Network Systems Engineer

Capricor Therapeutics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Capricor Therapeutics is seeking a hands-on Network/Systems Engineer to design, implement, and support enterprise infrastructure across on-prem and cloud in a fast-paced biotech environment. You will ensure secure, compliant, highly available networks and systems supporting labs, manufacturing, research, and corporate operations.

The role requires strong experience with Cisco, Palo Alto, Windows/Linux, virtualization, and cloud platforms, plus GMP/SOX/FDA awareness and validation/documentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5–8+ years of experience in network and/or systems engineering within regulated or enterprise environments
• Strong networking knowledge: Layer 2/Layer 3 switching, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs
• Cisco switching, wireless, and Cisco ISE; Palo Alto firewalls, GlobalProtect VPN, and Prisma
• Windows Server & Active Directory; Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V); Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure); Backup solutions (Veeam or Rubrik)
• Experience with scripting/automation (PowerShell)
• Experience with backup, disaster recovery, and high availability design
• Familiarity with monitoring/alerting tools
• Strong troubleshooting across infrastructure and application connectivity

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and support LAN/WAN/WLAN across office and lab environments
• Configure and maintain Cisco switches, wireless, ISE; Palo Alto and Prisma
• Manage GlobalProtect VPN and secure remote access
• Support segmented networks for lab instruments, manufacturing systems, and corporate users
• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise infrastructure (Windows servers, virtualization, storage)
• Administer Windows Server and Active Directory environments
• Manage backup, disaster recovery, and high availability solutions
• Lead infrastructure upgrades, patching, and lifecycle management
• Architect and support cloud infrastructure and networking in AWS and/or Azure
• Maintain hybrid connectivity between on-prem, cloud, and SaaS (Veeva, NetSuite)
• Support cloud migrations and optimize cost, performance, reliability
• Implement and maintain network and system security controls; vulnerability management
• Partner with cybersecurity on remediation; IAM controls (SSO, MFA, RBAC)
• Maintain monitoring/alerting and documentation; SOPs and audit-ready records
• Act as Tier 3 escalation; participate in incident response and change management
• Mentor junior engineers

Skills

Networking expertise

Systems engineering

Windows/Linux

Virtualization

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Security & compliance

Scripting (PowerShell)

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or related field

Tools

Cisco (switching/wireless)

Palo Alto

Cisco ISE

GlobalProtect

Prisma

VMware/Hyper-V

AWS and/or Azure

Veeam or Rubrik

Job description

Capricor Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CAPR) is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing transformative cell and exosome-based therapies for rare diseases. At the forefront of our innovation is Deramiocel (CAP-1002), our lead cell therapy in late-stage development for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We are also harnessing our proprietary StealthX™ exosome platform to unlock new possibilities in targeted delivery and vaccinology. Every program reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of science and delivering life-changing treatments to patients and families who need them most.

We are seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Network/Systems Engineer to design, implement, and support enterprise network and systems infrastructure in a fast-paced biotech environment. This role will be responsible for maintaining secure, compliant, highly available, and scalable network and systems infrastructure across on-prem and cloud environments, supporting research labs, manufacturing and clinical systems, and corporate operations.

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise across both enterprise networking (Cisco, Palo Alto) and systems engineering (Windows/Linux, virtualization, cloud), and understands the unique requirements of GMP-regulated environments, including system validation, data integrity, and audit readiness.

