ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Network Security Engineer Jobs in Washington

HDR

VCF Network Engineer 1

Vienna, VA · On-site

... network security and application delivery services. Responsibilities : • Support design ... • Entry-level or associate networking and virtualization certifications. • Exposure to ...

EAB

Security Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Security Engineer The Security Engineer will be a valued member of the EAB Information Security ... Review major network changes to ensure compliance with existing IT policies and reduce the overall ...

EAB

Security Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Security Engineer The Security Engineer will be a valued member of the EAB Information Security ... Review major network changes to ensure compliance with existing IT policies and reduce the overall ...

HDR

Platform Security Engineer 1

Vienna, VA · On-site

They are seeking a Platform Security Engineer 1 to implement and maintain security measures ... Preferred : • Exposure to VMware NSX, vDefend, or virtual networking/security concepts. • ...

Amazon

Security Engineer III - AMZ25957.4

Arlington, VA · On-site

$178K - $226K/yr

Must have 1 year of experience involving each of the following: (1) Security engineering and network technologies (PCAP or Netflow), Operating Systems and network security, common attack patterns and ...

Maximus

Junior Security Engineer

VA · On-site +1

The Junior Security Engineer supports 24x7 enterprise cybersecurity operations by monitoring ... network/security infrastructure. Job-Specific Minimum Requirements: - 1+ years of experience in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Network Security Engineer JobsEntry Level Network Security Engineer Jobs in Washington

Entry Level Network Security Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$23.8K

$141.5K

$189.1K

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

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level network security engineer in Washington is $141,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $162,000.00 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, and why are they important?

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 Washington? The most popular types of Network Security Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs in Washington? For Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Network Security Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington 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 Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,516 per year, or $68 per hour.
VCF Network Engineer 1

VCF Network Engineer 1

HDR

Vienna, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 356 rated engineering

Job description

Job Summary:
HDR is a company focused on creating a welcoming environment for its employee-owners. They are seeking a VCF Network Engineer 1 to support the design, implementation, and administration of NSX overlay networking across VCF environments, as well as manage network security and application delivery services.
Responsibilities:
• Support design, implementation, and day-to-day administration of NSX overlay networking across VCF environments.
• Implement approved micro-segmentation policies, distributed firewall rules, and network security changes.
• Configure and maintain application delivery services, including load balancing and virtual service constructs.
• Support operation of the physical data center network fabric, including spine/leaf, top-of-rack switching, and routing adjacencies.
• Assist with site-to-site VPN configuration and inter-data-center connectivity tasks.
• Participate in troubleshooting of routing, segmentation, and traffic flow issues across virtual and physical network layers.
• Follow established standards for network documentation, change control, operational readiness, and service handoff.
• Coordinate with platform, security, and operations teams to complete assigned work within approved architectures.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in enterprise networking, data center networking, or software-defined networking environments.
• Working knowledge of VMware NSX / NSX-T concepts, including logical switching, routing, and security policy constructs.
• Experience with core routing and switching fundamentals, including BGP and OSPF.
• Familiarity with spine-leaf architecture and top-of-rack switching concepts.
• Foundational knowledge of micro-segmentation, zero trust principles, and Layer 4–7 load balancing.
• Experience supporting production incident, change, and problem management processes.
Preferred:
• Experience with Avi Load Balancer or other enterprise load balancing technologies.
• Exposure to VCF platform concepts and lifecycle components.
• Entry-level or associate networking and virtualization certifications.
• Exposure to automation tooling such as Ansible, Terraform, or scripting for network operations.
• Familiarity with basic VPN technologies and encrypted site connectivity.
Company:
HDR is an employee-owned design firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. We’re ranked No. Founded in 1917, the company is headquartered in Omaha, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

View All HDR Jobs

Apply