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Junior Network Security Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

DevSecOps Engineer

Peterson, IA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Security+ CE Certification or IAT Level II Certification Nice If You Have: * 10+ years of ... Experience mentoring or guiding junior DevSecOps or DevOps engineers * Experience optimizing or ...

Sr Network Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for the advanced design, implementation, optimization ... Collaborate with security, systems, OT, cloud, and application teams to implement secure, compliant ...

Sr Network Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$117K - $146K/yr

The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for the advanced design, implementation, optimization ... Collaborate with security, systems, OT, cloud, and application teams to implement secure, compliant ...

Showing results 41-60

Junior Network Security Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$31.5K

$61.2K

$87.4K

How much do junior network security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior network security engineer in Iowa is $61,180.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior network security engineer?

Junior Network Security Engineers are entry-level professionals who help protect an organization's computer networks and systems from cyber threats and unauthorized access. They typically assist with monitoring network traffic, responding to security incidents, and implementing security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, they also help conduct vulnerability assessments and maintain security documentation. This role is ideal for individuals with a foundational knowledge of networking and cybersecurity principles who are looking to gain hands-on experience in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior network security engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Network Security Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, security concepts, 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 effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying vulnerabilities and collaborating with IT teams. These skills and qualities are essential to proactively safeguard organizational data and support a secure IT infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by junior network security engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Junior Network Security Engineers often encounter challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving security threats, understanding complex network architectures, and efficiently responding to security incidents. To overcome these, it's important to engage in continuous learning through certifications, mentorship, and hands-on practice with real-world scenarios. Collaborating closely with senior engineers and participating in team knowledge-sharing sessions can also accelerate skill development and confidence in handling security tasks.

What is the difference between Junior Network Security Engineer vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectJunior Network Security EngineerNetwork Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA SecurityCompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level roles)
Work EnvironmentHands-on network security setup, configuration, and troubleshootingMonitoring, analyzing security data, and incident response
Employer UsageIT departments, cybersecurity firms, network providersSecurity teams, IT departments, consulting firms

Junior Network Security Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining security infrastructure, while Network Security Analysts primarily monitor and analyze security threats. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same environments, but their daily tasks differ in hands-on configuration versus analysis and incident response.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Junior Network Security Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Junior Network Security Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Network Security Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Network Security Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Junior Network Security Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Junior Network Security Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Network Security Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,180 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Network Engineer III - Full Time

The Iowa Clinic

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


The Iowa Clinic rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
The Network Engineer III is the senior technical lead responsible for the design, optimization, security, and reliability of the organization's network infrastructure. This role provides expertise across routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, telephony, WAN, and cloud-connected environments while leading complex projects and supporting critical business and clinical operations. The Network Engineer III serves as the primary escalation point for network issues, drives infrastructure strategy, mentors team members, and ensures network services remain secure, resilient, and aligned with organizational goals.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, implementation, and support of enterprise network infrastructure, including routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, WAN, telephony, and cloud-connected environments.
  • Serve as the highest-level escalation point for complex network issues, driving root cause analysis and long-term solutions to improve reliability and performance.
  • Develop and maintain network architecture standards, security controls, and infrastructure roadmaps that support organizational growth and compliance requirements.
  • Manage and optimize Palo Alto firewall, wireless, SD-WAN, and network monitoring platforms to ensure secure and efficient operations.
  • Lead network modernization initiatives, technology evaluations, and infrastructure projects from planning and design through deployment and support.
  • Partner with Information Security and IT leadership on segmentation, Zero Trust initiatives, compliance requirements, and risk management.
  • Drive network automation and operational efficiency through scripting, orchestration, and integration with enterprise management platforms.
  • Mentor and develop network team members, provide technical leadership, and contribute to team training, knowledge sharing, and hiring activities.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, standards, and executive-level reporting related to network performance, availability, and strategic initiatives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • Cisco CCNP certification or equivalent experience required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of network engineering experience, including 3+ years in a senior, lead, or architect-level role.
  • Healthcare or other regulated industry experience strongly preferred.
  • Advanced knowledge of enterprise networking technologies, including routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, SD-WAN, VoIP, network automation, and security architecture.
  • Experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls, Python/Ansible automation, network segmentation, and compliance frameworks such as HIPAA and PCI DSS.

Preferred
  • PCNSE or other advanced networking, security, wireless, or automation certifications.
  • Experience with healthcare network environments, clinical systems integration, facility build-outs, or data center modernization initiatives.
  • Hands-on experience with SD-WAN, Zero Trust architecture, NAC, network automation programs, and cloud telephony migrations.
  • Proven ability to present technical strategies, risk assessments, and investment recommendations to leadership teams.

What's in It for You?
  • Competitive pay and one of the best 401(k) programs in Central Iowa, including employer match and profit sharing
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Wellness program with up to $350 annually in incentives
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities
  • Employee rewards and recognition programs
  • Volunteer opportunities to give back to the community
  • Fun employee events, team celebrations, and clinic-wide activities throughout the year
  • Open communication, employee feedback opportunities, and a collaborative culture

Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this opportunity with them!

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