Network Security Engineer, Lead | Top Secret w/SCI eligibility

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

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS, a 100% employee-owned federal contractor, is seeking a Lead Network Security Engineer to help operate and secure classified network infrastructure for a Department of Defense customer at China Lake, CA.

In this role, you’ll bring together hands‑on Cisco network engineering and cybersecurity skills to keep mission systems secure, reliable, and available. You’ll work independently on assigned priorities while partnering closely with technical teams, customers, and vendors to solve operational challenges.

Responsibilities

As a Lead Network Security Engineer with AMERICAN SYSTEMS, you will:

• Configure, administer, and troubleshoot Cisco routers and switches supporting classified networks.
• Install, maintain, and optimize enterprise LAN/WAN infrastructure.
• Monitor network health, system logs, backups, and scheduled jobs to help ensure reliable day‑to‑day operations.
• Support remote users with equipment setup and Layer 2/Layer 3 connectivity troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve Cisco infrastructure, VPN, and VMware‑related connectivity issues.
• Perform authorized software installations, upgrades, license management, and security patching.
• Manage user accounts and access controls in alignment with cybersecurity best practices and customer requirements.
• Support incident response, vulnerability remediation, and identification of potential security risks.
• Help maintain network procedures, technical documentation, and operational standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams and vendor representatives to resolve technical and operational issues.
• Work with minimal supervision while contributing to the overall security posture of the environment.

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 relevant experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• 8-10 years of experience supporting enterprise networks in DoD, federal, or similarly regulated environments
• CCNA certification (or ability to successfully obtain within 6 months of hire)
• DoD 8140 IAT Level III certification, such as CASP+ CE, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP or Associate, GCED, GCIH, CCSP, or CISM
• Hands‑on experience configuring and maintaining Cisco network infrastructure
• Experience supporting or implementing the Risk Management Framework (RMF) in accordance with DoD and Department of the 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 intrusion detection systems, firewalls, or other perimeter defense technologies
• Experience supporting continuity of operations planning, failover testing, or system‑availability documentation
• Experience integrating network infrastructure with broader enterprise systems

Growth Opportunity

• Candidates who have limited Solaris or systems engineering experience but strong network security fundamentals and a willingness to learn may be considered.
• This role offers the opportunity to build experience across network engineering, systems administration, and cybersecurity.

Note: This position supports a classified DoD environment. Candidates must be able to meet all security clearance and customer access requirements.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee‑owners. The salary range for this position is USD $160,000.00/Yr. - USD $180,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law.

• healthcare benefits
• paid leave
• retirement plans
• insurance programs
• education and training assistance

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status