Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Network Engineer
A Network Engineer is someone who creates, manages, and designs computer networks. They work in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, manufacturing, public utilities, and government. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Network Engineers.
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Main Responsibilities of Network Engineer
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Network Engineer:
Access
Access control and security incident response and remediation.
Accomplish
Accomplish department objectives by leading staff.
Achieve
Achieve and maintain technical certifications in accordance with DGR Systems objectives.
Adapt
Adapt to changing environments and coordinate large scale implementations using available resources.
Add
Add additional perks specific to the work environment.
Add, update, and close records in the IT Problem Management and Change Management databases.
Address
Address Tickets that come into the team in a timely, professional, and high-quality manner.
Adhere to
Adhere to regulatory requirements as dictated.
Adhere to the controls, policies and procedures put forth by ITP.
Administer
Administer computer and network infrastructure security and the associated data and access controls.
Alert
Alert on security incidents or customer-impacting issues.
Analyze
Analyze business requirements to develop technical network solutions and their framework.
Analyze, engineer, and execute software functions.
Analyze firewall policies and configurations.
Analyze institutional risks.
Analyze systems hardware and software problems and developing technical solutions.
Approve
Approve and oversee projects to implement and maintain services.
Architect
Architect, creatE, managE and maintain Network, Server and PC health.
Architect, design, and implement new systems or to improving existing systems.
Assess
Assess existing network technologies to increase performance, security & efficiency.
Assist in
Assist in a technical lead role for business projects.
Assist in developing criteria for utilization of network monitoring software.
Assist in standardization for configuring customer and network equipment.
Assist in the day to day administration of servers and network devices.
Assist in the development of a capital budget.
Assist in the development of IT budgets and estimates and multi-year functional road map for network.
Assist other ECS system personnel when complex problem arise.
Assist with planning and implementing systems and network integrations.
Assist with the execute of highly complex network system changes in support of customer requests.
Attend
Attend bi-weekly status meetings and provide status updates to your Manager.
Attend plan review meetings to review customer requirements and provide briefings.
Audit
Audit and review RMM configuration and performs security / compliance remediation where needed.
Author
Author accurate engineering network design documentation.
Author and manage network and procedure documentation.
Automate
Automate tasks for health monitoring, security monitoring and maintenance as much as possible.
Build
Build amazing experiences in Halo Infinite.
Build and operate Cisco UCS VMware and Horizon VDI infrastructures in accordance with best practices.
Build, configuration and managment of Linux based HPC / Deep Learning cluster is a plus.
Build net configurations and connections.
Build tools (such as TeamCity, Jenkins, Bamboo, etc.).
Collaborate
Collaborate and communicate with Network Architect for completing networking project portfolio items.
Collaborate on networking reports and presentations.
Collaborate with business and software teams to create / streamline / automate support processes.
Communicate
Communicate between teams to solve problems.
Communicate effectively with the technical services organization, both conceptually and technically.
Communicate technology effectively to non-technical associates and management.
Communicate with leaders, customer development teams.
Communicate with vendors on network requirements for new equipment and / or related issues.
Conduct
Conduct comparative research and evaluation projects under supervision of a project director.
Conduct formal training sessions, one-on-one sessions, and recommend training vendors.
Conduct forward-looking research into emerging network technologies.
Conduct testing of network design.
Configure
Configure 24 switches, and routers.
Configure and manage MPLS network.
Configure network drivers for software.
Configure routing and switching equipment, hosted IP voice services and firewalls >.
Configure SSO with on Premise architecture.
Configure, tests, and maintains LAN / WAN equipment and related services.
Contact
Contact the Lead Project Manager for the official request for resources.
Contribute to
Contribute, Identify and define network infrastructure and security requirements.
Contribute to a fair, positive and equitable environment that supports a diverse workforce.
Contribute to a friendly and helpful company culture.
Contribute to architectural and system design reviews.
Contribute to customer solution definition, qualification & validation.
Contribute to technical and professional development of network support staff.
Contribute to the advancement of the overall network architecture.
Contribute to the development of global, enterprise wide, network standards & solutions.
Contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.
Contribute to the formulation and implementation of installation standards and procedures.
Contribute to the plans and designs of innovative enterprise Network infrastructure solutions.
Coordinate
Coordinate LAN / WAN hardware / software improvements and / or enhancements.
Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
Coordinate with all responsible users and sites.
Create
Create and deliver formal and informal training to engineers and administrators.
Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all implemented networks.
Create and maintain documentation, ticket information, and time tracking in PSA (Connectwise).
Create and organize documents that coincide with necessary materials for business processes.
Create Capital budget requests.
Create customized reporting for management and team.
Create documents related to project progress, manual and completion report.
Create lab environments for the evaluation of new strategies and technologies.
Create system, software, and network documentation and user training guides.
Define
Define and develop optimized network monitoring systems.
Define technical requirements including security implications.
Define the architecture and product standards for the Network Engineering Organization.
Deliver
Deliver comprehensive technical assessments on proposed solutions.
Deliver informative, well-organized presentations.
Deliver solution implementation guidelines.
Deploy
Deploy and configure network appliances.
Deploy and support a complex global network environment.
Deploy solutions as assigned by the Network manager.
Design
Design and Engineer wave traffic migration solutions required on network.
Design and execute plans to remediate network risks and potential outages.
Design and implement new technologies.
Design and manage security solutions, including firewall, and network intrusion detection systems.
Design and support the following technologies globally.
Determine
Determine and pursues courses of action necessary to obtain desired results.
Determine missing or inadequate engineering needs and recommend appropriate changes.
Determine production direction.
Develop
Develop and implement SIP functionality with secure / encrypted transport.
Develop and implements IT infrastructure & platform strategies for BMO.
Develop and implements network solutions for business clients.
Develop and maintain documentation.
Develop and maintain in-depth technical and marketing knowledge of key product lines.
Develop detailed test-plan, entry and exit criteria, results analysis and agreed sign off criteria.
Develop, document and implement approved procedure methods for all daily activities and projects.
Develop documentation to support the operations environment.
Develop, implement and maintain policies and procedures for network operations.
Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures plans for usage and disaster recovery.
Develop, implement, and manage global network infrastructure.
Develop or contribute to business cases and proposals.
Develop roadmaps to ensure network operations goals are met.
Develop solution designs, including drawings and design documents.
Develop tools for measurement, analysis and optimization of network performance.
Direct
Direct exposure to the decision makers and senior leaders on the business side.
Direct the Customer network deployment.
Document
Document and evaluate impact of required changes to the various networked systems.
Document and report weekly activities to the reporting manager.
Document maintenance for all computer systems infrastructure.
Document and maintain standard operating procedures.
Document resolutions to reported problems.
Document system processes and procedures.
Document systems and configurations and network flows.
Document the process for the bulk importing of data.
Document work in company ticketing system and create / maintain documentation in knowledge base.
Drive
Drive network engineering projects by participating in planning the network architecture.
Drive requirement discussion, analyze test requirements, build test lab.
Drive the continual evolution and support of the disaster recovery and business.
Drive the retirement of legacy networks to reduce complexities.
Elaborate
Elaborate security strategies on the network architecture.
Engineer
Engineer and lead enterprise data, voice and video networks.
Engineer enterprise data, voice, and video networks.
Engineer, implement, and maintain critical network infrastructure to meet / exceed SLA commitments.
Ensure
Ensure applications are built to security policy and in compliance.
Ensure architecture & network design support present & future advanced applications.
Ensure capabilities are developed and resources are aligned to support the strategy.
Ensure compliance with already implemented network architecture and solutions.
Ensure configurations consistent with industry best practices & FISMA.
Ensure new and existing solutions adhere to security best practices.
Ensure PCI-DSS Level 1 compliance for network systems and participate in 3rd party security audits.
Ensure service-level targets are met, and address all service-level complaints.
Ensure that all changes to the network environment are being maintained.
Ensure the platforms and services are managed and maintained.
Ensure the uptime of the Workday production and development networks.
Evaluate
Evaluate network performance using hardware and software diagnostic tools.
Evaluate new or updated networking and security tools.
Evaluate new products / technologies to determine impact on existing system configurations.
Evaluate, select and implement a variety of hardware technologies to support business solutions.
Evaluate vendor capabilities to provide required products or services.
Help
Help implement tools tied to automation.
Help maintain an optimal network environment though data close cabling and asset inventory.
Help with BGP peering relationship management and peering network design.
Identify
Identify and document workaround solutions for network and telecommunications systems incidents.
