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.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 30+ Network Security Engineer jobs











SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. NETWORK SECURITY ENGINEER
SpaceX is looking for a Sr. Network Security Engineer to design, implement, and operate security for SpaceX corporate and enterprise networks. This is hands-on network security work: designing and implementing segmentation, routing, and access controls; operating firewalls and related platforms such as Palo Alto, Check Point, Juniper, and Arista; and turning operational requirements into architectures that hold up in production. The ideal candidate will be flexible, excel at multi-tasking, and flourish in a fast-paced and challenging environment. This person should be a self-starter, self-motivator, and possess the ingenuity to excel in this position.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, implement, and support network security for corporate and enterprise environments.
- Configure and maintain network security controls, policies, and architectures based on operational requirements.
- Provide subject matter expertise on network security, firewalls, and industry best practices.
- Analyze operational needs that present security challenges and develop secure network solutions.
- Implement and maintain network segmentation, routing, and access controls.
- Partner with other SpaceX teams to determine functional needs, develop secure architectures, and communicate security best practices and policies.
- Serve as an escalation point for network security issues.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and 5+ years of network security experience; OR 8+ years of network security experience in lieu of a degree.
- 3+ years of experience securing networks, IT infrastructure, applications, endpoints, and/or APIs.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with network security technologies, including their operation and limitations.
- Firewalls (Palo Alto, Check Point, Juniper, and Arista).
- Experience designing and configuring eBGP fabrics, including large multi-path networks built from scratch.
- Switch/router ACLs.
- Network access control solutions.
- IPsec and TLS-based VPNs.
- Web application firewalls.
- Email security.
- Logging and alerting with SIEMs.
- Familiarity with networking protocols and the OSI model.
- Experience testing and implementing changes in a production environment.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- This role requires you to be onsite. Hybrid or remote work will not be considered.
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $165,000.00 - $280,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
See All 30 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



Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Automotive
- Law & Legal Services
- Technology & Software
- Banking & Financial Services
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 Apple, Palo Alto Networks, and Zoox, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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 Sunnyvale 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 64% of network security engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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 30 Network Security Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs