Network Engineer

Thales Group; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Thales Group is seeking a Network Principal to lead network infrastructure operations in Irvine, CA, on a hybrid schedule. The role involves handling incidents, implementing firewall and VPN configurations, and ensuring secure end‑to‑end architectures.

The ideal candidate has 5–8+ years in network security, Palo Alto expertise, relevant certifications, and strong communication skills to partner with cross‑functional teams. The position offers a hybrid schedule and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with 5–8+ years of experience or a Master’s with 4+ years.
• 3+ years of experience with Palo Alto Firewall.
• One entry‑level vendor certification in Network Security (PCNSA/PCNSE, CCNA/CCNP Security, JNCIA-SEC/JNCIS-SEC, etc.) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Handle tickets in ServiceNow and read architecture diagrams.
• Configure firewalls, VPNs, and network filters for enterprise, stores, and cloud networks.
• Develop and enforce network security policies and standards.
• Collaborate with development and engineering teams to mitigate security risks.

Skills

Palo Alto firewall

Cisco switches

Fortinet firewalls

Cisco Secure Client VPN

Cisco ISE

ITIL

Network security

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

ServiceNow ITSM

VPN technologies

Job description

## Network EngineerApplyremote type: Hybridlocations: Irvinetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: R0335659Location: Irvine, United States of AmericaIn fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.**Irvine, CA. (USA), Hybrid****Position Summary**Thales has a vacancy for a **Network Principal** who will be responsible for all aspects of Network infrastructure operations. May be a SME in some domains, but is expected to have full professional knowledge of network infrastructure concepts and company objectives to resolve a wide range of issues in effective and sometimes creative ways, in all of the following domains. As an advanced engineer, you are expected to do these things with little technical direction and with only general guidance on new assignments.**Key Areas of Responsibility*** Handle tickets in ServiceNow, read architecture diagrams, and construct rules based on those diagrams.* Firewalls and network filters, in both Enterprise, Stores, and cloud networks. Intrusion Prevention policies* Networking Protocols/Concepts (Routing(OSPF, BGP), VLAN, Sub-netting, Load balancing, TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, TLS, SSH)* Site-to-site and remote-access VPN connectivity.* Network Access Control.* Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (to include multi-factor authentication). Web access proxy servers and URL filtering* Network Security policy creation, exception documentation and approval.* Provide suggestions to team lead/manager in creating your professional development and training plan.* Work on projects assigned to you, in effort to advance partnership opportunities between Network Security team and other business areas.* Work with senior engineers to define network security requirements for current and future state end-to-end architectures and platforms to advance security controls and the security posture of the business.* Assist senior engineers in collaborating with development and engineering teams to prioritize security risks, provide mitigation or remediation recommendations, and implement compensating controls.* Assist in performing proof-of-concept testing for network security solutions under consideration for purchase and implementation.* Assist in developing and maintaining network security policies, standards, processes and workflows.* Provide 7/24 On-Call support for infrastructure related service incidents and follow internal management escalation procedures when necessary (team rotation).**Minimum Qualifications*** Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study with a minimum of 5-8+ years of relevant work experience or a Master’s degree in a related field of study with 4+ years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.* Must have: 3+ Years working with Palo Alto Firewall.* At least one entry-level vendor certification (with non-entry-level preferred) in the Network Security arena (Palo Alto PCNSA/PCNSE preferred, Cisco CCNA/CCNP Security, Juniper JNCIA-SEC/JNCIS-SEC, etc.) or equivalent experience* Excellent interpersonal & leadership skills* Excellent oral & written communication skills, people skills, planning, implementation and troubleshooting skills.**Preferred Qualifications**Skills and Abilities:* Extensive experience working with Cisco switches, Cisco Secure Client VPN, Fortinet firewalls, Cisco ISE* ITIL experience and certifications**Physical Demands*** Some limited physical demands may present themselves while navigating server rooms and providing network support on site* Able to lift and carry items up to 50 lbs.**Special Position Requirements****Schedule:** *Core business hours are Monday to Friday, between 9:30-3:00pm. Specific work schedule and expected hours of work will be discussed. Some weekend and evening work may be required and will be dependent on projects and customer requirements.** **Physical Environment:** *Access will be required in Ottawa server room (secure zone – NATO Secret clearance required).* Some limited physical demands may present themselves while navigating server rooms and providing network support on site* Able to lift and carry items up to 50 lbs.**Pay Transparency**The anticipated Total Target Compensation (TTC), inclusive of annual salary and bonus eligibility, for this role is **$110k-150k CAD Annual**. The Company reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, provincial, and federal laws.**AI**We use artificial intelligence–enabled tools as part of our recruitment process to support activities such as candidate discovery, résumé matching, and interview scheduling. These tools may help **screen and assess applications** and recommend potential matches based on the requirements within the job description. All hiring decisions, including candidate evaluation, selection, and disposition, are made by human recruiters. Artificial intelligence does not make hiring decisions on our behalf.**What We Offer**Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:•Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance.•Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period.•Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off.•Company provided Life Insurance.**Why Join Us?**Say HI and learn more about working at Thales *click here*#LI-hybrid#LI-PD1This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances. Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at [e-mail]. The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between Total Target Cash (TTC) 95,880.75 - 170,961.00 USD AnnualThis reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee’s career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company’s annual salary budget, the customer’s program requirements, and the company’s internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.