Network Security Engineer Junior

General Dynamics IT; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

401(k) with company match

Flexible work weeks

Job summary

General Dynamics IT in Ashburn, VA seeks a Junior Network Security Engineer to support CBP’s Cyber Security Directorate in a fast-paced, mission-critical SOC environment. You will help monitor, maintain, and enhance enterprise network security—deploying firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and NAC—and contribute to protecting national assets.

The role requires 3+ years in network/security engineering, familiarity with NIST/ISO/CIS controls, and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on network or security engineering experience.
• Experience with enterprise-grade firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and NAC tools.
• Strong understanding of network protocols, architecture, and security best practices.
• Experience monitoring and responding to security incidents.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, CIS).
• Preferred certifications: CompTIA Security+, CCNA or CCNA Security

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain network security technologies including firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPN solutions, and NAC.
• Analyze existing network security architectures and develop solutions to mitigate threats, vulnerabilities, and emerging risks.
• Monitor network security events, investigate anomalies or incidents, and recommend corrective actions.
• Implement security enhancements to strengthen the organization's overall defensive posture.
• Develop, document, and maintain network security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable security frameworks, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
• Collaborate with IT, security operations, and infrastructure teams to support secure network design and operations.

Skills

Cybersecurity

IT Network Security

Network Security Technologies

Security Operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or related field

Tools

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

VPNs

NAC

Job description

Type of Requisition:

Regular

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

None

Public Trust/Other Required:

BI Full 6C (T4)

Job Family:

Cyber and IT Risk Management

Job Qualifications:

Skills: Cybersecurity, IT Network Security, Network Security Technologies, Security Operations Certifications: None Experience: 3 + years of related experience US Citizenship Required: Yes

Job Description:

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cyber Security Directorate (CSD) is leading one of the most comprehensive, mission critical cybersecurity operations in the federal government, protecting the digital infrastructure that safeguards America's borders. This multifaceted program spans 24/7/365 Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring, advanced threat intelligence, forensics, incident response, cloud and network security engineering, zero trust modernization, vulnerability assessment, and enterprise-wide risk and compliance activities. The Network Security Engineer Junior will support teams at the forefront of national security, supporting sophisticated cyber operations that defend vital systems, enable secure mission execution, and counter rapidly evolving threats. You will find this work uniquely impactful, fast‑paced, and deeply collaborative, offering the opportunity to lead high performing technical teams, shape CBP's cybersecurity strategy, and contribute directly to the protection of the nation.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

The Network Security Engineer Junior plays a critical role in supporting the implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of security technologies across enterprise networks. This role helps strengthen the organization's cybersecurity posture by ensuring network devices, configurations, and traffic flows align with modern security standards and federal requirements. Working within a fast‑paced cybersecurity mission environment, the engineer contributes to safeguarding critical systems that underpin national‑level operations. The candidate will:

• Manage and maintain network security technologies including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPN solutions, and network access control (NAC).
• Analyze existing network security architectures and develop solutions to mitigate threats, vulnerabilities, and emerging risks.
• Monitor network security events, investigate anomalies or incidents, and recommend corrective actions.
• Implement security enhancements to strengthen the organization's overall defensive posture.
• Develop, document, and maintain network security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable security frameworks, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
• Collaborate with IT, security operations, and infrastructure teams to support secure network design and operations.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED

• Minimum of three (3) years of hands‑on network or security engineering experience.
• Experience with enterprise‑grade firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and NAC tools.
• Strong understanding of network protocols, architecture, and security best practices.
• Experience monitoring and responding to security incidents.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, CIS)..
• Preferred certifications: CompTIA Security+, CCNA or CCNA Security

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree preferred in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, or a related field.

Previous or Current CBP Background Investigation desired.

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Explore a career in cyber security at GDIT and you'll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for securing the mission.

The likely salary range for this position is $85,425 - $115,575. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Travel Required:

Less than 10%

T elecommuting Options:

Onsite

Work Location:

USA VA Ashburn

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post‑tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long‑term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business t