Junior Network Security Engineer

Junior Network Security Engineer

The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) is the lead enterprise technology organization for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Charged with driving the ongoing alignment of business and technology across the Commonwealth's Executive Branch, EOTSS oversees and manages the enterprise technology, digital infrastructure and services, as well as the Commonwealth Security Operations Center and an enterprise Standard Operating Environment that includes an information security and risk management framework for over 125 state agencies and over 43,000 state employees. We directly serve our constituents by providing digital services and tools that enable taxpayers, drivers, businesses, visitors, families and other citizens to do business with the Commonwealth in a way that makes every interaction with government easier, faster, and more secure.

EOTSS is seeking to hire a Junior Network Security Engineer to join the EOTSS Network Security Engineering Team. The EOTSS Network Security Engineering Team provides reliable Authentication, DNS, Firewall, IDP/IDS, VPN and other Services and support to all Commonwealth of Massachusetts customers. The Security services provided by the team include firewall and security design, implementation, installation, and management. The Network Security Engineering Team is especially skilled in and specializes in complex configurations and the use of Visio for creating diagrams in support of the infrastructure. The team provides Tier Two support to the Network Operations and Security Operations Teams and routinely joins Major Incident conference bridges to help with troubleshooting incidents to resolution.

The Junior Network Security Engineer will actively contribute to day-to-day operations with a focus on enhancing network security and streamlining processes manually and by implementing automated processes when appropriate. The automation will focus on leveraging scripting and automation to strengthen network security posture and enhance operational efficiency. This analyst is integral to the security and reliability of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' network services, working under the guidance of senior security engineers to apply best practices across the infrastructure. The primary work location for this role will be at 200 Arlington Street, Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150. The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST. This position is expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days as needed. All offers of employment into this position are conditional and subject to passing: a Massachusetts Criminal Background Check (CORI); a security clearance (fingerprinting) consistent with IRS and/or public safety requirements; and security training.

Duties and Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Develop, test, and implement scripts (primarily using Python or similar languages) to automate routine network configuration, monitoring, and security-related tasks.
• Participate in various incidents and change management processes, providing analysis and troubleshooting assistance to resolve network and security-related issues. Routinely participate in Major Incident conference bridges.
• Assist in the configuration, deployment, and management of network security devices and policies (e.g., firewalls, access lists) under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Maintain and update comprehensive technical documentation and network diagrams (including Visio) to reflect the current network and security infrastructure.
• Work closely with Network & Security Analysts and Security Engineers on asset inventory reconciliation and security compliance checks.
• Provide Tier two support for network operations, security operations applying a growing understanding of network concepts and security best practices.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum of one (1) year of technical experience in programming, network administration, network security, or a closely related technical field.
• Foundational ability to read and write functional scripts, specifically in Python, for basic network configuration, data parsing, or routine task automation.
• Strong working knowledge of enterprise network concepts and topologies, including:
• Clear understanding of the TCP/IP protocol stack, network addressing, and basic subnetting.
• Working knowledge of Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).
• Basic familiarity with network monitoring tools and protocols (SNMP, NetFlow) used for performance management.
• Basic understanding of fundamental network security concepts, including the function of Firewalls, Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), and Access Control Lists (ACLs).
• Ability to use the Microsoft Office Suite and Office 365 collaboration tools for documentation and reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate technical issues, coupled with a strong customer service focus.
• Demonstrated capability for analytical thinking and a proactive approach to diagnosing and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Highly self-motivated, eager to learn new technologies quickly, and possess the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work efficiently under supervision.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have (A) at least one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in the field of information technology security, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. An Associate's degree in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.