What Is a Network Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Network Engineers support and optimize all processes for maintaining a company’s computer network, selecting and deploying software and hardware and making local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) accessible, and making sure that company personnel can securely access the internet to complete work. Network Engineers also analyze network performance, configure network features based on client needs, and develop guidelines for acceptable network use.

You can become a Network Engineer by completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, management information systems, or information technology. Focus your coursework on network security, troubleshooting, system performance, network configuration, and related courses. Complete internships or part-time work to gain experience using relevant products and technologies, as you will need some work experience to qualify for the role. Then you can expand on that experience by securing a role in network support, administration, or security. Secure a certification, like the Cisco Certified Network Associate or CompTIA Network, to increase your marketability.

Network Engineers mostly work in office environments surrounded by computers and technical equipment. Network Engineers may also work remotely since much of this role simply need a reliable internet connection that can easily be established at home. Government agencies, telephone companies, cable providers, schools, engineering firms, and graphic design companies are among some of the most common employers of network engineers.

Different types of Network Engineer jobs include senior network engineer, computer network engineer, system administrator, LAN/WAN network engineer, and wireless network engineer. While these roles include many of the same tasks and are largely based in office locations, field network engineers implement virtual network devices across various company branches, requiring frequent travel. Network engineer jobs mainly differ based on work site and level of technical knowledge required.

Job Summary

Our firm seeks a knowledgeable, talented, and industrious Network Engineer. You will work alongside the IT support team to ensure the maximum performance of a high traffic network infrastructure while maintaining system integrity. Internal networks you will handle include computer, voice, and firewall. You also must have in-depth knowledge of networks with a focus on high-level design and planning. Our ideal candidate knows how to collaborate on large-scale projects but can also complete assigned tasks on their own.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain network infrastructure
• Determine network bandwidth needs and recommend measures to meet those requirements
• Conduct network modeling and analysis to construct a reliable, high-performance integrated network
• Direct system installation
• Program routers, switches, and other network hardware
• Configure DNS servers
• Maintain firewall and manage security related to hacking
• Manage owned domain names
• Schedule updates and upgrades
• Collaborate with network architects to optimize system performance

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in network administration, information technology, computer science, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in IT, security or systems support, or network administrator positions preferred
• Additional certifications preferred, such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP),Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), CompTIA Network+
• Familiarity with various network types including LANs, WANs, WLANs, SANs, and VoIP networks
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Flexible schedule, including the ability to work nights and weekends