Senior Network Security Engineer

About Valar Atomics

At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.

The Team

As part of the Business organization, IT & Enterprise Software delivers the technology infrastructure, enterprise applications, and digital tools that power Valar's operations. The team ensures secure, reliable, and scalable technology solutions that support every function across the company.

The Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

Firewall & Network Security

Configure and manage Palo Alto Networks firewall security policies, NAT rules, and threat prevention profiles

Design and implement Palo Alto Firewall routing (static, dynamic, and policy-based routing)

Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize firewall performance and rule sets

VPN & Cloud Connectivity

Build, configure, and maintain GlobalProtect VPN for secure remote access

Create and manage site-to-site VPN tunnels between on-premises infrastructure and Azure and AWS environments

Troubleshoot VPN connectivity, tunnel stability, and routing issues across hybrid cloud environments

Identity, Certificates & Access Control

Integrate and manage EZPKI and EZRadius (Azure-based SaaS RADIUS and SaaS TLS/PKI services) for certificate-based network authentication

Deploy and support TLS-based 802.1X authentication for IP cameras and other IoT devices

Configure 802.1X network access control policies across wired and wireless infrastructure

Integrate and manage AWS CA and AWS PKI infrastructure

Switching & LAN Infrastructure

Configure and maintain routing on Ruckus switches

Support VLAN segmentation, inter-VLAN routing, and network access policies for IoT and camera device segments

Cross-Functional / Nice-to-Have

Support Prisma (Prisma Access / Prisma Cloud) initiatives as needed

Support Palo Alto CASB deployment and policy configuration as needed

Basic Qualifications

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.

Preferred Skills and Experience

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

What Success Looks Like

Firewall policies and routing are well-organized, documented, and optimized for security and performance

GlobalProtect VPN provides reliable, secure remote access for all authorized users

Site-to-site tunnels to Azure and AWS are stable and properly monitored

Certificate-based authentication (EZPKI/EZRadius) is integrated smoothly with minimal access disruptions

IoT devices and cameras are securely onboarded via 802.1X/TLS with minimal friction

Ruckus switch routing is stable and correctly segmented across the network

What We Offer

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Salary $160,000 — $180,000 USD