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Apex Systems is hiring: NETWORK ENGINEER V in Santa Ana

Apex Systems, Santa Ana, CA, United States


Job#: 3030157

Job Description:

NETWORK ENGINEER V

Location: Santa Ana, California (On-site)

Employment Type: Contract

Role Overview
This position is for a Network Architect to support a public safety agency. The role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining a secure, scalable, and high-availability enterprise network. The architect will serve as the hands‑on lead engineer and Subject Matter Expert for all enterprise networking decisions, guiding IT, public safety systems, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

Design and maintain a secure and scalable enterprise network using Cisco technologies, including developing network segmentation, VLAN strategies, and routing topologies (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP).

Plan and implement architecture for remote site connectivity, mobile units, data centers, and public safety systems.

Lead modernization efforts such as SD‑WAN, wireless upgrades, and zero‑trust network access.

Serve as the hands‑on lead engineer for network deployment, upgrades, and incident response.

Configure and manage Cisco switches, routers, firewalls, WLCs, and wireless endpoints.

Act as the Level 4 escalation point for complex network issues and performance tuning.

Implement and maintain firewall rulesets, NAC solutions (e.g., Cisco ISE), and endpoint access policies.

Serve as the department’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) on enterprise networking.

Train, coach, and mentor internal IT staff, including junior and mid‑level network technicians.

Create SOPs, how‑to guides, and step‑by‑step documentation for internal staff.

Required Qualifications
Experience: 10+ years of enterprise network security and engineering experience.

Technical Skills

Extensive experience with Cisco‑based network environments including Palo Alto Panorama, Firewalls; Cisco FTD, Firepower/FTD firewalls; Cisco Catalyst, Nexus, ISR/ASR; Cisco ISE, AnyConnect, VPN solutions.

Proficiency with routing protocols: OSPF, BGP, EIGRP.

Experience with wireless networks: WLCs, Aironet/Meraki.

Deep understanding of public safety network requirements, including QoS for voice/video systems.

Hands‑on experience integrating with Public Safety Applications and Systems.

Experience training or mentoring technical teams in enterprise environments.

Strong documentation and communication skills.

Certifications
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working in law enforcement, government, or public safety IT environments.

Familiarity with CJIS, NIST, FedRAMP, or state compliance frameworks.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) – Security.

Cisco Certified Specialist – Security or Wireless.

CISSP, Fortinet NSE, Aruba, or other relevant credentials.

Work Environment
This position is 100% on‑site. Work hours are 40 hours per week; overtime, weekends, and after‑hours support may be required as needed. Local travel to agency locations may be required. The role requires passing a department background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The employer is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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