What Does a Network Engineer Do?
A network engineer is responsible for designing, configuring, implementing, and supporting the physical and virtual network infrastructure that powers an organization’s connectivity. These professionals install and maintain critical hardware such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points, ensuring stable communication between internal systems, remote offices, and cloud environments. Network engineers also play a key role in network expansion, equipment upgrades, and disaster recovery readiness.
Unlike network administrators who focus on day-to-day upkeep, network engineers are typically responsible for more complex tasks such as new deployments, performance tuning, and escalation support for critical issues. Their responsibilities often span both enterprise and cloud networks, and they work closely with architects, security teams, and vendors to implement scalable and secure solutions that align with business needs.
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Network Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Configure, install, and maintain network hardware and software
- Deploy and troubleshoot routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs
- Monitor network performance and resolve latency or downtime issues
- Support infrastructure upgrades and new site installations
- Implement network segmentation, access controls, and quality of service (QoS) policies
- Participate in network design and capacity planning with senior IT staff
- Document configurations, diagrams, and change control procedures
- Ensure compliance with security standards and best practices
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, DNS, DHCP)
- Hands-on experience with enterprise-grade equipment (Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, etc.)
- Familiarity with network monitoring and diagnostic tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds)
- Understanding of VLANs, VPN tunnels, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and complex problem-solving
- Ability to prioritize tasks in high-pressure environments
- Strong communication across teams and technical levels
- Detail-oriented with disciplined documentation habits
Education
- Associate’s degree in network engineering, information technology, or related field
- Bachelor’s degree is recommended for enterprise or multi-site environments
Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – required
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+ – recommended
- Cloud networking certifications (AWS, Azure) are also valuable
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of hands-on experience in network deployment and troubleshooting
- Experience with hybrid cloud or multi-site networks
- Familiarity with security frameworks (NIST, ISO, Zero Trust)
- Exposure to SD-WAN or network automation tools
National Average Salary
Network engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Network Engineer is:
$100,866
Sample Job Description Templates for Network Engineers
Junior Network Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a Junior Network Engineer to support the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network infrastructure under the guidance of senior engineers. This entry-level role is ideal for candidates with foundational networking knowledge and a strong desire to grow within a professional IT environment. You’ll assist in resolving connectivity issues, deploying hardware, and documenting configurations.
Responsibilities
- Support the installation and setup of switches, routers, and wireless access points
- Troubleshoot basic network connectivity and performance issues
- Monitor network alerts and assist in incident response
- Document network topologies, IP schemas, and hardware inventories
- Assist with firmware updates and hardware refreshes
- Collaborate with senior engineers during network upgrades or deployments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of IP addressing, subnets, DNS, and DHCP
- Familiarity with network hardware and basic configuration tools
- Exposure to command-line interfaces and diagnostic tools (e.g., ping, traceroute)
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and adapt in a team-oriented environment
- Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Education
- Associate’s degree in networking, IT, or related field
Certifications
- Cisco CCNA (required or obtained within 6 months)
- CompTIA Network+ is also recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or 1 year of experience in IT or technical support
- Familiarity with Cisco or Ubiquiti platforms
Mid-Level Network Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a Mid-Level Network Engineer to manage the configuration and optimization of our organization’s network infrastructure. You will support deployment projects, maintain system stability, and troubleshoot escalated issues across LAN, WAN, and VPN environments. This role requires solid technical knowledge and hands-on experience in enterprise networking environments.
Responsibilities
- Configure and maintain switches, routers, firewalls, and VPN connections
- Resolve escalated issues related to latency, packet loss, and connectivity
- Assist in planning and executing network expansions or hardware refreshes
- Create and maintain network documentation and change control logs
- Work with vendors and service providers to resolve circuit or hardware issues
- Monitor performance metrics and proactively address bottlenecks
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong command of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), VLANs, and subnetting
- Experience with Cisco, Juniper, or similar enterprise platforms
- Familiarity with firewalls, VPNs, and wireless controller configurations
Soft skills
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Ability to manage priorities and execute tasks independently
- Effective troubleshooting in time-sensitive scenarios
Education
- Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s degree recommended
Certifications
- Cisco CCNA required
- CCNP or cloud networking certifications are recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in network engineering
- Experience supporting remote offices or hybrid cloud networks
Senior Network Engineer
Position Overview
We are looking for a Senior Network Engineer to lead enterprise network initiatives, troubleshoot complex issues, and help define standards for scalable infrastructure. In this role, you’ll design and implement robust networking solutions, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with IT leadership on strategic upgrades and performance optimization.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain LAN/WAN and hybrid cloud network solutions
- Lead the configuration and tuning of routers, firewalls, and VPN systems
- Perform root cause analysis of major network incidents
- Guide the adoption of security and performance best practices
- Conduct capacity planning and network audits
- Document designs, playbooks, and procedures for operational handoffs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in routing (BGP, OSPF), firewalls, and access control policies
- Familiarity with SD-WAN, QoS, and high-availability networking
- Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG) and automation
Soft skills
- Technical leadership and mentoring capability
- Advanced diagnostic and analytical skills
- Clear communication across engineering, leadership, and vendors
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in networking, computer science, or related field
Certifications
- CCNP required
- Security+ or cloud networking credentials recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of network engineering experience
- Experience supporting multi-site or regulated (e.g., HIPAA, PCI) environments
Network Engineering Team Lead
Position Overview
We are hiring a Network Engineering Team Lead to oversee the daily operations of the network team, guide technical projects, and ensure the delivery of reliable, secure infrastructure solutions. This role combines hands-on engineering with staff mentorship, project coordination, and cross-functional leadership.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of network engineers and assign responsibilities
- Plan and execute infrastructure upgrades and network redesigns
- Serve as escalation point for critical incidents and performance issues
- Maintain network documentation, SLAs, and compliance standards
- Collaborate with IT security, systems, and application teams
- Support employee development through coaching and performance feedback
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong technical skills in enterprise networking and security platforms
- Knowledge of network monitoring and automation systems
- Ability to evaluate and integrate new technologies into the environment
Soft skills
- Leadership, mentorship, and team-building capability
- Project management and vendor coordination
- Excellent communication and problem-solving under pressure
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, engineering, or related field
Certifications
- CCNP required
- Management or leadership training is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 6+ years of experience in network engineering
- 1–2 years in a leadership or senior-level technical role
Principal Network Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer to serve as the highest-level technical expert for our global network infrastructure. This role drives architectural decisions, oversees advanced troubleshooting, and steers the long-term evolution of enterprise connectivity, performance, and security.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and implementation of complex and large-scale network solutions
- Serve as final escalation for mission-critical network issues
- Develop long-term strategy and modernization roadmaps in collaboration with architects
- Review and approve major configuration changes, designs, and vendor proposals
- Drive adoption of automation, SDN, and cloud connectivity technologies
- Serve as a technical advisor to executive IT leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of enterprise-grade routing, switching, firewall, and SD-WAN platforms
- Deep experience with cloud networking and interconnects (AWS, Azure)
- Proficiency in scripting or automation (Python, Ansible) is a plus
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and technical foresight
- Executive communication and stakeholder influence
- Mentorship of senior and mid-level engineers
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s recommended for enterprise leadership
Certifications
- CCNP required; CCIE or equivalent senior-level credential strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of hands-on engineering and architectural experience
- History of leading enterprise-scale migrations, redesigns, or global rollouts