Network Engineer

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Hybrid Schedule: This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department.
• Salary: The hiring salary for ITS Engineer is $116,421-$124,570. The full pay range for ITS Engineer is $89,555-$143,288.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
• Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
• Application Deadline: March 25, 2026.

About the Job:

The Information & Technology Services department is looking for a Network Engineer with a hands-on focus on supporting and evolving the enterprise network infrastructure at San Diego International Airport. This role is a growth-oriented engineering opportunity for someone who is ready to expand their experience in routing, switching, wireless, security, and data center technologies within a complex, high-availability environment.

Working closely with senior engineers, this position will support ongoing network modernization efforts, including wireless upgrades within Terminal 2 and infrastructure buildouts aligned with Terminal 1 Phase 1B construction. The role partners across technical teams to ensure new and existing environments are designed, implemented, and supported with reliability, performance, and security in mind.

The ideal candidate is technically curious, methodical in troubleshooting, and motivated to understand systems holistically; working in a highly hands-on position with daily exposure to servers, network devices, firewalls, and monitoring tools. They value clear documentation, communicate effectively with teammates and stakeholders, and are eager to grow into broader engineering responsibilities over time.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to critical infrastructure in an operational airport environment where reliability, security, and thoughtful design matter. While cranes and concrete shape what passengers see, the Network Engineer will help build the invisible infrastructure that powers every connection, transaction, and operational system across the airport campus.

What You’ll Do:

• Network Implementation & Support: Configure, implement, and maintain enterprise routing, switching, wireless, firewall, VOIP and VPN technologies within a Cisco-based environment.
• Infrastructure Modernization: Support wireless upgrades in Terminal 2 and contribute to network design and buildout efforts for Terminal 1 Phase 1B and other construction projects.
• Cisco DNAC Operations: Configure and manage wired and wireless network infrastructure through Cisco Catalyst Center (fka DNAC) supporting network policy, access control, and operational monitoring within a Software Defined Access environment.
• Data Center & Security Systems: Assist in supporting Cisco ACI, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Secure Firewall technologies, and related monitoring and analytics platforms.
• Operational Monitoring & Performance: Monitor network health and availability; analyze capacity and performance; apply patches, firmware updates, and configuration improvements to maintain uptime.
• Troubleshooting & Incident Resolution: Diagnose and resolve routine to complex network issues; perform root cause analysis and collaborate with stakeholders to restore service efficiently.
• Documentation & Standards: Develop and maintain network diagrams, architecture documentation, and standard operating procedures to support operational continuity.
• Project Coordination: Partner with senior engineers, vendors, and internal teams to review designs, implement changes, and support infrastructure lifecycle initiatives.
• Disaster Recovery & Compliance: Participate in contingency planning, vulnerability assessments, and security audits to ensure resilient and secure infrastructure. Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to support critical network operations.
• Operational Driving*: Frequently drives of an Airport Authority vehicle on airfield to access sterile areas along with other secure facilities on our campus.

The Skills You Need:

1. Analytical Problem Solving— Evaluates complex technical issues, researches root causes, and applies sound judgment to implement effective, sustainable solutions.
2. Communication— Clearly documents technical designs and procedures and communicates effectively with engineers, stakeholders, and vendors.
3. Technical Judgment— Exercises discretion in change management, system configuration, and security practices within a high-availability environment.
4. Collaboration— Works effectively with cross-functional teams while taking ownership of assigned responsibilities and deliverables.
5. Project Execution— Contributes to infrastructure projects by prioritizing tasks, coordinating with stakeholders, and delivering work within established timelines.
6. Technical Proficiency— Demonstrates knowledge of enterprise networking principles across wired, wireless, and wide-area environments

Technology Environment

• Cisco DNAC
• Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE)
• 802.1x Authentication
• ASA and FTD
• Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC)
• Cisco ACI Data Center

About the Team:

Information & Technology Services (I&TS) is a mission‑driven, campus‑wide team that enables the Airport Authority’s operations through reliable, secure, and forward‑looking technology. I&TS supports critical business applications used by staff, maintains passenger‑facing systems such as flight information displays and paging, and designs, operates, and secures the infrastructure that connects the entire airport campus. Our team is responsible for system access, data storage, cybersecurity, and operational continuity—ensuring technology is available when and where it matters most.

We foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement, working closely with departments across the campus to deliver solutions that keep the airport running safely, efficiently, and securely.

The Network team designs, operates, and secures the enterprise‑grade wired and wireless networks that serve as the digital backbone of San Diego International Airport. The team is responsible for ensuring reliable, resilient connectivity that supports airport operations, tenants, airlines, and passenger-facing throughout campus and capital projects of all scales. With a strong focus on availability, security, and performance, the Network team plays a direct role in enabling safe, efficient, and seamless experience for passengers, tenants, airlines, and staff campus‑wide.

Requirements

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in Information Technology and associated systems, networking, or security systems, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in computer science, management information systems, or a closely related field.
• Completion of the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification may substitute for 2-years of the educational requirement.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise or Security, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+ or Security+, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Solutions Architect – Associate, or Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate

*Driving is an Essential Function

This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role. 

**Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don’t—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.