Senior Network Security Engineer

Valar Atomics is seeking a hands-on Senior Network Security Engineer to design, implement, and maintain our enterprise network security infrastructure. This role focuses heavily on Palo Alto Networks firewall administration, secure remote access via GlobalProtect VPN, cloud connectivity across Azure and AWS, and network access control for wired, wireless, and IoT devices. The ideal candidate combines deep firewall /routing expertise with practical experience securing endpoints, cameras, and IoT devices through certificate-based (TLS/802.1X) authentication. This position is fully on-site at our Torrance, CA location. Relocation assistance is not available.

• Proven hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls (policy creation, NAT, routing, troubleshooting)
• Experience configuring and supporting GlobalProtect VPN
• Experience building site-to-site VPN tunnels with Azure and AWS
• Working knowledge of 802.1X authentication (wired/wireless) and certificate-based network access
• Experience with Ruckus switch configuration and routing
• Strong understanding of enterprise routing concepts (static routing, VLANs, inter-VLAN routing)
• Solid troubleshooting skills across firewall, VPN, and switching layers
• Performed root-cause analysis on wireless access point failures, adjusted AP placement and power/range settings to optimize coverage, and resolved intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
• Skilled in wireless access point diagnostics, RF coverage tuning, and troubleshooting client connectivity and signal degradation issues.
• Experience with Prisma Access and/or Prisma Cloud
• Experience with CMMC2
• Prior military service in US Airforce or Navy , particularly in communications, networking, cybersecurity, IT, or other technical fields, is highly valued. Relevant military training and operational experience will be considered alongside civilian industry experience.
• Experience with Palo Alto CASB
• Experience with EZPKI / EZRadius or similar Azure-based SaaS RADIUS/PKI/TLS certificate services
• Experience deploying TLS/802.1X authentication for IoT devices and IP cameras
• Relevant certifications such as PCNSE (Palo Alto Certified Network Security Engineer), CCNP\CCNP Security, or similar
• Light automation such ansible, Terraform, Saltstack

• Competitive base salary
• Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
• Comprehensive medical benefits
• Unlimited PTO
• Free daily lunch provided onsite
• Generous PPE stipend
• High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
• Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
• Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
• The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up