AMERICAN SYSTEMS, a 100% employee-owned federal contractor, is seeking a Senior 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.
ResponsibilitiesAs a Senior 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.
- 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.
- 5–7 years of experience supporting enterprise networks in DoD, federal, or similarly regulated environments
- Current CCNA certification
- Current 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
- 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 StatementAMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $170,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance. EEO StatementEEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status
Skills Required
- Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and ability to obtain SAP access
- U.S. citizenship
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may substitute
- 5-7 years of experience supporting enterprise networks in DoD, federal, or similarly regulated environments
- Current CCNA certification
- Current 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 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
- Limited Solaris or systems engineering experience may be considered when combined with strong network security fundamentals and willingness to learn
AMERICAN SYSTEMS Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about AMERICAN SYSTEMS and has not been reviewed or approved by AMERICAN SYSTEMS.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — The ESOP provides an ownership stake that adds long-term financial value and complements base pay. This employee-ownership structure stands out within the overall package.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with automatic enrollment and broad investment options, alongside the ESOP, strengthens retirement pathways beyond salary. These features are presented as competitive within the defense contracting space.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Base pay is considered fair or comparable to industry peers, particularly for technical roles. Starting compensation is described as solid for areas like cybersecurity, systems administration, and IT engineering.
AMERICAN SYSTEMS Insights
What We Do
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned government services contractor that delivers professional, technical, information technology, engineering, analysis, testing, evaluation, and training solutions for complex national-priority programs. Based in McLean, Virginia, the company supports federal customers—particularly defense and other Department of Defense missions—with mission-essential and information engineering, digital engineering, systems integration, cybersecurity, cloud, data, and lifecycle IT services across critical public-sector environments.
