Is a NOC network engineer the same as a network engineer?

A NOC network engineer specializes in monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network operations within a Network Operations Center, often focusing on network performance and security. A general network engineer designs, implements, and manages network infrastructure, which may include configuring routers, switches, and firewalls. While there is overlap, NOC engineers typically work in a 24/7 environment with a focus on operational support, whereas network engineers handle broader network design and deployment tasks.