Network Security Engineer Jobs in California
Network Security Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, defense contracting, financial services, and healthcare, with openings at every level from entry-level analyst to senior architect. The largest hiring metros are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where established employers such as Cisco Systems, Northrop Grumman, and Kaiser Permanente maintain significant security engineering teams. The most in-demand specialties across the state include cloud security, zero-trust architecture, and security operations center engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 49+ Network Security Engineer jobs
INTRODUCTION
Meta is seeking a Network Security Engineer to help protect and harden the global network infrastructure that underpins Meta's family of products and services. In this role, you will drive the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of security controls across Meta's large-scale network fabric, including edge, core, and data center environments. You will partner with network engineering, security operations, and product teams to identify vulnerabilities, define security architecture standards, and lead initiatives that reduce risk across the network infrastructure stack. This is a high-impact, technically deep role for an engineer who can operate at the intersection of network engineering and offensive and defensive security at global scale.
Network Security Engineer, Infrastructure Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and implementation of network security architectures across edge, core, and data center infrastructure, including firewall policy frameworks, access control systems, and traffic inspection pipelines
- Identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in network infrastructure through threat modeling, security assessments, and proactive risk analysis of routing protocols, switching fabrics, and network services
- Define and drive adoption of network security standards, hardening guidelines, and secure configuration baselines across the infrastructure organization
- Develop and maintain detection and monitoring capabilities for network-layer threats, including anomaly detection, traffic analysis, and intrusion detection systems at scale
- Lead incident response efforts for network security events, conducting root cause analysis and driving systemic improvements to prevent recurrence
- Collaborate with network engineering, security operations, and infrastructure teams to integrate security controls into network provisioning, automation, and change management workflows
- Leverage AI-assisted tooling and automation to accelerate security analysis, reduce manual toil in threat detection pipelines, and improve the scalability of security operations
- Establish service level objectives and reliability posture for network security systems, including dashboards, alerting, and runbooks to reduce mean time to mitigation during incidents
- Mentor other engineers on network security principles, threat modeling methodologies, and secure design patterns, and contribute to recruiting and onboarding programs
- Communicate security risk, architectural trade-offs, and remediation strategies clearly to engineering leaders and cross-functional stakeholders through written proposals and design reviews
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- 8+ years of experience in network security engineering, network infrastructure security, or a closely related security discipline
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
- Track record of building network security telemetry pipelines and applying data-driven analysis to prioritize and validate security improvements
- Experience designing and implementing security controls for large-scale network environments, including firewalls, access control lists, network segmentation, and traffic inspection systems
- Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
- Experience defining and operating security controls in software-defined networking or cloud-native network environments at hyperscale
- Experience building or operating network security monitoring, anomaly detection, or intrusion detection systems at scale
- Experience leading multi-team technical initiatives, including driving cross-functional alignment, managing dependencies, and delivering measurable security outcomes
- Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
- Experience with network security automation, including programmatic configuration management, policy-as-code frameworks, or security orchestration tooling in large-scale infrastructure environments
- Experience conducting threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, or security architecture reviews for network infrastructure components such as routers, switches, load balancers, or BGP/OSPF routing systems
- Familiarity with offensive network security techniques such as network penetration testing, protocol fuzzing, or adversarial traffic analysis used to validate defensive controls
ABOUT META:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- $184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
INTRODUCTION
Meta is seeking a Network Security Engineer to help protect and harden the global network infrastructure that underpins Meta's family of products and services. In this role, you will drive the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of security controls across Meta's large-scale network fabric, including edge, core, and data center environments. You will partner with network engineering, security operations, and product teams to identify vulnerabilities, define security architecture standards, and lead initiatives that reduce risk across the network infrastructure stack. This is a high-impact, technically deep role for an engineer who can operate at the intersection of network engineering and offensive and defensive security at global scale.
