Lead Network Systems Engineer

Salary : $102,930.24 - $153,100.20 Annually
Location : City of Escondido, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 03758
Department: Information Systems
Division: Network & System Administration
Opening Date: 05/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Summary
Please note: This position will be required to work on site. Remote work is not an option.
This position is open until filled; a pplications will be reviewed as they are received. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.
If working with these technologies excites you, consider applying as a Lead Network Systems Engineer and start your journey to further your career at the City of Escondido, where we leverage today's technology to improve the quality of life for our residents. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Key Knowledge Areas:

1. Advanced Network Infrastructure Design and Management (LAN/WAN/Fiber/Wireless P2P/Cellular/Etc.)
2. Microsoft Enterprise Site with M365/E5 Security Licensing/Exchange Hybrid Administration
3. Active Directory and Azure AD Management
4. IT Security Practices and Compliance (DOJ/CJIS, PCI DSS, NCUA Standards)
5. High-Availability Infrastructure Management (VMware/vxRail, Hyper-V)
6. ITIL Framework/Service Desk Management with Freshservice
7. Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
8. Open Data and Integrations via API

Under direction, leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for providing support in the development, installation, implementation, testing, evaluation, and administration of the City's local and wide area networks; installs, configures, test and supports a variety of network components and devices; performs preventative maintenance on network segments and components; provides liaison and technical assistance to Network Systems Engineer, Network Systems Technicians and end users; installs and troubleshoots advanced and complex software and hardware configurations; and consults with department representatives to determine hardware/software requirements and develops specifications; and performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

Key Responsibilities


The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Leads, plans, trains, and reviews the work of staff responsible for providing support in the development, installation, implementation, testing, evaluation, and administration of the City's local and wide area networks.

Trains assigned employees in their areas of work including network systems methods, procedures, and techniques.

Verifies the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications; ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Installs and configures complex network hardware, software and peripheral equipment; troubleshoots, diagnoses, and resolves server and networked devices hardware and software problems.

Oversees and participates in installing and maintaining network components including routers, switches, bridges, hubs, digital service unit/channel service unit, and other network equipment and software.

Oversees and participates in investigating, analyzing and resolving complex network-related problems; resolves compatibility problems across City networks; troubleshoots network failures, router problems and telecommunications problems; recommends and implements changes and improvements.

Evaluates network protocols, hardware and software to determine their applicability to City network needs; recommends and implements changes and improvements.

Monitors network security and performance; identifies unauthorized access and potential security risks; participates in projects to enhance network security operations.

Provides support to network server administrative and maintenance operations; performs back-ups; installs and configures software; installs networked equipment including printers.

Provides advanced desktop support to clients; installs and configures hardware and software, operating systems and peripherals; troubleshoots, diagnoses and resolves complex hardware and software problems.

Performs technical writing duties in the development and production of system documentation, instructional and procedural manuals.

Researches and recommends the purchase of computer related equipment and peripherals; orders equipment and software as necessary.

Collaborates with customers to determine the best hardware and software for departmental technology projects.

Performs complex system-wide or network-wide audits, and generates reports that include system performance, recommended changes, and any other possible data of interest, such as system security.

Assists other departments in designing, and possibly authoring the documents/programs; customizes installed software to the specific requirements of a department.

Develops network and system topology maps that assist other staff members in the department or organization to understand the relationships between systems.

Works with other positions in the department to learn the day-to-day operation of all systems.

Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

Estimates time, materials, and equipment required for jobs assigned; requisitions materials as required.

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive local and wide area network program.
Principles of lead supervision and training.
Advanced principles and practices of network system design, installation and maintenance.
Advanced principles of hardware and software configuration and installation.
All operating systems that are in use within the entire organization including but not limited to Windows Desktop, Windows Server, Microsoft HyperV, and Apple IOS.
All aspects of configuring and maintaining system security, network security, and site security for information systems.
All available Wide Area Networking technologies currently in use within the organization, including installation and maintenance of routers, switches, access points, wireless LAN equipment and firewalls.
Local Area Networking, including maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting techniques, especially dealing with the TCP/IP protocol and services, and managing a large diversified environment using TCP/IP.
Advanced methods and techniques of troubleshooting hardware and software problems.
Cabling protocols, hardware and software.
Technical specifications, standard performance, and possible configuration options for all common components and peripherals.
Distributed database installation, structuring, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
The Internet, HTML, and CGI scripting, as well as desktop publishing or user interface design.
The national telecommunications infrastructure and ability to work through problems with telecommunications provider to correctly diagnose problems, troubleshoot, and expedite orders, and minimize downtime.
Principles of customer service.
Pertinent federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations.

