Network Engineer Job Description: An Overview

Have you ever wondered who maintains the complex web of hardware and software to keep your businesses and homes connected? The unseen heroes behind your smooth-running network connections are Network Engineers. The Network Engineer Job Description might seem complex, but understanding it can be your first step to an exciting career in IT. 

Network Engineers are the silent guardians who design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot network systems. They play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless data transmission and fortifying systems against cyber threats, making them indispensable to any tech-dependent organisation. 

Intrigued by the challenge and the opportunity to make a real impact? This blog dives into the Network Engineer Job Description, unpacking the core responsibilities, necessary skills, and the ever-evolving world you'll enter. So, keep reading to see if becoming a Network Engineer aligns with your interests and career goals! 

Table of Contents 

1) Who is a Network Engineer? 

2) Role of a Network Engineer 

3) Essential skills and qualifications for Network Engineers 

4) Cisco Network Engineer Job Description 

5) Salary expectations for Network Engineers 

6) Conclusion 

Who is a Network Engineer? 

In general, Network Engineers are the people responsible for designing, installing or upgrading, as well as supervising computer networks within a company. Their basic responsibilities, among others, include managing Network Infrastructures commonly known as Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area and Internet networks to guarantee they run effectively and securely. Network Engineers customise network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers to guarantee high throughput, optimal network performance, and high reliability.   

They additionally detect, solve, and monitor a network for malicious activities and secure a network from cyber threats. Furthermore, Network Engineers hold meetings together with IT staff and leaders to evaluate network requirements, develop network architecture plans, and distribute new technologies for compliance purposes. Besides that, they are the key ones to make organisations maintain the required level of interconnection and communication among the people. 
 

Role of a Network Engineer 

One of the key roles in an organisation is the Network Engineer. Network engineers are responsible for creating, running, and maintaining Network Infrastructure that takes care of the communication and data exchanges between offices. Their functioning entails perfecting network configurations with routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers to improve performance and security. 

Moreover, Network Engineers deal with network monitoring and regular fault tracing to promptly find and cure network problems, hence preventing interruptions and time-outs during business processes. This is while they work with the other IT teams to analyse network necessities, plan for upgrades and expansions, and incorporate new technologies to meet the changing business needs. Furthermore, they are responsible not only for installing and enforcing security policies and measures but also for preventing cybercrimes and unauthorised access. Overall, their skills are very useful in implementing, maintaining, and safeguarding enterprise networks.   

Wish to learn more about one of the premium IT Networking certifications? Sign up for our CCNA Training now! 

Essential skills and qualifications for Network Engineers 

There clearly is a multitude of skills and specific professional qualifications a Network Engineer should possess in order to succeed. They need a great technical knowledge in networking principals and protocols including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and routing protocols (OSPF, BGP) for example. Moreover, it's also significant to master setting up and controlling devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers for network management.  

A Network Engineer should have technical abilities, such as the good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, which will help him to efficiently identify and resolve network problems. Interdisciplinary skills of communication are also an important component in team cooperation, clear transfer of technical communication, and liaison with stakeholders.  

Typically, embarking on a career as a Network Engineer begins with obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in fields like Computer Science or Information Technology. Holding certifications such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and CompTIA Network+ can be crucial stepping stones. Pursuing advanced qualifications like the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA) is recommended for those seeking to deepen their expertise. A commitment to ongoing education and adapting to emerging technologies is key for Network Engineers aiming to outpace their peers in the field. 

Enhance your networking skills with our CCNA Certification Course now! 

Responsibilities of a Network Engineer 

Network Engineers are pivotal in maintaining the smooth and secure operation of computer networks. Their primary duties encompass: 

a) Designing Network Infrastructure: Network Engineers create customised network architectures, encompassing LANs, WANs, and internet connections, to fulfil the organisation's unique requirements and facilitate business operations. 

b) Implementing network solutions: They install and configure network devices such as routers, load balancers etc. to enable effective data transmission and maintain network reliability 

c) Monitoring and maintenance: Network Engineers regularly monitor network performance to identify any issues such as performance degradation, security vulnerabilities, or equipment failures. They also carry out routine maintenance and software updates to ensure the network continues to function smoothly. 

d) Troubleshooting: They are responsible for diagnosing and resolving network problems, employing various troubleshooting techniques to restore services and minimise any downtime. 

e) Security management: Network Engineers develop and enforce network security protocols, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls, to protect the network against cyber threats and prevent unauthorised access. 

Cisco Network Engineer Job Description 

Example 2: Senior Cisco Network Engineer at a Large Corporation 

Salary expectations for Network Engineers 

The salary of a Network Engineer in the United Kingdom varies widely due to the level of experience, location, qualifications, and more particularly, the industry in which they are working. Entry-level Network Engineers can expect to earn between £25,000 and £35,000 a year. With mid-level experience, typically 35,000-50,000 a year. A Senior Network Engineer, or one with highly specialised certificates such as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), can take home anywhere between £50,000 and £70,000 or more annually. The location could also have an influence on remuneration, and it is said that in London and other big cities, compensation is high because of the high cost of living and concentration of tech companies. 

Here is a breakdown of the salaries of Network Engineers across 7 major nations:
 

                                                                                                                     Source: Glassdoor

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the becoming a Network Engineer offers a dynamic and in-demand career path. By understanding the Network Engineer Job Description and developing your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for technology, you can become a vital player in the IT world. Now that you have a glimpse into this exciting field, are you ready to explore the possibilities? 

Improve your knowledge and skills required to build simple networks with our Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 Course now!