Network Engineer

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Design and plan networks

  • Create LAN, WAN, WLAN, VPN, and cloud network architectures.

  • Select appropriate network hardware and technologies.

• Install and configure network devices

  • Set up routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points, and load balancers.

  • Configure IP addressing, VLANs, routing protocols, and network services.

• Monitor network performance

  • Track bandwidth usage, latency, and uptime.

  • Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.

• Troubleshoot network issues

  • Diagnose connectivity problems.

  • Resolve hardware, software, and configuration issues.

  • Minimize downtime through quick problem resolution.

• Ensure network security

  • Implement firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and access control lists (ACLs).

  • Apply security patches and monitor for threats.

• Maintain network infrastructure

  • Perform regular upgrades, backups, and preventive maintenance.

  • Replace faulty equipment when necessary.

• Document network configurations

  • Create network diagrams.

  • Maintain records of configurations, changes, and procedures.

• Support users and IT teams

  • Assist with network-related issues.

  • Collaborate with system administrators, cybersecurity teams, and cloud engineers.

Required Skills

• Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, OSI Model)

• Routing and switching

• DNS, DHCP, NAT

• VLANs and VPNs

• Firewalls and network security

• Wireless networking

• Network monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds, PRTG)

• Cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

• Basic scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell)

Common Tools and Technologies

• Cisco routers and switches

• Juniper devices

• Fortinet and Palo Alto firewalls

• Wireshark

• Cisco Packet Tracer

• GNS3

• SolarWinds

• Nagios

• PRTG Network Monitor

Typical Daily Tasks

1. Monitor network health and performance.

2. Respond to connectivity issues and incidents.

3. Configure and update network devices.

4. Implement security policies and patches.

5. Optimize network performance.

6. Document changes and maintain network diagrams.

7. Coordinate with IT teams on infrastructure projects.

Career Path

• Network Technician

• Network Administrator

• Network Engineer

• Senior Network Engineer

• Network Architect

• Infrastructure Manager

• Cloud Network Engineer

• Network Security Engineer

Popular Certifications

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

• CompTIA Network+

• It is a Full Time Hardware / Network Engineer job for candidates with 2 - 6 years of experience.