DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Technology Services (DTS)
1400 West Washington, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $83,500 - $93,579 

Grade: 26

Closing Date: November 24, 2025

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here  to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Name of Division, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as a Firewall Engineer. This critical position’s main focus is protecting the organization's network from evolving cyber threats. This position designs, builds, and maintains the agency's advanced information security infrastructure, ensuring a robust defense across on-premises and cloud platforms. The Firewall Engineer is responsible for the full life-cycle management of security tools, including Cisco and Azure firewalls, Zscaler Private Access (ZPA), VPNs, intrusion prevention systems, and network monitoring platforms. This is a high-impact role that can expertly configure, test, and administer a wide array of network security technologies.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the department's needs and continual meetings of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operation of information Security hardware and software (tools) to secure the network from external threats and protect information within the network from unauthorized disclosure.
• These tools include network access control, encryption, virtual private networks, secure desktop as a service, anti-virus, malware protection, vulnerability assessment, intrusion protection, perimeter protection, data loss prevention, and web filtering.
• Provide engineering support to the policy team and the change management process.
• Respond to reports of network threats and engineer solutions to prevent future threats. Whitelist/Blacklisting of IPs at a moments notice.

Knowledge of:

• Network firewalls standards: IPS/IDS, Access Control Solutions, NAT, SSL, VPN, IPSec, TCP/IP, DNS and their roles in security architecture
• Networking systems and technologies including routing and switching
• Zscaler (ZPA/ZDX or ZIA). Azure
• Information security technologies and best practices of risk assessment, compliance and vulnerability and vulnerability management

Skills In:

• Configuration and administration of Network Firewalls or Cisco Routers
• Configuration Network Access Control, Network Address Translation and VPN solutions
• Interpretation of firewall and network device logs
• Use of specialized software at DES - Service Now, OPManager/SolarWinds/PRTG(or similar network monitoring tools)
• Standard office software, email (Google, Microsoft)

Ability to:

• Perform control reviews on systems development, operation, programming, control, and security procedures and standards
• Review system backup, disaster recovery and maintenance procedures
• Communicate with and understand the requirements of professional staff in area of specialty
• Create, compose, and edit written materials
• Persuade and influence others
• Test and interpret emerging security and network technologies
• Quickly interpret, assess, and react to network intrusions
• Use time efficiently/works with minimal guidance

This ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate certification
• 2 Years Support in a Network Security role
• Certified Information Security Systems Professional preferred

• Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) AND have an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months including no DUI, suspension or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. If an Out of State Driver License was held within the last 39 months, a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required prior to driving for State Business. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Bachelor's degree plus 5 or more years of experience in information security analysis and engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Employee shall obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card that meets DES requirements for a Level One card pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1969.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at (480) 435-0897 or email OODHRstaffing@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (480) 435-0897 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.