Responsibilities

Network Engineering & Infrastructure

• Design, implement, and support LAN/WAN/WLAN infrastructure across office and laboratory environments
• Configure and maintain Cisco switches and wireless, Cisco ISE, Palo Alto firewalls, and Prisma
• Manage GlobalProtect VPN and secure remote access
• Support segmented networks for lab instruments, manufacturing systems, and corporate users

Systems Engineering & Infrastructure

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise infrastructure (Windows servers, virtualization, storage)
• Administer Windows Server and Active Directory environments
• Manage backup, disaster recovery, and high availability solutions
• Lead infrastructure upgrades, patching, and lifecycle management

Cloud & Hybrid Connectivity

• Architect and support cloud infrastructure and networking in AWS and/or Azure
• Maintain hybrid connectivity between on-prem, cloud, and SaaS platforms (e.g., Veeva, NetSuite)
• Support cloud migrations and optimize cost, performance, and reliability of cloud resources

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain network and system security controls and best practices
• Partner with cybersecurity teams on vulnerability management and remediation
• Manage identity and access controls (SSO, MFA, RBAC)
• Ensure compliance with GMP, SOX, and FDA requirements
• Partner with Quality and Compliance teams on validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ)

Monitoring, Automation & Documentation

• Implement, maintain, and use monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., SolarWinds) to troubleshoot network and system performance
• Automate repetitive tasks using scripting (PowerShell)
• Perform root cause analysis and performance tuning
• Maintain accurate network diagrams, system documentation, SOPs, and audit-ready records

Collaboration & Escalation Support

• Act as Tier 3 escalation point for complex network and infrastructure issues
• Participate in incident response and change management processes
• Partner with Help Desk, Cybersecurity, and business teams to support critical systems and IT projects
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 5–8+ years of experience in network and/or systems engineering within regulated or enterprise environments

• Strong networking knowledge, including:

  • Layer 2/Layer 3 switching, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs
  • Cisco switching, wireless, and Cisco ISE
  • Palo Alto firewalls, GlobalProtect VPN, and Prisma

• Strong systems expertise, including:

  • Windows Server & Active Directory
  • Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V)
  • Cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure)
  • Backup solutions (Veeam or Rubrik)

• Experience with scripting/automation (PowerShell)

• Experience with backup, disaster recovery, and high availability design

• Familiarity with network and system monitoring and alerting tools

• Strong troubleshooting skills across infrastructure and application connectivity

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences organizations

• Knowledge of GMP, HIPAA, SOX, or FDA compliance frameworks, including validation processes (IQ/OQ/PQ) and audit requirements

• Certifications such as:

  • Cisco (CCNA, CCNP)
  • Palo Alto (PCNSE)
  • Microsoft (Azure Administrator/Architect)
  • AWS Solutions Architect
  • VMware (VCP)

• Experience with cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure VNets, ExpressRoute/VPN Gateway)

• Familiarity with lab environments, including instrument connectivity and OT networks

• Experience with Microsoft Intune

Key Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
• Ability to work independently and manage complex systems
• Ability to work cross-functionally with scientists, lab managers, compliance teams, and non-technical stakeholders
• Excellent documentation skills with an emphasis on audit readiness
• Detail-oriented with a focus on data integrity and system reliability
• Proactive, automation-first mindset
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-moving, R&D-driven environment

$120,000 - $135,000 a year

Compensation and Benefits

The posted salary range represents Capricor’s good-faith estimate of the salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this position at the time of hire. Final compensation will be determined based on job-related factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, education, skills, certifications, scope of role, location, and internal equity.

This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus and, depending on the level of the role, long-term equity incentive awards in accordance with company policy.

Capricor Therapeutics offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage; company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; a 401(k) plan with company match; paid time off and company holidays; and paid parental leave. Additional voluntary benefits and wellness programs may also be available.

Why Capricor?

Capricor Therapeutics is advancing cell and exosome-based therapies with a focus on serious diseases where patients and families need new treatment options. Our work is grounded in scientific rigor, collaboration, and a shared commitment to moving meaningful therapies forward. Joining Capricor means being part of a mission-driven team working at the intersection of innovation, execution, and patient impact.

Come Work With Us

At Capricor, you’ll join a collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to contribute, grow, and help build the systems, science, and operations needed to support our next stage of growth. We value people who are thoughtful, accountable, hands-on, and motivated by work that can make a real difference.