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Entry Level Network Security Engineer Jobs in California

Security Engineer (Embedded OT)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SECURITY ENGINEER (EMBEDDED OT) SpaceX is looking for a Security Engineer to join our Information ... Network security systems and the backend infrastructure that powers such services. * Application ...

Security Engineer (Embedded OT)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SECURITY ENGINEER (EMBEDDED OT) SpaceX is looking for a Security Engineer to join our Information ... Network security systems and the backend infrastructure that powers such services. * Application ...

Security Engineer (Embedded OT)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SECURITY ENGINEER (EMBEDDED OT) SpaceX is looking for a Security Engineer to join our Information ... Network security systems and the backend infrastructure that powers such services. * Application ...

Security Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

... a Security Engineer at LENS, you seek transformational change. You do not accept the status quo ... Owning the security posture of LENS end-to-end - from cloud infrastructure and network security to ...

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170 - $210/hr

engineering San Francisco, CA | Hybrid full-time We are seeking a highly skilled Security Engineer ... IAM design, VPC and network controls, KMS, GuardDuty/Security Hub, and least‑privilege at scale.

New

Security Engineer (Purple Team)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150 - $220/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with network security (firewall configurations, ssh authentication). * Proficiency in programming with C/C++ or Python . * A solid understanding of hardware security primitives, including ...

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About the Role We're looking for a Security Engineer to build the security foundation for Juicebox ... Hands-on experience with AWS infrastructure and security primitives (IAM, networking, RDS, etc.

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $330K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Take charge of application, cloud, network, and AI agent security. This includes performing secure ... Partner closely with engineering, product, and GRC to embed security throughout the software ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Network Security Engineer information

See California salary details

$20.7K

$123.3K

$164.8K

How much do entry level network security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level network security engineer in California is $123,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level network security engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Network Security Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, cybersecurity principles, and a relevant degree or certification such as CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA. Familiarity with firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) tools is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating security risks, and maintaining a robust network defense.

What does an entry level network security engineer do?

An Entry Level Network Security Engineer is responsible for helping to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from cyber threats. They assist with monitoring network activity, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Their duties often include configuring security software, responding to incidents, and supporting senior engineers with risk assessments. This role is ideal for those who are knowledgeable in networking basics and have a strong interest in cybersecurity.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level network security engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level network security engineers often face challenges such as quickly adapting to a fast-paced environment where new threats and vulnerabilities emerge regularly. They may also need to familiarize themselves with a variety of security tools and protocols, as well as company-specific network architectures. Collaborating effectively with more experienced team members and communicating technical information to non-technical colleagues can take time to master. However, these challenges are great learning opportunities and help build a strong foundation for career growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Network Security Engineer vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Network Security EngineerNetwork Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA SecurityCompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level roles may not require CISSP)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing security measures, and supporting network infrastructureMonitoring, analyzing security threats, and incident response
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, cybersecurity firms, telecom companiesFinancial institutions, government agencies, tech companies

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, an Entry Level Network Security Engineer primarily works on designing and implementing security solutions, whereas a Network Security Analyst monitors and analyzes security threats. The roles often overlap in certifications and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ, making each essential in a comprehensive security strategy.

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Security Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Network Security Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Network Security Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,312 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Network Engineer (Palo Alto)

Punch Agency

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Punch is a full service digital agency based out of New York, Silicon Valley, LA, Boston, Stockholm and Phuket, Thailand. Here at Punch, we take pride in tackling our clients' most challenging tasks. Founded by a group of former Google Engineers and now with over 75 staff, Punch is now leading the way in creating new cutting-edge technology.

We're looking for innovative thinkers with a hunger to expand their knowledge!
We are building a more technical world.Go ahead and check out some of our work here: www.punch-agency.com


Job Description


  • Adheres to service level agreements.
  • Analyzes, troubleshoots, and corrects network problems remotely and on-site.
  • Applies process improvement (CMMI) to increase product and service quality to achieve business objectives.
  • Assists with network security assessments for potential business partners.
  • Coaches less experienced IT professionals.
  • Designs and implements remote connectivity solutions including but not limited to IPSec VPN
  • Keeps abreast of trends and changing technologies as they relate to IT and Network Engineering and Information Security fields. Engages in continuous process improvement.
  • Maintains and administers perimeter security systems such as firewalls
  • Monitors security system logs and reports on discovered anomalies or problems
  • Performs analysis of network security needs and contributes to design, integration, and installation of hardware and software.
  • Provides Level II/III support for problem requests escalated by the ISD Help Desk or ISD Operations and coordinates with UPMC personnel and vendors to resolve issues.
  • Provides on-call support during both business and non-business hours as established and in accordance with company's Policies and Procedures.
  • Recognizes subtle problems with system design or performance and acts appropriately to improve the condition, seeking validation of actions in advance as appropriate.
  • Uses sniffers and other tools to troubleshoot and isolate network problems
Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • Professional certification in either vendor specific or industry standards in network or information security preferred.
  • Minimum of 3 years directly related work experience in network, security administration/ engineering.
  • Prior hands-on professional experience with Enterprise Class firewalls (Palo Alto Firewalls,Juniper Firewalls Cisco ASA), routers and network switchers. Linux experience is a plus.
  • Understand both network and application layer firewall technologies.
  • Apply knowledge to manage complex firewall policies that employ NAT, application layer gateways, and policy based VPNs.
  • Desired ability to manage Juniper firewalls and firewall policies using Juniper NSM central management software.
  • Understand tunnel mode and transport mode VPN technology.
  • Manage main mode and aggressive mode VPNs on a variety of hardware platforms.
  • Demonstrate a high level of understanding of the TCP/IP protocol (TCP and UDP).
  • Utilize various sniffer products to decode network traffic to solve complex application issues.
  • Demonstrate a high level functional understanding of network routing and switching technology for the purpose of solving connectivity problems in a firewalled environment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently on projects and prepare equipment for deployment in the corporate data centers and at remote locations.
  • Working knowledge of network security, intrusion detection systems, authentication mechanisms, encryption technologies, and networking protocols including SMTP, HTTP, DNS, TCP/IP, and SNMP.
  • Strong analytical, reasoning, and organizational skills are essential. Excellent verbal and written communications skills are essential.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with all levels of personnel both internally and externally; e.g. leadership, executives, clients, vendors, and agencies.
  • Ability to work in and constructively contribute to team work environment and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Attention to detail and follow through including the ability to document work. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information is essential.
Additional Information

We are a team of former Google Engineers and Designers based in Silicon Valley, New York and Phuket, Thailand.

All of our core engineers are paid in the $150,000 range or greater and we also provide our engineers the opportunity to work, all expenses paid, from our Phuket, Thailand office one month a year as a creative outlet to work and enjoy life to the fullest.

In this role you will work with some of the most exciting projects in the industry today with a team of fast moving engineers and designers who have a passion for building disruptive products.Â