Network Systems Engineer

City-of-Escondido; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Escondido is seeking an experienced Network Systems Engineer to design, manage, and advance the City's critical network infrastructure. You will support wide area and local area networks, essential services, and public safety systems.

Work will be performed on-site within the Information Systems Department. The role emphasizes collaboration, reliability, and maintaining secure, efficient communication across City operations.

Qualifications

• Design, install, and maintain local and wide area networks.
• Configure and troubleshoot network hardware and software components.
• Monitor network security and performance across City operations.
• Provide advanced desktop support and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer City networks (LAN/WAN) and support devices.
• Install, configure, test, and maintain network hardware and software.
• Monitor security, performance, and compliance; respond to incidents.
• Provide end-user and department support for complex networking issues.
• Create and maintain network/topology diagrams and documentation.
• Collaborate with departments to design solutions for City needs.

Skills

Network design

TCP/IP

VOIP/SIP

Security concepts

Windows Server

LAN/WAN

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Firewalls

Routers/Switches

VPN

IDS/IPS

Job description

Please note: This position will be required to work on site. Remote work is not an option.

This position is open until filled;

A first review of applications will take place during the week of September 28, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

The City of Escondido Information Systems Department is seeking an experienced Network Systems Engineer who wants more than just another IT job. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in designing, managing, and advancing the technology systems that power essential public services every day.

If you're a seasoned engineer looking to broaden your technical portfolio, take ownership of mission‑critical infrastructure, and work alongside a highly collaborative team, we invite you to explore this unique career opportunity.

As a member of our Network & Systems Administration Division, you'll work in an environment that combines the technical complexity of a large enterprise with the purpose and impact of public service. Your expertise will help support the technologies that enable City operations, emergency response, public safety, water services, transportation systems, and community maintenance and development.

Under general direction, provides support in the development, installation, implementation, testing, evaluation, and administration of the City's local and wide area networks; installs, configures, tests and supports a variety of network components and devices; performs preventive maintenance on network segments and components; provides liaison and technical assistance to Network Systems Technicians and end users; installs and troubleshoots advanced software and hardware configurations; and consults with department representatives to determine hardware/software requirements and develops specifications.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Performs a variety of duties in the development, installation, implementation, testing, evaluation and administration of local and wide area networks; responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance regarding all aspects of system design, installation, and troubleshooting.
• Installs and configures network hardware, software and peripheral equipment; troubleshoots, diagnoses, and resolves server and networked devices hardware and software problems.
• Installs and maintains network components including firewalls, routers, switches, bridges, wireless links, and other network equipment and software.
• Investigates, analyzes and resolves complex network-related problems; resolves compatibility problems across City networks; troubleshoots network failures, router problems and telecommunications problems; recommends and implements changes and improvements.
• Participates in the evaluation of network protocols, hardware and software to determine their applicability to City network needs; recommends and implements changes and improvements.
• Monitors network security and performance; identifies unauthorized access and potential security risks; participates in projects to enhance network security operations.
• Provides support to network server administrative and maintenance operations; performs back‑ups; installs and configures software; installs networked equipment including servers, storage, printers, scanners, wireless access points, etc.
• Provides advanced desktop support to clients; installs and configures hardware and software, operating systems and peripherals; troubleshoots, diagnoses and resolves complex hardware and software problems.
• Performs technical writing duties in the development and production of system documentation, instructional and procedural manuals.
• Researches and recommends the purchase of computer related equipment and peripherals; orders equipment and software as necessary.
• Collaborates with customers to determine the best hardware and software for departmental technology projects.
• Performs system-wide or network-wide audits, and generates reports that include system performance, recommended changes, and any other possible data of interest, such as system security.
• Assists other departments in designing, and possibly authoring the documents/programs; customizes installed software to the specific requirements of a department.
• Develops network and system topology maps that assist other staff members in the department or organization to understand the relationships between systems.
• Works with other positions in the department to learn the day-to-day operation of all systems and gains a deep understanding of the interrelationships of the system of systems.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of network system design, installation and maintenance.
• Principles of hardware and software configuration and installation.
• Current Windows operating systems for both server and workstations platforms.
• All aspects of configuring and maintaining system security, network security, and site security for information systems using firewalls, IDS, IPS, and other means necessary.
• All available Wide Area Networking technologies currently in use within the organization, including installation and maintenance of routers, point to point wireless, VPN, T1, MPLS, and MetroE.
• Local Area Networking, including maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting techniques, especially dealing with the TCP/IP protocol and services, and managing a large diversified environment using TCP/IP and Vlans.
• Methods and techniques of troubleshooting hardware and software problems.
• Cabling protocols, hardware and software.
• Technical specifications, standard performance, and possible configuration options for all common components and peripherals.
• Distributed database installation, structuring, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Basic scripting, as well as desktop publishing or user interface design.
• The national telecommunications infrastructure and ability to work through problems with telecommunications provider to correctly diagnose problems, troubleshoot, and expedite orders, and minimize downtime.
• Principles and practices of VOIP, SIP, and PRI.
• Principles of customer service.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.

Ability to:

• Evaluate hardware and software requirements.
• Implement hardware and software changes and enhancements.
• Analyze, troubleshoot and resolve highly technical networking issues.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot and/or repair hardware and software problems.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from network users and provide assistance as needed.
• Be adaptive towards new systems and technology that may be implemented in the organization.
• Understand the complex relationships between different components in a networked environment.
• Analyze and define problems and conceptualize feasible solutions, and present all practical solutions in a concise format to non‑technical users.
• Develop and revise computer programs.
• Document and diagram existing code.
• Coordinate meetings for product/project demonstrations for the managers of a department and other members of the Information Systems staff.
• Evaluate existing systems and recommend possible enhancements to systems or network components.
• Make the necessary changes to any computer component within the organization.
• Lead and coordinate the activities of a computer user group.
• Train other employees on either a one‑on‑one basis, or in a group.
• Understand the complex relationships between various components of a distributed system.
• Understand the consequences of changes on individual systems with respect to the entire organizational system.
• Coordinate with other staff members to meet deadlines while minimizing downtime.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

General Qualifications for Employment

All positions provide technical assistance and support to system users in the police department. This position requires an applicants who demonstrates the honesty and ethical character traits expected of civilian personnel working with law enforcement. Applicants must successfully pass the police department background investigation, including review of local, state and national criminal records, personal history interview, references and employment checks, and a polygraph examination.

Education/Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, information systems or related field.

Experience:

Three years (full-time equivalent) experience in troubleshooting computer systems, network installations, servers, and client/server software, including at least two years network administration experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

License or Certificate:

Network certification or Microsoft certification is highly desirable.

NOTE:

For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will rank on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD‑214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE

The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.