What is a Network Engineer?

Network Engineers design, implement and maintain organizations’ network infrastructures. The role requires a deep understanding of network hardware and software, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and solve complex network issues. Network Engineers ensure the smooth operation of communication networks to provide maximum performance and availability for users, such as staff, clients, customers, and suppliers. 

Salary Range

25th Percentile
$ 0
50th Percentile
$ 0
75th Percentile
$ 0

Foundational Skills

Adaptability, Basic Computer Competencies, Communication, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Customer Focus, Dependability, Detail Orientation, Humility, Initiative, Instruction/Teaching, Integrity, Interpersonal Competencies, Leadership, Lifelong Learning, Mathematics, Problem Solving/Decision Making, Professionalism, Reading, Scheduling/Coordinating, Science & Technology, Teamwork & Writing

Occupational Skills

Network Design and Architecture

Involves the planning and design of network infrastructure to ensure efficient and effective communication, data exchange and overall network management. This includes the selection of hardware and software, as well as the layout of cables and network devices.

Novice Level
  • Understands basic network design principles and can apply them to simple networks

Emerging Level
  • Can effectively design and implement complex networks, considering factors such as scalability, reliability, security, and performance

Proficient Level
  • Possesses in-depth expertise in network design and architecture, utilizing advanced techniques to create resilient and scalable networks that meet business objectives

Routing and Switching Technologies

Pertains to the technologies and protocols used to manage the flow of data across a network. This includes the ability to configure routers and switches, understand IP addressing and using routing protocols to find the best path for data transfer.

Novice Level
  • Can understand basic routing and switching concepts and apply them to simple networks

Emerging Level
  • Can effectively configure and manage routing and switching devices, implementing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and VLANs
Proficient Level
  • Possesses in-depth expertise in routing and switching technologies, designing, and implementing complex network topologies, optimizing routing paths, and troubleshooting routing and switching issues

Network Security

Focuses on protecting the network and its data from unauthorized access, attacks, and other security threats by implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, access controls and other means.

Novice Level
  • Can understand basic network security principles and apply them to simple networks
Emerging Level
  • Can effectively implement network security measures, such as firewalls, access control lists, and intrusion detection systems
Proficient Level
  • Possesses in-depth expertise in network security, designing and implementing comprehensive security solutions, mitigating cyberthreats, and conducting security audits

Network Performance Optimization

Involves monitoring, testing and tuning network systems to improve performance. This may include optimizing bandwidth, reducing latency, and ensuring reliable packet delivery.

Novice Level
  • Can understand basic network performance metrics and apply basic troubleshooting techniques
Emerging Level
  • Can effectively monitor and analyze network performance data, identifying bottlenecks and implementing optimization strategies
Proficient Level
  • Possesses in-depth expertise in network performance optimization, utilizing advanced tools and techniques to identify and resolve performance issues, ensuring optimal network throughput and latency

Network Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving

Deals with identifying and resolving network issues. This requires a systematic approach to diagnose problems and find solutions, often under time constraints.

Novice Level
  • Can apply basic troubleshooting techniques to identify and resolve simple network problems
Emerging Level
  • Can effectively troubleshoot complex network problems, using diagnostic tools and systematic approaches to identify and resolve network issues
Proficient Level
  • Possesses in-depth expertise in network troubleshooting and problem-solving, utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques, analyzing complex network behavior, and implementing effective solutions to restore network functionality

Network Documentation

Process of creating detailed records related to the network’s design, setup, and configuration changes. This documentation is vital for maintenance, troubleshooting and compliance with standards and policies.

Novice Level
  • Can document network configurations and procedures at a basic level
Emerging Level
  • Can effectively document complex network configurations, procedures, and best practices, ensuring comprehensive and up-to-date documentation
Proficient Level
  • Possesses in-depth expertise in network documentation, creating clear, concise, and comprehensive documentation that facilitates network maintenance, troubleshooting, and knowledge transfer

Technical Communication

Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner to various audiences, including team members, management, and non-technical stakeholders.

Novice Level
  • Can effectively communicate technical information to peers and non-technical stakeholders at a basic level
Emerging Level
  • Can effectively communicate complex technical concepts and information
    to both technical and non-technical audiences, using clear, concise, and understandable language
Proficient Level
  • Possesses in-depth expertise in technical communication, tailoring communication to different audiences, using effective presentation and documentation skills to convey technical information clearly and persuasively

Resources

Experience + Training

Career Resources
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