Network Security Engineer, Infrastructure Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and implementation of network security architectures across edge, core, and data center infrastructure, including firewall policy frameworks, access control systems, and traffic inspection pipelines
- Identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in network infrastructure through threat modeling, security assessments, and proactive risk analysis of routing protocols, switching fabrics, and network services
- Define and drive adoption of network security standards, hardening guidelines, and secure configuration baselines across the infrastructure organization
- Develop and maintain detection and monitoring capabilities for network-layer threats, including anomaly detection, traffic analysis, and intrusion detection systems at scale
- Lead incident response efforts for network security events, conducting root cause analysis and driving systemic improvements to prevent recurrence
- Collaborate with network engineering, security operations, and infrastructure teams to integrate security controls into network provisioning, automation, and change management workflows
- Leverage AI-assisted tooling and automation to accelerate security analysis, reduce manual toil in threat detection pipelines, and improve the scalability of security operations
- Establish service level objectives and reliability posture for network security systems, including dashboards, alerting, and runbooks to reduce mean time to mitigation during incidents
- Mentor other engineers on network security principles, threat modeling methodologies, and secure design patterns, and contribute to recruiting and onboarding programs
- Communicate security risk, architectural trade-offs, and remediation strategies clearly to engineering leaders and cross-functional stakeholders through written proposals and design reviews
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- 8+ years of experience in network security engineering, network infrastructure security, or a closely related security discipline
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
- Track record of building network security telemetry pipelines and applying data-driven analysis to prioritize and validate security improvements
- Experience designing and implementing security controls for large-scale network environments, including firewalls, access control lists, network segmentation, and traffic inspection systems
- Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
- Experience defining and operating security controls in software-defined networking or cloud-native network environments at hyperscale
- Experience building or operating network security monitoring, anomaly detection, or intrusion detection systems at scale
- Experience leading multi-team technical initiatives, including driving cross-functional alignment, managing dependencies, and delivering measurable security outcomes
- Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
- Experience with network security automation, including programmatic configuration management, policy-as-code frameworks, or security orchestration tooling in large-scale infrastructure environments
- Experience conducting threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, or security architecture reviews for network infrastructure components such as routers, switches, load balancers, or BGP/OSPF routing systems
- Familiarity with offensive network security techniques such as network penetration testing, protocol fuzzing, or adversarial traffic analysis used to validate defensive controls
ABOUT META:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- $184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
See All 49 Network Security Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsNetwork Security Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Network Security Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Palo Alto Networks23
- SiTime4
- Apple2
- Etched2
- Mattel2
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software26
- Agriculture & Farming15
- Electronics & Hardware9
- Manufacturing3
- Automotive1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in network security engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related technical field
- Active certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ are widely required
- Hands-on experience with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and SIEM platforms
- Proficiency in network protocols and experience securing cloud environments on AWS or Azure
- Experience conducting vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, or incident response
- Familiarity with California Consumer Privacy Act compliance and data protection standards
Network Security Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a network security engineer in California?
Most network security engineers in California start with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity, then build toward industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CompTIA Security+. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers here consistently expect hands-on lab experience and demonstrated familiarity with cloud security frameworks. Many candidates build their footing through internships at Bay Area technology firms or defense contractors in San Diego before moving into full engineer roles.
How much do network security engineers make in California?
Network security engineers in California earn a median of about $138,570 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $66,070 for the lowest 10% to over $221,000 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire network security engineers in California?
Employers hiring network security engineers in California right now include Palo Alto Networks, SiTime, and Apple, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of major technology headquarters, federal defense contractors, and large health systems means sustained, year-round demand for network security talent across the state.
Which California cities have the most network security engineer jobs?
Santa Clara, San Jose, and El Segundo have the most network security engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its dense concentration of technology headquarters and cloud infrastructure companies, while Los Angeles draws demand from media, finance, and aerospace firms, and San Diego's strong defense and biotech sectors anchor consistent hiring in that metro.
Are there remote network security engineer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most technical fields, since a significant portion of network security work involves managing systems and analyzing data that can be done remotely. About 24% of network security engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the role's strong desk and analytical component. Positions focused on cloud security and security operations tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while roles requiring hands-on hardware or on-site government clearance work are typically in person.
How can I get hired as a network security engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a junior security analyst or IT support role at a California technology company or managed security service provider, which gives you direct exposure to the tools and environments employers expect. Large California employers such as Cisco and Kaiser Permanente run structured internship and new-graduate programs that feed into security teams. Building a home lab, earning CompTIA Security+ or Network+, and completing a California community college cybersecurity certificate will strengthen any application without requiring prior professional experience.
Where can I find and apply to network security engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to network security engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings for roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 49 Network Security Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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