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Network Security Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Network Security Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

The Lead Network Security Specialist will serve as Candescent's principal technical authority for securing our networked and cloud-connected environments. This role oversees the design ...

NY · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Stiamo cercando un / a Network Security Specialist da inserire nel nostro team di sicurezza IT. La persona selezionata sarà coinvolta nella progettazione, validazione e gestione delle soluzioni di ...

$110 - $140/hr

The Firewall and Network Security Specialist conducts a comprehensive review of NNPS firewall configuration, access policies, and IPS settings. The NNPS network spans two geographically diverse data ...

Senior Network Security Specialist

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$52.25 - $68.25/hr

Linde Inc. Senior Network Security Specialist Tonawanda, NY, or The Woodlands, TX, United States req28847 What you will enjoy doing* *This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. All ...

Network Security

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

This position calls for a strong network security specialist, despite being categorized under application security. The primary focus will be on network-side security, including: Must-Have Skills ...

Network Security

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

This position calls for a strong network security specialist, despite being categorized under application security. The primary focus will be on network-side security, including: Must-Have Skills ...

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Network Security Specialist information

See salary details

$37.5K

$80.1K

$115.5K

How much do network security specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for network security specialist in the United States is $80,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a network security specialist do?

A Network Security Specialist is responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks and systems from cyber threats and unauthorized access. They monitor network traffic, identify vulnerabilities, implement security measures such as firewalls and encryption, and respond to security breaches. Their duties also include developing security policies, conducting risk assessments, and keeping up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends and threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network security specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Network Security Specialist, you need expertise in network protocols, cybersecurity principles, and risk assessment, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, VPNs, and certifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, or CEH are commonly required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills set top professionals apart. These skills and qualifications are vital to proactively defend organizational networks against evolving security threats and ensure data integrity.

What are some common challenges network security specialists face when responding to security incidents?

Network Security Specialists often encounter challenges such as quickly identifying the source and scope of a security breach, coordinating with multiple teams to contain the threat, and balancing the need for immediate action with thorough investigation. They must also stay up-to-date with evolving attack methods and ensure all security protocols are followed under pressure. Effective communication and a calm, analytical approach are essential for successfully managing incident response and minimizing the impact on business operations.

What is the difference between Network Security Specialist vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectNetwork Security SpecialistCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, Cisco CCNA SecurityCompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC Security Certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on network infrastructure, firewalls, VPNsBroader security monitoring, incident response, threat analysis
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, telecom, finance, healthcareSecurity firms, government agencies, large corporations

While both roles focus on protecting digital assets, a Network Security Specialist primarily concentrates on securing network infrastructure and devices. In contrast, a Cybersecurity Analyst has a broader scope, including monitoring, analyzing threats, and responding to security incidents across systems. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Network Security Specialist jobs

What cities are hiring for Network Security Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Network Security Specialist job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Network Security Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Network Security Specialist jobs are:

What states have the most Network Security Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Network Security Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Network Security Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,093 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Network Security Specialist

Data Systems Analysts, Inc.

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description

Data Systems Analysts, Inc. (DSA) is seeking a TS/SCI cleared Network Security Specialist to secure, engineer, and defend enterprise network systems in a secure DoD environment. The Network Security Specialist will perform hands-on security configuration, boundary defense engineering, vulnerability remediation, and device hardening for Cisco based network infrastructure.

The Network Security Specialist will work closely with network engineers, cybersecurity staff, security administrators, and mission partners to ensure network systems remain secure, hardened, resilient, and operationally effective. This role is suited for a highly technical security professional with hands-on experience in Cisco network infrastructure, firewall management, ports and protocols, packet-level analysis, and active network defense.

This position is onsite in Charlottesville, VA.

