Network Engineer: Job Description, Key Skills, and Salary in 2024
Network engineers design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot networks. In this article, learn about the network engineers’ job responsibilities and the skills needed to carry them out. Further, learn about the salary you can expect as a network engineer in 2024.
- Network engineers’ primary responsibility is to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot the intricate systems that enable communication and data exchange between devices and networks.
- At the heart of a network engineer’s role is designing networks that meet their organization’s or clients’ unique needs. Once a network design is in place, network engineers are responsible for implementing it. Maintenance is another crucial aspect of a network engineer’s job.
- This article explains the network engineers’ job responsibilities and the skills needed to carry them out. You’ll also learn about the salary you can expect as a network engineer in 2024.
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Network Engineer Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
Network engineers are the architects behind the digital highways that connect our modern world. Their primary responsibility is to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot the intricate systems that enable communication and data exchange between devices and networks. They work with various technologies, from traditional wired networks to cutting-edge wireless and cloud-based systems.
At the heart of a network engineer’s role is designing networks that meet their organization’s or clients’ unique needs. This involves understanding the business requirements, assessing current infrastructure, and selecting appropriate hardware, software, and protocols to create efficient and scalable solutions.
They consider factors like bandwidth, latency, security, and reliability to ensure the network can support current operations and future growth.
Once a network design is in place, network engineers are responsible for implementing it. This involves configuring routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices according to the design specifications. They also set up routing, switching, and security protocols and implemented measures to monitor and optimize network performance.
Maintenance is another crucial aspect of a network engineer’s job. In essence, network engineers are the architects, builders, and guardians of the digital infrastructure that underpins our interconnected world.
Why is the network engineer’s job so important?
In the digital age, the role of network engineers has skyrocketed in importance due to the exponential growth of interconnected devices, the rise of cloud computing, and the increasing demand for seamless, high-speed connectivity.
As our world relies more on digital technologies, network engineers become the gatekeepers and enablers of this interconnected ecosystem.
One key factor driving the significance of network engineers is the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Everything from smartphones and smart TVs to industrial sensors and autonomous vehicles relies on network connectivity to function.
Network engineers are tasked with designing and managing the infrastructure that supports these devices, ensuring they can communicate efficiently and securely.
This involves scaling network capacity to accommodate the growing number of devices and implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.
Moreover, the advent of cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses operate, with many organizations now relying on cloud services for storage, computing power, and software applications. Network engineers play a crucial role in architecting and optimizing the networks that connect users to cloud resources, balancing factors like bandwidth, latency, and reliability to ensure optimal performance.
They also work to integrate on-premises infrastructure with cloud services, implementing hybrid cloud solutions that offer the flexibility and scalability required by modern businesses.
See More: Network Administrator: Job Description, Key Skills, and Salary in 2022
Key job responsibilities of network engineers
A network engineer’s job varies across sectors and organizations. For instance, a telco might put them in charge of managing the digital telecom infrastructure, while a large co-working space gives them the job of connecting multiple large buildings. Despite this variability, some of the common tasks a network engineer is expected to complete are:
1. Creating the network design
Network engineers are responsible for crafting intricate blueprints that outline a network’s architecture and layout. This involves analyzing organizational requirements, understanding user needs, and selecting appropriate hardware and software components. They also determine the best network topology, whether a simple star configuration for a small office or a complex mesh design for a large enterprise.
2. Configure network devices
Once the network design is finalized, network engineers roll up their sleeves to configure the nuts and bolts of the infrastructure. They set up routers, switches, and other devices according to the design specifications, assigning IP addresses, configuring routing protocols, and establishing access controls.
Each device is meticulously configured to optimize performance, minimize bottlenecks, and enforce security policies. It also ensures interoperability between different vendors’ equipment and troubleshoots compatibility issues as needed.
3. Perform troubleshooting and diagnostics
In the dynamic world of networking, problems can arise at any moment, and network engineers are the first line of defense against disruptions. They possess keen analytical skills and a deep understanding of network protocols to diagnose issues quickly and accurately.
Using a combination of network monitoring tools, command-line utilities, and diagnostic techniques, they track down the root cause of problems such as network congestion, packet loss, or misconfigurations. Once identified, they implement corrective measures to restore normal operation and prevent future occurrences.
4. Maintain networks and do routine upkeep
Networks are like living organisms that require regular care and maintenance to thrive. Network engineers perform routine tasks such as applying software updates, patches, and security fixes to keep the infrastructure secure and up-to-date.
They conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Additionally, they optimize configurations, fine-tuning parameters to improve performance and efficiency while minimizing operational costs.
