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.
This 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.
Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
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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.
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