Senior Network Administrator (Defense)

TL;DR

Senior Network Administrator (Defense): Designing and maintaining mission-critical secure network infrastructure for defense applications with an accent on Palo Alto firewalls and Aruba networking solutions. Focus on network segmentation, zero-trust implementation, and ensuring strict compliance with DoD cybersecurity frameworks.

Location: Onsite in Hawthorne, California, United States

Salary: $130,000 - $190,000

Company

A defense technology company redefining modern defense through Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™) to empower warfighters and border protection teams.

What you will do

• Design, deploy, and maintain secure network architectures across classified and unclassified environments.
• Configure and manage Palo Alto Networks firewalls, including PAN-OS, Panorama, and GlobalProtect.
• Implement and support Aruba networking solutions covering switching, wireless, and ClearPass.
• Execute network segmentation, zero-trust implementation, and rigorous policy enforcement.
• Conduct vulnerability remediation and ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity frameworks such as RMF and STIGs.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, systems, and DevOps teams to integrate high-performance secure network solutions.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in network administration within enterprise or DoD environments.
• Hands-on expertise with Palo Alto Firewalls and Aruba Networks.
• Deep understanding of TCP/IP, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), VLANs, and VPNs.
• Experience operating in classified environments (SIPR/NIPR or equivalent).
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity standards including RMF and NIST 800-53.
• Active DoD Secret clearance (TS preferred).

Nice to have

• Palo Alto (PCNSE) or Aruba (ACMP, ACDX) certifications.
• Experience with network automation using Python and Ansible.
• Knowledge of cloud networking in AWS GovCloud or Azure Government.
• Experience with Zscaler ZIA/ZPA or SASE architectures.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company.
• 401k with 50% company match up to 6% of pay, plus FSA and HSA.
• Unlimited PTO and 'No meeting Fridays'.
• Free daily lunch and casual dress code.
• Competitive base salary and generous pre-IPO stock option grants.