5. Monitor and optimize network performance
Continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the network meets performance objectives and adapts to changing conditions.
Network engineers employ various monitoring tools and techniques to track key performance indicators such as bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss. They analyze trends over time, identify potential bottlenecks or capacity issues, and implement optimizations to enhance performance.
This may involve adjusting Quality of Service (QoS) policies, optimizing routing protocols, or deploying caching and content delivery solutions to improve user experience and reduce latency.
6. Implement security measures
Network engineers need to protect sensitive data and thwart malicious attacks. This could involve configuring firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and access control lists (ACLs) to enforce security policies and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity.
They also deploy encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS to secure data in transit and implement authentication mechanisms like 802.1X to control access to network resources.
7. Plan for disaster recovery
When there is a network outage or catastrophic failure, network engineers play a critical role in developing and implementing disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime and data loss. This includes designing redundant systems, implementing failover mechanisms, and establishing backup and recovery procedures to restore network functionality quickly and efficiently.
They conduct regular disaster recovery drills and tests to validate these plans’ effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
8. Conduct capacity planning
Network engineers are key in anticipating future growth and ensuring the network infrastructure can scale to meet increasing demand.
They analyze current usage patterns, forecast future requirements, and design capacity expansion strategies to accommodate growing traffic and new applications. This may mean upgrading hardware components, expanding bandwidth capacity, or implementing traffic shaping and prioritization techniques to optimize resource allocation.
9. Creating and updating documentation
Comprehensive documentation is essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of the network infrastructure. Network engineers create detailed documentation, including network diagrams, configuration files, change management records, and troubleshooting procedures to provide a clear and comprehensive reference for themselves and other team members.
This documentation is a valuable resource for troubleshooting issues, performing upgrades, and onboarding new personnel.
10. Train the team and conduct knowledge-sharing
Network engineers continuously strive to enhance their skills and stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices. To deepen their expertise, they participate in training programs, attend conferences, and pursue certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
They also collaborate with colleagues, sharing knowledge and best practices through mentorship programs, technical presentations, and knowledge-sharing platforms to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the organization.
See More: 4 Skills for Aspiring Network Ninjas
Network Engineer Key Skill Requirements in 2024
Professionals in this field need a diverse set of skills to get ahead in their careers. This includes the following:
- Networking fundamentals: Network engineers must have a strong understanding of networking principles, including TCP/IP, the OSI model, subnetting, routing, switching, and VLANs. This helps them design, configure, and troubleshoot complex networks effectively.
- Hardware and software knowledge: They must be proficient in configuring and managing network hardware such as routers, switches, firewalls, and access points. They also need familiarity with network operating systems (e.g., Cisco IOS, Junos, etc.) and network management tools.
- Security expertise: Knowledge of network security concepts and best practices, including encryption protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), access control, and security policies, makes it possible to protect against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
- Virtualization and cloud computing: This means proficiency in virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), which is crucial for designing, deploying, and managing virtual networks and cloud-based infrastructure.
- Scripting and automation: Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell, as well as automation tools like Ansible or Puppet, is becoming an important skill for the future. It allows you to automate repetitive tasks, streamline network provisioning, and enhance efficiency.
- Wireless networking: These engineers must understand wireless networking technologies, including Wi-Fi standards (e.g., 802.11ac, 802.11ax), wireless security protocols (e.g., WPA2, WPA3), and site survey methodologies to design, deploy, and optimize wireless networks.
- Network monitoring and management: Expertise in network monitoring and management tools such as Nagios, SolarWinds, or PRTG is vital to monitoring network performance, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and proactively identifying and addressing network issues.
- Vendor-specific certifications: Certifications from network equipment vendors such as Cisco (e.g., CCNA, CCNP), Juniper (e.g., JNCIA, JNCIP), or Palo Alto Networks (e.g., PCNSA, PCNSE) demonstrate expertise in specific networking technologies and platforms.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving: Network engineers must possess strong analytical skills to assess complex problems, evaluate multiple solutions, and make informed decisions under pressure to resolve issues and minimize downtime.
- Attention to detail: Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for network engineers to configure devices accurately, document configurations, and follow established procedures to maintain network integrity and security.
- Communication skills: Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, are important for network engineers to collaborate with team members, convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders, and document network designs, configurations, and procedures.
- Adaptability and continuous learning: Given technology’s rapidly evolving nature, network engineers must be adaptable and open to learning new skills, technologies, and best practices to stay current and effectively address emerging challenges and opportunities.
- Project management: The ability to plan, execute, and manage network projects (including defining project scope, timelines, and resource allocation) and coordinate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders ensures successful project delivery.
