Job Description of Network Engineer
As computer based systems have become an integral part of the corporate world,
networking professionals are highly in demand. But, remember job of a network
engineer is not an easy one as there are a lot of responsibilities. The job of design,
development, installation, testing and maintenance of networks linking computers with
peripherals like fax machines, printers and modems is headed by the network engineer.
We cannot exclude communication equipments like phones, cellular
phones, PDAs along with video equipments like cameras and use of cabling methods or
wireless transmissions and software.
A network engineer manages new hardware and software required for the
computer network in use at the firm.
He also configures and maintains network equipments, servers and server
clusters.
Management of all system back-up and restoring and controlling protocols is the
part of a telecom network engineer job description.
Planning and supporting network and computing infrastructural requirements.
Perform troubleshooting analysis of servers, workstations and associated
systems.
Documents network problems and resolution for future reference.
Monitors system performance and implements performance tuning.
Manages user accounts, permissions, email, anti-virus, anti-spam.
Requires a thorough knowledge of computer networking essentials.
Overseeing software and network security is a major part of the senior network
engineer job description.
Strong analytical abilities and professional office experience is a must in junior
network engineer job description.
Benefits
Benefits may also include fringe benefits like paid vacations, holidays and sick leave.
Some companies also offer insurance covers like life, health, accident and disability
insurance. Additional plans like retirement and educational reimbursement plans make
this job very lucrative.
Hierarchy
Most network engineers have to work as trainees at start. Once they obtain sufficient
experience, network engineers may get promoted to senior network engineer followed
by chief engineer or director of networks. In this field, graduate studies can be a
distinguishing factor.
Common Responsibilities for Network Engineer
1. Install all new hardware, systems, and software for networks.
2. Install, configure, maintain network services, equipment and devices.
3. Supports administration of servers and server clusters.
4. Manages all system back-up and restore protocol.
5. Plans and supports network and computing infrastructure.
6. Perform troubleshooting analysis of servers, workstations and associated systems.
7. Documents network problems and resolution for future reference.
8. Monitors system performance and implements performance tuning.
9. Manage user accounts, permissions, email, anti-virus, anti-spam.
10. Requires a thorough knowledge of networking essentials.
11. Oversee software and network security.
12. Strong analytical abilities and professional office experience needed.
Technical Skills and Requirements for Network Engineer
1. Certifications: MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CNE
2. Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or similar.
3. Systems: Windows, Cisco Systems, UNIX, Linux, Novell
4. Networking: Switches, Routers, Hubs, Servers, Cables, Racks, Firewalls, LAN, WAN,
TCP/IP, DNS, UDP, Latency, VoIP, QoS, EIGRP, BGP, OSPF, NHRP, ATM, PPP, MPLS
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible for ensuring that the network has been customized to satisfy a customer’s
wants and needs.
Responsible for adding programs, software and hardware that a company might need
while working.
Keeps a keen eye on the network performances.
Solves any problems that arise in within the network such as crashing.
Develop and install data retrieval system these are the emergency systems.
Maintain the emergency systems.
Record problems that computer users face, and how best to solve the problem for other
future references.
Control access to the network.
Install security programs to prevent unauthorized access to privileged data and
information.
Updating security programs and frequent changing of passwords.
Customizes networks to meet client’s needs.
Skill and Specifications
Able to work with other people.
Able to work independently and without supervision.
Be of high aptitude and keen on detail.
Job description
Network engineers are responsible for installing, maintaining and supporting computer
communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. Their goal is
to ensure the smooth operation of communication networks in order to provide
maximum performance and availability for their users, such as staff, clients, customers
and suppliers.
Network engineers may work internally as part of an organisation’s IT support team or
externally as part of an IT networking consultancy firm working with a number of clients.
Other job titles used to refer to this kind of work include network support, support
engineer, IT support engineer, helpdesk support, network administrator, Novell support
engineer, first-line support, second-line support, security engineer and network
architect.
Typical work activities
The work is influenced by the size and type of the employing organisation. In a large
investment bank for example, a network engineer may have specific responsibility for
one area of the system. In a small company, the engineer may be troubleshooter for
almost any IT-related problem that arises.
There are different types of network, such as:
local area networks (LANs), linking a limited area such as a home, office or small
group of buildings;
metropolitan area networks (MANs), linking a large area such as a campus or
city;
wide area networks (WANSs, which link nationally or internationally;
global area networks (GANs), combining all of the above with satellite mobile-
communication technologies.
The type of network will affect the engineer's responsibilities.
Typical work activities usually include:
installing, supporting and maintaining new server hardware and software
infrastructure;
managing email, anti-spam and virus protection;
setting up user accounts, permissions and passwords;
monitoring network usage;
ensuring the most cost-effective and efficient use of servers;
suggesting and providing IT solutions to business and management problems;
ensuring that all IT equipment complies with industry standards;
analysing and resolving faults, ranging from a major system crash to a forgotten
password;
undertaking routine preventative measures and implementing, maintaining and
monitoring network security, particularly if the network connects to the internet;
providing training and technical support for users with varying levels of IT
knowledge and competence;
supervising other staff, such as help-desk technicians;
working closely with other departments/organisations and collaborating with other
IT staff;
planning and implementing future IT developments and undertaking project work;
managing the website and keeping internal networks running;
monitoring the use of the web by employees.
Posts entitled 'technical support' usually include responsibility for other IT equipment,
such as printers and scanners.
