Senior System & Network Administrator

Design West Technologies, Inc.; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Design West Technologies, Inc. in Tustin, CA is seeking a Network Security Administrator to secure critical infrastructure for defense programs. You will administer various security technologies and ensure compliance with CMMC Level 2.

The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years of experience, hands-on skills with Palo Alto technologies, and must be able to obtain a US Security Clearance. Join a mission-oriented team and be part of ensuring our nation's safety.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in network administration or cybersecurity.
• Experience in DoD or regulated environments is highly preferred.
• Must have active US Security Clearance or be able to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, and maintain Palo Alto Networks technologies.
• Monitor network performance and security alerts.
• Support CMMC Level 2 and NIST SP 800-171 compliance.

Skills

Palo Alto Networks technologies

Windows Server

Linux

Microsoft Azure

TCP/IP

network segmentation

security incident response

PowerShell

Bash

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or Computer Science

Tools

Palo Alto Networks NGFW

Microsoft Entra ID

Job description

Protect Critical Infrastructure. Secure the Mission.

For more than a decade, Design West Technologies Inc. has been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense (DoD), delivering mission‑critical design engineering and rugged manufacturing solutions that support our nation's warfighters. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are combining our strong defense heritage with the agility and innovation of a fast‑paced organization.

Operating from our advanced facilities in Tustin, CA, we are seeking an experienced Network Security Administrator to help secure and safeguard our enterprise infrastructure and support our CMMC Level 2 compliance program. This hands‑on role will administer, monitor, and secure network infrastructure, cybersecurity platforms, cloud environments, and enterprise identity systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, and maintain Palo Alto Networks technologies
• Manage firewall policies, network segmentation, VPN connectivity, secure remote access, and endpoint security controls
• Monitor network performance, system health, security alerts, and infrastructure availability
• Install, configure, patch, maintain, and upgrade Windows Server 2016–2022 and Linux systems
• Administer a variety of Microsoft Azure services
• Investigate suspicious activity, respond to endpoint and network security incidents, and support incident response, containment, recovery, and root‑cause analysis
• Support CMMC Level 2 and NIST SP 800-171 compliance activities
• Maintain technical documentation, including system diagrams, SOPs, action plans, policies, and audit evidence
• Serve as the Tier III escalation point for all network, security, and infrastructure issues
• Support change management, perform vulnerability assessments, disaster recovery planning, backup validation, and business continuity initiatives
• Collaborate with various departments to implement secure and reliable solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• 5–8 years of experience in network administration, systems administration, cybersecurity, or enterprise IT infrastructure
• Hands‑on experience with Palo Alto Networks technologies, including NGFW, Prisma Access, and/or Cortex XDR
• Experience supporting Windows Server, Linux, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Entra ID, VPN technologies, patch management, endpoint security, and enterprise identity management
• Experience in regulated environments such as DoD, aerospace, manufacturing, or government contracting is highly preferred
• Working knowledge of CMMC Level 2, NIST SP 800-171, or similar cybersecurity compliance frameworks
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, network segmentation, Active Directory, vulnerability management, and security hardening
• PowerShell, Bash, or other scripting experience is a plus
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, communication, and prioritization skill
• Must currently hold active US Security Clearance, or possess the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance
• Ability to obtain an approved DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III certification within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Certifications

PCNSA, Security+, CySA+, CCP

Highly Desired Certifications

CISSP, CASP+, CCSP, GCIH, or CISA.

Why Join Us?

You’ll have the opportunity to make a direct impact by protecting the infrastructure that supports mission‑critical defense programs. Working alongside talented engineers and technology professionals, you’ll help strengthen our cybersecurity posture, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to innovative solutions that protect those who protect us. EEO employer including veterans & individuals with disabilities.