Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Office of the Secretary of State is recruiting to fill a permanent full-time Information Technology Specialist II position in the Information Technology Division (ITD).

Under the general direction of the Chief, Cybersecurity Section, the IT Specialist II – Security Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and supporting security infrastructure for NAP 2.0 Project and associated systems. The Security Engineer implements and documents security tools, enforces secure configurations, supports compliance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and State Administrative Manual (SAM), and serves as a key technical liaison to the solution provider. The role ensures the ongoing protection of the NAP 2.0 system’s data, application, and equipment while driving forward secure systems, architecture and innovation.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Multiple years’ experience as a Security Engineer in an enterprise environment

• Proficiency in system hardening techniques across Windows, Linux, and cloud platforms

• Strong background in implementing and managing endpoint protection tools

• Hands-on experience with SIEM, EDR, and other security monitoring platforms

• Knowledge of secure configuration baselines (e.g., CIS Benchmarks, STIGs)

• Demonstrated experience designing or maintaining NIST-aligned security architecture

• Familiarity with security concepts such as zero trust, least privilege, encryption at rest/in transit

• Ability to write and maintain technical documentation and system configurations

• Experience coordinating with vendors, integrators, or MSP/MSSPs on secure deployments

• Experience reviewing logs and system telemetry for early threat detection

• Strong troubleshooting skills and attention to detail

• Experience with change management and configuration control processes

• Excellent communication skills and documentation practices

• Knowledge of SAM is a plus

Supplemental Questionnaire : Applicants must submit a Supplemental Questionnaire responding to the question listed below, it should be no more than two (2) pages typed, using business professional font, font size and formatting. Responses do not need to include the question but must be numbered in the same order. Applications that do not follow the directions as identified above, provide incomplete responses, or do not submit a Supplemental Questionnaire will not be considered.

1. Please describe in detail a project or initiative where you served as a Security Engineer responsible for enhancing the security posture of an enterprise IT system. Your response must include a description of how you applied secure configuration baselines (such as CIS Benchmarks or STIGs) and implemented endpoint protection tools in support of NIST-aligned security architecture or compliance objectives. Please include specific examples of how these efforts contributed to system hardening, risk reduction, or audit readiness.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This job advertisement indicates whether this position is eligible for telework. All employees who telework are required to be California residents, in accordance with Government Code 14200, and may be required to report to the Secretary of State’s Headquarters (Sacramento), when needed, and on short notice. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.

Special Requirements

Examination Information: Candidates new to state service or those seeking a promotional opportunity must take the online examination to establish eligibility. The examination can be found at the following link:

There is also a Limited Examination & Appointment Program (LEAP) exam available for this classification. Information on the LEAP certification process is available on the .

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Supplemental Application - Please submit your response to the supplemental question as indicated above. 

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