- Customer service orientation: Network engineers often interact with end-users and clients. So, possessing strong customer service skills, empathy, and the ability to communicate technical concepts in a non-technical manner effectively is valuable for providing support and addressing user needs and concerns.
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Network Engineer Certifications
The best network engineer certifications vary depending on career goals, industry specialization, and specific technology interests. However, several certifications are widely recognized and highly regarded in networking. Here are some of the best network engineer certifications:
1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA certification serves as an essential entry point into networking. It covers foundational concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, routing, and switching. It equips candidates with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks using Cisco technologies.
With a focus on practical skills and real-world scenarios, CCNA certification holders are well-prepared to embark on a career as network administrators, support technicians, or junior network engineers in various industries.
2. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Building upon the foundation laid by the CCNA certification, CCNP certification validates advanced skills in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex network solutions. It covers various topics, including advanced routing, switching, security, and automation, preparing professionals to tackle the challenges of modern networking environments.
CCNP-certified individuals are equipped to take on roles such as network engineers, systems engineers, or network architects, designing and managing enterprise-grade networks for organizations of all sizes.
3. CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential that provides a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, protocols, and technologies. It covers topics such as network architecture, TCP/IP protocols, network security, and troubleshooting techniques, making it ideal for individuals entering the field of networking.
CompTIA Network+ certification holders are well-prepared for roles such as network technicians, help desk technicians, or junior network administrators in a wide range of industries.
4. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA) and Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP)
The JNCIA certification from Juniper Networks focuses on foundational networking concepts and Juniper-specific technologies. It covers topics such as Juno’s OS fundamentals, routing essentials, and switching basics, providing a solid understanding of Juniper Networks solutions.
Building upon the JNCIA certification, the JNCIP certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in Juniper Networks routing, switching, and security technologies. It covers topics such as advanced routing protocols, MPLS, and firewall policies, preparing professionals to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex Juniper-based networks.
5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification is widely regarded as the premier credential for information security professionals. It covers eight domains of security knowledge, including network security, access control, cryptography, and security architecture.
CISSP-certified individuals possess the expertise to design, implement, and manage comprehensive security programs that protect organizations from a wide range of cyber threats.
They understand the principles of risk management and regulatory compliance, which allows them to navigate complex security challenges and ensure critical assets’ confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
6. VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)
The VCP-NV certification focuses on VMware NSX technology for network virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN) solutions. It covers topics such as logical switching, routing, firewalling, load balancing, and network services integration within virtualized environments. VCP-NV-certified professionals can design, deploy, and manage virtualized network infrastructures that provide agility, scalability, and security for modern data centers and cloud environments.
7. Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
The PCNSE certification validates expertise in deploying, configuring, and managing Palo Alto Networks security technologies. It covers topics such as next-generation firewalls, threat prevention, URL filtering, and network security policies.
PCNSE-certified engineers have the skills and knowledge to protect organizations from advanced cyber threats by effectively leveraging Palo Alto Networks solutions. They understand the latest threat landscape and security best practices, enabling them to design and implement robust security architectures that mitigate risks and safeguard assets.
See More: Network Security Engineer: Job Role and Key Skills
Network Engineer Salary in 2024
Network engineers earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per year on average. This depends entirely on the industry and company you work for and the state where you are employed. Payscale data in 2024 pegs the average network engineer’s salary at $81,313. indeed.com data says it’s $96,878, while GlassDoor data estimates the average network engineer’s salary to be $1,22,796.
Apart from your core salary, you can expect a host of employee benefits as a network engineer, including medical, dental, and vision, as well as 401(k) contributions. Just 15% of network engineers said they don’t receive any benefits, making it a stable career choice. On the downside, it’s a male-dominated profession, with only 6.4% of female network engineers, as per Payscale data.
Some of the best companies to work for as a network engineer include Meta, which pays $156,430 per year, and Verizon, paying a salary of $115,944. Within the public sector, Zachary Piper Solutions, a large intelligence and homeland security solutions provider, pays its network engineers upwards of $160,000.
See More: How to Fix Cybersecurity and Network Engineering Skills Gap
Takeaway
Embarking on the journey to become a network engineer opens up a realm where you’re not just connecting devices but weaving the fabric of our digital world. As a network engineer, you hold the power to shape the very foundation of modern society, enabling seamless communication, fostering innovation, and safeguarding critical data.
Your expertise becomes the backbone of businesses, organizations, and communities, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected landscape. With each challenge you overcome and each network you build, you contribute to a future where connectivity knows no bounds, ideas flow freely, and possibilities are as vast as the digital horizon.
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