cisco routers and switches for classified networks.
• Install, maintain, and optimize enterprise LAN/WAN infrastructure.
• Monitor network health, logs, backups, and scheduled jobs for reliable operations.
• Support remote users with equipment setup and Layer 2/3 connectivity troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve Cisco infrastructure, VPN, and VMware connectivity issues.
• Perform software installations, upgrades, license management, and security patching.
• Manage user accounts and access controls per cybersecurity best practices.
• Support incident response, vulnerability remediation, and risk identification.
• Maintain network procedures, documentation, and standards.
• Collaborate with teams and vendors to resolve issues.
• Work with minimal supervision while contributing to overall security posture.

Skills

Cisco network engineering

Cybersecurity

Vulnerability management

RMF implementation

DoD compliance

Incident response

Network troubleshooting

VPN/VMware connectivity

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Cybersecurity

Tools

Cisco IOS/Hardware

Job description

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a Lead Network Security Engineer to secure classified DoD network infrastructure at China Lake, CA. You will apply Cisco networking expertise and cybersecurity skills to keep mission systems secure, reliable, and available.

Working with cross‑functional teams, you’ll configure, monitor, and harden enterprise LAN/WAN, manage access controls, and support incident response while upholding RMF and DoD security requirements.