Responsibilities

  • Configure and review firewall rules, access control lists, ports, protocols, services, VPN connections, network flows, and boundary protection controls.
  • Configure, validate, and audit security configurations for Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and related network infrastructure.
  • Support active network security operations, boundary defense engineering, and continuous hardening for enterprise network systems.
  • Support incident response activities by performing technical analysis of network related alerts, logs, firewall events, syslog data, and authentication events.
  • Support change control reviews by assessing proposed network changes for cybersecurity impacts, configuration vulnerabilities, and security architecture alignment.
  • Monitor network security posture through syslog alerts, configuration management tools, and packet-level analysis.
  • Conduct, analyze, and remediate vulnerability scans using ACAS, Tenable Nessus, STIG Viewer, and other approved DoD tools.
  • Analyze vulnerability findings, identify false positives, engineer technical workarounds, and execute remediation actions across network devices.
  • Implement and validate DISA STIG compliance, SCAP benchmarks, security baselines, and device hardening requirements.
  • Develop and maintain technical network security documentation including device hardening procedures, network diagrams, and Ports, Protocols, and Services (PPS) listings.
  • Support technical engineering assessments and security reviews to maintain authorization sustainment activities.
  • Prepare technical security status updates, vulnerability remediation roadmaps, and network security risk briefings for engineering teams and stakeholders.

Required Education, Certifications and Security Clearance

  • BS degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
    • Experience may be substituted for degree.
  • TS/SCI Clearance
  • DoD 8140 (8570) IAT Level II Certification
  • CCNA certification

Requirements Experience/Qualifications

  • Minimum 4 years of experience supporting network security engineering, secure network operations, boundary defense, or hands-on network administration.
  • Working knowledge of Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, Cisco ASA, Cisco Firepower, Cisco Secure Firewall, Cisco ISE, Catalyst, Nexus, ISR, or ASR platforms.
  • Working knowledge of routing, switching, VLANs, ACLs, firewall policies, ports, protocols, VPNs, IPsec, NAT, DNS, DHCP, subnetting, logging, and boundary protection.
  • Ability to design and review network diagrams, firewall rule sets, data flows, ports and protocols, and system interconnections for security vulnerabilities.
  • Demonstrated understanding of network hardening practices, secure protocols, network security architecture, and boundary defense concepts.
  • Experience coordinating with network engineers, systems administrators, security analysts, and mission partners to resolve technical security findings.
  • Hands on experience with ACAS, Tenable Nessus, STIG Viewer, SCAP, and network vulnerability remediation processes.
  • Experience applying, validating, or remediating vulnerability findings and DISA STIGs for network devices.
  • Experience developing or maintaining technical configuration standards, ports and protocols lists, network topology diagrams, and device configuration baselines.
  • Familiarity with applying and verifying security controls on network hardware to support technical authorization maintenance.
  • Experience supporting network security activities within the DoD, Intelligence Community, or other secure enterprise environment.
  • Knowledge of NIST SP 800-53 security controls (specifically Network/Access Control families), DISA Network Infrastructure STIGs, and secure network design practices.
  • Strong technical documentation, communication, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

  • Experience securing, assessing, and engineering Cisco ASA, Cisco Firepower, Cisco Secure Firewall, Cisco ISE, Catalyst, Nexus, ISR, or ASR platforms in a production environment.
  • Experience writing and auditing firewall rules, access control policies, route tables, network diagrams, ports and protocols, and VPN configurations.
  • Experience with Splunk, Elastic, ELK Stack, OpenSearch, SolarWinds, Wireshark, NetFlow, syslog, firewall logs, or other tools used to support monitoring and packet-level analysis.
  • Familiarity with network automation or scripting tools such as Ansible, Python, PowerShell, Terraform, or Cisco Catalyst Center to automate security baselines.
  • Familiarity with Zero Trust principles, micro-segmentation, identity-based access control, and modern DoD cybersecurity architecture.
  • CCNP, CCNP Security, Cisco CyberOps, or equivalent network security certification.
  • CISSP, CEH, PenTest+, CySA+, CASP+, SecurityX, or equivalent cybersecurity certification.
  • Knowledge of continuous monitoring, active threat hunting, and automated configuration compliance.

Applicable Military Backgrounds

  • Army: 17C, 25B, 25D, 25H, 255A, 255N, 255S
  • Navy: IT, ITS, ITN, ITR, CWT, 1820, 1880
  • Air Force: 1B4X1, 1D7X1, 1D7X1A, 1D7X5, 17D, 17S
  • Marine Corps: 0631, 0671, 0681, 1702, 1721
  • Space Force: 5C0X1, 17X
  • Coast Guard: IT, CMS, CMM, C5I

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