Ability to:
Lead, organize, and review the work of staff.
Independently perform the most difficult network systems tasks.
Interpret, explain, and enforce department policies and procedures.
Evaluate complex hardware and software requirements.
Implement complex hardware and software changes and enhancements.
Analyze, troubleshoot and resolve highly technical networking issues.
Install, configure, troubleshoot and/or repair complex hardware and software problems.
Respond to requests and inquiries from network users and provide assistance as needed.
Be adaptive towards new systems and technology that may be implemented in the organization.
Understand the complex relationships between different components in a networked environment.
Analyze and define problems and conceptualize feasible solutions, and present all practical solutions in a concise format to non-technical users.
Develop and revise complex computer programs.
Document and diagram existing code.
Coordinate meetings for product/project demonstrations for the managers of a department and other members of the Information Systems staff.
Evaluate existing systems and recommend possible enhancements to systems or network components.
Make the necessary changes to any computer component within the organization.
Lead and coordinate the activities of a computer user group.
Train other employees on either a one-on-one basis, or in a group.
Understand the complex relationships between various components of a distributed system.
Understand the consequences of changes on individual systems with respect to the entire organizational system.
Coordinate with other staff members to meet deadlines while minimizing downtime.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements
General Qualifications for Employment
All positions provide technical assistance and support to system users in the police department. This position requires an applicants who demonstrates the honesty and ethical character traits expected of civilian personnel working with law enforcement. Applicants must successfully pass the police department background investigation, including review of local, state and national criminal records, personal history interview, references and employment checks, and a polygraph examination.

Education/Training:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, information systems or a related field

Experience:
Four years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible network administration experience including two years (full-time equivalent) of experience at a level comparable to a Network Systems Engineer with the City. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Supplemental Information
NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.


SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.


VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.


ABOUT OUR CITY
The is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request
The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the
01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The questions are specific to the position and the information you provide will be reviewed and used to further evaluate your experience and education to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do not answer "see resume" or " see application" as these are not valid answers. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from the information included in the Work Experience and Education sections of your application?

• Yes
• No

02


Please select the level of education you possess for the Lead Network Systems Engineer position.

• Less than High School
• High School diploma or equivalent
• AA degree or Technical School
• BA degree in a non-related field
• BA degree or higher with major course work in computer science, information systems or a related field

03


Please select the level of experience that you possess for the Lead Network Systems Engineer position.

• None
• 1 to 3 years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible network administration experience
• 4 to 7 years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible network administration experience
• 8 plus years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible network administration experience

04


List your employers, job title(s), duration, and the primary technologies you were responsible for that support your qualifications for this position.
05


Do you possess any certifications? If yes, please list below and also attach a copy to the application.
06


Do you have current experience with Wireless networks (Point to Point LAN/WAN)? If yes, please list the products you have used.
07


Do you currently support M365 and Azure AD? Do you possess experience with Backups? If yes, please list the brand and version.
08


Briefly describe your experience with virtual environments on prem and cloud.
09


Describe your experience with Microsoft MECM/SCCM or other end point management products.
10


Do you possess experience with VOIP phone systems and network infrastructure? If yes, please describe the environment and your responsibilities supporting the environment.
11


List brands and models of firewalls, switches, and other layer 2/3 devices you have high level experience deploying and supporting.
12


Since this position will, at times, be required to complete work at the Police & Fire Facility, I acknowledge that prior to being hired I must successfully complete and pass a thorough police background investigation of relevant personal and professional history, including a polygraph examination.

• Yes
• No

Required Question