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Entry Level Network Security Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

FHR

- 4/9 Network Engineer

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is seeking a Network Engineer 2 to assist network and security team with network, security, server maintenance, and support for local area networks ...

ATG

Information System Security Engineer II

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... critical network centric solution to the warfighter. With a proven track record of technical ... System Security Engineer II (ISSE II) to support a Navy cybersecurity program. The selected ...

ATG

Information System Security Engineer II

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... critical network centric solution to the warfighter. With a proven track record of technical ... System Security Engineer II (ISSE II) to support a Navy cybersecurity program. The selected ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsNetwork Security Engineer JobsEntry Level Network Security Engineer JobsEntry Level Network Security Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Entry Level Network Security Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$21.1K

$125.2K

$167.4K

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level network security engineer in Pennsylvania is $125,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,800.00 and $143,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Pennsylvania?

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

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Entry Level Network Security Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Network Security Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,248 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Associate Network Security Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

What We Do:
Our team, within the Cyber Risk and Resilience Directorate researches, designs, and develops software tools for the collection, storage, and analysis of network data to provide security insights. We provide both the core network tools to facilitate this capability, and prototypes of new methods to present the data most effectively. We work with data at a scale generally not experienced by most organizations, handling record counts in the tens of billions per day.
Developing security insights at this scale requires creativity, efficiency, and contemporary knowledge of modern computing platforms. In some cases, the computing has outpaced the methods, and it is incumbent upon us to generate novel views of both the entire data collection, and of focused datasets tailored to specific analyst needs.
Our network situational awareness security tools are published here: ;br>
Position Summary:
As a network security researcher on the Network Situational Awareness team, you will research network threats to develop methods of detection and tailor these for partner environments. Transition of this research will take the form of developing detection capabilities, providing new requirements and feature requests for our NetSA Security tool suite, writing publications, and providing customer-specific training. The primary network data source for the team is netflow combined with application layer metadata, with an expanding focus on host-based (e.g., EDR) and cloud telemetry.
You will be responsible for gaining insights from data to facilitate detections, working with partners to help them to better understand their data and researching new data sources to expand the expertise of the team.
Requirements: (education/travel/background ONLY)
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a relevant technical discipline with three (3) years of relevant work experience; or a MS in Computer Science or a relevant technical discipline with one (1) year of relevant work experience; or a PhD in Computer Science or other relevant technical discipline.
  • Movement between buildings within the SEI and CMU community required.
  • Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI's overall mission. This may include national travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion.
  • You will be subject to a background check and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Exposure to translating threat intelligence to avenues for research, prototyping, and curation of detection capabilities.
Solid knowledge of network fundamentals, common application layer protocols, and network-based telemetry.
Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language such as Python, Go, Ruby, C, Java, or Scala.
Solid problem-solving and analytical skills, detailed research, and ability to document and communicate ideas and findings to diverse audience.
Desired Experience:
Hands-on experience in a security research, threat hunting, detection engineering, or SOC Analyst role.
Some experience analyzing network telemetry such as netflow, application metadata, or PCAP from network sensors such as YAF, Zeek, Suricata, etc;
Exposure to cybersecurity data science methods and practices
Awareness of open-source and / or commercial Internet intelligence telemetry and datasets
Awareness of the threat landscape and experience researching and investigating threats
Experience presenting technical topics
Location
Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
  • Statement of Assurance

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