What is the role of a Network Engineer?
A network engineer is responsible for digital communications and IT networks that enable the business to communicate internally and externally. You will design and implement the network configurations and troubleshooting issues, whilst monitoring and configuring security systems such as firewalls.
Responsibilities:
- Establish and maintain digital communications infrastructure, networks, and communication software
- Installing and maintaining firewalls
- Analyse and collect data to ascertain the potential for improvements within the networks
- Liaise with third party providers to maintain the functionality of networks and make sure they are running efficiently
- Provide technical support to all employees and assist them with the company’s IT systems and communication policies
Typical Tech Stack:
- Azure
- Cisco ASA
- CheckPoint
- Palo Alto
Types of Network Engineer
- Network manager
- Senior network engineer
- Computer network engineer
- System administrator
- Wireless network engineer
Qualifications:
- A degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, network security management, maths or communications is preferred
- Cisco qualification
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work well in a big team and individually
- Good reasoning skills
- Adequate computer and IT skills
- Customer support and service skills
Professional Development:
With experience, you can progress into a network management role or other IT roles like information security and project management. Alternately you can also go in the direction of becoming a network analyst or network administrator.
Alternative careers:
- Applications developer
- Cyber security analyst
- Software engineer
- Application analyst
- Control and instrumentation engineer
- Communications engineer