Network Engineer Job Description: Duties and Qualifications

Organizations of all sizes increasingly rely on network services. One clear sign is that global spending on public cloud services is expected to reach $805 billion in 2024 and double in size by 2028. As organizations across all industries (particularly banking, retail and information services) invest further in their network services, they’ll need network engineers to design and implement capable systems.

With all this growth on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore whether your organization needs a network engineer or whether you want to explore this career path for yourself. This article looks at the role of a network engineer, including their responsibilities, common qualifications and expected salary.

What Does a Network Engineer Do?

Network engineers design, implement and maintain computer networks, including local area networks, wide area networks, intranets and extranets. Organizations rely on network engineers to optimize network performance and ensure network security for seamless connectivity. When issues arise, network engineers also work to troubleshoot and resolve these issues, aiming for minimal downtime and protecting data integrity.

Network engineers also collaborate closely with other IT professionals to configure and manage virtual networks, VPNs, subnets and routing tables.  They also regularly study emerging technologies so they can implement better security measures, such as more advanced encryption or intrusion detection. Finally, network engineers may implement hybrid systems within their organization to use the latest cloud services, ensuring flexibility and scalability across digital environments.

Network Engineer Job Responsibilities

Network engineers typically have some of the following job responsibilities:

• Planning and setting up network architecture
• Configuring network hardware, including routers, switches and firewalls
• Overseeing network performance and optimizing when necessary
• Diagnosing and resolving network problems promptly
• Performing regular network maintenance and updates
• Recording and documenting network setups and procedures
• Keeping current with industry developments and advancements
• Leveraging content delivery networks for faster data distribution
• Setting up firewalls and intrusion detection to prevent cyber threats
• Implementing multifactor authentication to strengthen access control

Network Engineer Potential Projects

A few examples of potential projects for network engineers include:

• Designing and implementing a new network infrastructure: Build a scalable network to support a growing organization’s needs, from basic connectivity to advanced security.
• Upgrading an existing network: Enhance performance and security by updating hardware and software, improving speed and reducing downtime risks.
• Implementing a cloud-based networking solution: Transition parts of the network to the cloud for increased flexibility, enabling remote access and scalability.
• Setting up disaster recovery and business continuity: Develop protocols and backups to maintain operations during network outages or data loss.
• Conducting a network security audit: Assess and improve security, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing defenses against cyber threats.
• Implementing a hybrid cloud environment: Combine on-premises infrastructure with cloud resources for flexible and efficient data handling.
• Enacting a zero-trust security model: Establish strict access controls to ensure secure, verified user and device connections.

Network Engineer Skills and Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications and Licensing Requirements)

While necessary qualifications and skills for a network engineer can vary from role to role, some common requirements include:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field forms the educational foundation for network engineers.
• Experience: Generally, employers prefer 3-5 years of experience in network administration or a similar field, building practical knowledge and troubleshooting skills.
• Certifications: Industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+, JNCIA and CISSP validate a network engineer’s technical skills and commitment to professional development.
• Core skills: Common network engineer skills include proficiency in networking protocols, network security, problem-solving and effective communication, along with familiarity with cloud and virtualization technologies.
• Additional skills: In-depth expertise in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), software-defined networking and network virtualization is vital. Skills in automation, programming (such as Python), virtual network management and cloud integration enhance adaptability in modern network environments.

Network Engineer Salary Expectations

The median salary for a network and computer systems administrator was $95,360 per year in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to Indeed, salaries for network engineers can range from $61,832 to $155,582 per year. Salary expectations will vary based on factors such as the engineer’s experience level, the size and location of the organization and the organization’s industry, among others. 

Network Engineer Work Hours and Benefits

Network engineers typically work full-time, often in office environments, but remote opportunities are increasingly available. Some roles require on-call availability to handle emergencies or perform after-hours maintenance, making weekend and night work fairly common. Given the critical nature of network uptime, engineers often face high-stress situations and demanding clients, especially when addressing urgent issues. Benefits for network engineers generally include health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off, providing a supportive structure for the high-responsibility nature of the job. Some network engineers may receive overtime pay when working beyond typical hours.

Network Engineer FAQs

If you’re interested in becoming a network engineer, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Are Certifications Necessary for a Network Engineer Career?

Certifications aren’t strictly necessary but are highly valuable in a network engineer’s career. Credentials such as CCNA, CCNP and CompTIA Network+ validate skills and demonstrate commitment to the field, making candidates more competitive. Certifications also build specialized knowledge, allowing engineers to handle complex network systems and meet industry standards. Many employers look for these qualifications when hiring or promoting, so certifications can significantly enhance career opportunities, especially in a competitive tech industry.

What Is the Difference Between a Network Engineer and a Network Administrator?

Network engineers and network administrators have similar roles, but there are some key differences. Network engineers focus more on designing and implementing network structures and creating a secure and efficient system based on the organization’s needs. Network administrators manage these networks daily. Network administrators monitor performance, handling maintenance and troubleshooting as necessary.

What Are the Career Advancement Opportunities for Network Engineers?

Network engineers have several paths for career advancement, often moving into specialized roles such as network architects, security specialists or cloud network engineers. With experience, they can transition to managerial roles, overseeing network teams and larger infrastructure projects.

Ready to start your journey toward becoming a network engineer? Search for open network engineer positions and read some example descriptions.

Key Takeaways:

• With cloud spending projected at $805 billion in 2024, demand for network engineers is surging as industries rely on them for secure, efficient networks.
• Network engineers design, maintain, and secure networks, handling projects like cloud solutions and system upgrades.
• Most roles require a relevant degree, 3-5 years of experience, and certifications like CCNA.