Junior Network Security Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Network & Data Center Infrastructure Engineer to support the implementation, modernization, and ongoing operations of complex enterprise network environments. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Cisco and Fortinet networking technologies, data center infrastructure, cloud platforms, storage connectivity, disaster recovery planning, and network security operations. This role will be responsible for configuring, deploying, monitoring, and supporting mission-critical network infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and business continuity objectives. Job Duties: * Design, architect, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across data centers, cloud environments, and remote sites. * Lead planning and implementation of network upgrades, expansions, and modernization initiatives. * Manage core network components including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and WAN optimization systems. * Oversee data center infrastructure operations, including physical/virtual server environments, structured cabling, and hardware lifecycle management. * Ensure high availability, resiliency, and security of network and data center systems through robust monitoring, redundancy design, and proactive maintenance. * Develop and enforce network standards, policies, and configuration baselines to ensure consistency across environments. * Implement and optimize network segmentation, access control, and firewall rule sets aligned with organizational security requirements. * Troubleshoot complex network and infrastructure issues, performing root-cause analysis and developing long-term remediation plans. * Collaborate with cybersecurity teams on vulnerability assessments, incident response, and integration of security tools. * Lead infrastructure projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver on scope, schedule, and technical requirements. * Manage and maintain enterprise network services such as DNS, DHCP, VPN, MPLS/SD-WAN, and load balancing platforms. * Oversee virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V, etc.) and support hybrid cloud connectivity and integration. * Monitor network performance, capacity, and health using enterprise monitoring and logging systems; develop improvement recommendations. * Create and maintain documentation for network diagrams, data center layouts, configurations, and operational procedures. * Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers, fostering skill development and operational excellence within the team. Key Responsibilities: Network Infrastructure Deployment & Operations * Design, configure, implement, and support enterprise network infrastructure solutions. * Install, configure, and maintain Cisco and Fortinet network security platforms. * Support LAN, WAN, Data Center, and Cloud connectivity environments. * Configure and manage Cisco Catalyst and Nexus switching platforms. * Perform hardware installation, racking, cabling, and equipment replacement activities. * Monitor network performance and proactively identify operational risks. Network Security & Firewall Management * Configure and administer Fortinet Firewalls. * Manage Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) and Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) environments. * Implement security policies, access controls, and traffic segmentation. * Monitor intrusion attempts and investigate security events. * Recommend remediation actions for network threats and vulnerabilities. Data Center & Disaster Recovery Support * Support Data Center infrastructure, interoperability initiatives, and modernization programs. * Implement and maintain Disaster Recovery (DR), Business Continuity Planning (BCP), and Continuity of Government (COOP/COG) capabilities. * Ensure systems meet established recovery time and recovery point objectives (RTO/RPO) and business SLAs. * Participate in DR testing and failover validation activities. Cloud Infrastructure Support * Configure and support cloud networking environments in AWS and Azure. * Integrate on-premises infrastructure with cloud platforms. * Support hybrid network architectures and cloud security controls. * Assist with cloud migration and modernization initiatives. Storage & Converged Infrastructure * Support Cisco FlexPod infrastructure and storage connectivity solutions. * Configure and maintain SAN/NAS integrations and virtual storage environments. * Collaborate with infrastructure teams to ensure optimal storage performance and connectivity. Monitoring, Capacity Planning & Analytics * Monitor network utilization, availability, and performance metrics. * Provide infrastructure capacity forecasts and utilization reports. * Analyze network trends and recommend infrastructure improvements. * Develop operational documentation and standard operating procedures. Regulatory & Compliance Support * Follow all applicable regulatory, compliance, and security requirements. * Maintain documentation supporting audits and compliance reviews. * Adhere to confidentiality and conflict-of-interest requirements as mandated by the client environment. Physical & Operational Requirements * Ability to perform onsite hardware installation, racking, stacking, and cabling., Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds. * Availability to respond to hardware failures within required business SLAs. * Participation in after-hours maintenance windows and emergency support activities as required. * Ability to work onsite in data center environments. Required Qualifications: * Experience 5-10 + Years Preferred Qualifications & Skills: Enterprise Networking: Routing (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), switching (VLANs, STP, VTP), QoS, multicast, fabric architectures * Network Security: Firewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco ASA/FTD, Fortinet), IPS/IDS, ACLs, segmentation, VPN (IPSec/SSL), Zero Trust concepts * Data Center Infrastructure: Rack/stack, structured cabling, power/cooling management, UPS, physical security, redundancy design * Hardware Platforms: Cisco Nexus & Catalyst series, Juniper, Arista, HPE, Dell EMC, load balancers (F5, Citrix ADC) * Virtualization & Compute: VMware vSphere/ESXi, Hyper-V, virtual switches, clustering, resource management * Cloud & Hybrid Connectivity: AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute, cloud VPN gateways, hybrid routing architectures * SD-WAN & WAN Technologies: MPLS, DMVPN, SD-WAN (Cisco Viptela, Meraki, Fortinet), WAN optimization appliances * Storage & Backup Technologies: SAN/NAS, fiber channel, iSCSI, backup/restore operations, data replication * Scripting & Automation: Python, PowerShell, Bash, Ansible, automation frameworks for network provisioning and configuration * Monitoring & Observability: SolarWinds, Cisco Prime, Nagios, Zabbix, Splunk, ELK, NetFlow/sFlow analysis * Identity & Access Management: RADIUS/TACACS+, LDAP/AD integration, NAC solutions (Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass) * High Availability & DR: Clustering, failover design, redundancy strategies, DR planning and execution * Network Protocols & Services: DNS, DHCP, NTP, HTTP/HTTPS, SNMP, syslog, load balancing methodologies * Documentation & Architecture: Network diagrams, data center layouts, configuration baselines, runbooks Compensation: We provide a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a salary range of $100,000-$110,000 Belcan considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. www.belcan.com Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.