Network and Security Architect

Job#: 3018082

Job Description:

Location: Onsite - Southern California (No Remote)

Engagement Type: 12-month Contract-to-Hire

Compensation: Conversion Salary 170-180k/annually (based on experience & certifications)
Overview

We are seeking a senior-level Network & Security Architect to support a large, complex enterprise environment with critical infrastructure requirements. This role will serve as a hands-on technical lead and subject matter expert, responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting secure, scalable network architectures across data center, campus, and remote environments.

This position is ideal for an experienced network professional who enjoys both architecture and execution, thrives in mission-critical environments, and is comfortable mentoring and guiding other engineers.

Note: This is a 100% onsite role. Candidates must be willing and able to work onsite full-time.
Key Responsibilities
Network Architecture & Design

• Design and maintain a secure, scalable, and highly available enterprise network.
• Develop network segmentation strategies, VLANs, and routing architectures.
• Lead network modernization initiatives, including SD-WAN, wireless upgrades, and zero-trust concepts.
• Architect connectivity solutions for distributed sites, data centers, and mobile or field-based environments.

Implementation, Operations & Support

• Act as the hands-on lead engineer for network deployments, upgrades, and major initiatives.
• Configure and manage enterprise networking technologies including:
  • Core and access switching
  • Routing platforms
  • Firewalls and security appliances
  • Wireless controllers and infrastructure
• Serve as the highest escalation point (Tier 4) for complex network issues and performance tuning.
• Design and implement:
  • VPNs, QoS, ACLs
  • Network monitoring and logging solutions (e.g., SNMP, NetFlow, monitoring platforms)
  • Network access control (NAC) and endpoint access policies
• Support operational excellence through documentation, standards, and process improvement.

Leadership & Knowledge Sharing

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for enterprise networking and security.
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level engineers.
• Lead structured knowledge-transfer sessions and hands-on training.
• Develop SOPs, runbooks, and technical documentation.
• Provide technical guidance for roadmap planning and future initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise network engineering and security.
• Extensive experience designing and supporting Cisco-based network environments.
• Strong expertise in:
  • Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP)
  • Data center and campus networking
  • Firewall technologies and network security
  • Wireless networking solutions
• Hands-on experience with enterprise firewalls and security platforms.
• Strong understanding of QoS, especially for voice/video and latency-sensitive systems.
• Proven ability to lead technically, communicate clearly, and collaborate across teams.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in government, public sector, or highly regulated environments.
• Familiarity with security and compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, CJIS-aligned environments, or similar).
• Certifications (preferred):
  • CCNP (required baseline)
  • CCIE (Security preferred) or equivalent expert-level experience
  • Additional security or wireless certifications are a plus

Engagement Details

• Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours/week
  • Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required
• Location: 100% onsite (local travel between facilities may be required)
• Equipment: Organization-provided tools and systems
• Employment Type: Contract-to-hire with long-term potential

Why This Role?

• High-impact environment with meaningful infrastructure responsibility
• Long-term stability and growth potential
• Opportunity to influence architecture, modernization, and best practices
• Strong team culture with emphasis on technical excellence and collaboration

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.