Identify automation opportunities.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend new technology as required.
Identify opportunities to automate manual system tasks.
Identify root cause, diagnose, debug, and deliver robust timely fixes.
Implement
Implement and document network changes in accordance with company ITIL framework.
Implement changes aligned with the change process.
Implement high availability (HA) as needed.
Implement the technical architecture and recommendations related to networking and security.
Implement system monitoring tools.
Improve
Improve network Architecture diagrams.
Install
Install and configure new network and telecommunications systems hardware and software.
Install and maintain various tools and systems in the AWS environment.
Install, configure, and maintain necessary hardware for high availability of the network.
Install new, or upgraded, equipment.
Interact
Interact between internal groups and provide recommendations and support.
Interact on a regular basis with other members of the global network team.
Interface with
Interface with vendors to ensure proper performance of tools and software packages.
Lead
Lead new design and service catalog standards and instructions.
Lead project planning and provide cross-functional technical leadership.
Lead cloud migration and implementation using Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.
Lead / Conduct detailed design reviews in a constructive manner.
Lead the deployment of infrastructure network technologies consistent with corporate standards.
Lead the network design, deployment and maintenance of public cloud architecture.
Liaise
Liaise with contractors and vendors to ensure the integrity and security of the network environments.
Maintain
Maintain 24x7x365 coverage and support for network and voice systems.
Maintain advanced knowledge and experience with network security standards.
Maintain a high level of expertise in current and emerging technologies.
Maintain and extend documentation on network-oriented features and systems.
Maintain and manage supplier lists for key components.
Maintain documentation of firewall procedures and standards.
Maintain good attendance & punctuality.
Maintain inventory database.
Maintain mission critical Fortigate infrastructure, management servers and appliances.
Maintain our VOIP system and work closely with the phone service provider to maintain stability.
Maintain roadmap for Professional Services offerings.
Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
Maintain technical and training documentation, develop automation and tooling as needed.
Make
Make recommendations for approval of major network installations.
Manage
Manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
Manage assigned regional projects, which include responsibility for planning.
Manage a team of engineers to ensure efficiency and completion of projects.
Manage certificates in custom SSL, ciphers, and LTM traffic performance optimization.
Manage IT initiatives and collaborate with in-house technical staff.
Manage network devices including Routers, Switches, Load Balancers, Firewalls etc..
Manage network implementation projects in accordance with established budgets and schedules.
Manage overall program / project plan, prepare, and deliver regular status reporting, issue tracking.
Mentor
Mentor NOC Technicians and less experienced engineers.
Mentor team members on technical issues.
Monitor
Monitor and maintain the health of all firewalls.
Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports.
Monitor, diagnose, and resolve complex network and computer system issues.
Monitor events and alerts.
Monitor network performance and assist with maintaining existing core infrastructure.
Monitor performance and ensure system availability and reliability.
Monitor pre-shared key (PSK) and AutoVPN virtual private network (VPN) links.
Monitor system resource utilization, trending, and capacity planning.
Monitor the incident queue and take ownership of issues needing resolution.
Monitor the network environment using traditional tools and protocols.
Optimize
Optimize firewall configurations and performance, security, and all port access.
Oversee
Oversee annual lab budget.
Oversee data center backup architecture including care and maintenance.
Oversee the completion of engineering plans for implementation and improvement of the access network.
Oversee the installation and management of VoIP / UC Networks.
Participate in
Participate and respond to after-hours on-call rotations.
Participate in the development of internal tools to automate the scripting of NodeB and eNodeB..
Participate in After-Hours On-Call rotation.
Participate in and perform escalations and triage to resolve service interruptions.
Participate in configuration control boards.
Participate in cross-team project planning.
Participate in delivering on and exceeding customer service level commitments.
Participate in enterprise IT projects.
Participate in key process improvements for all technical environments.
Participate in off shift coverage as necessary.
Participate in on-call rotation.
Participate in resolution of incidents and problems.
Participate in support / collaborative calls with global counterparts.
Participate in the development efforts to bring automation into the network environment.
Participate in the operational support of the deployed network.
Participate in the testing and implementation of new hardware / software.
Patch
Patch and upgrade firewalls.
Patch systems regularly to ensure security and compliance.
Perform
Perform all work in a cooperative and professional manner with other client Team members.
Perform and monitor data backups and recovery.
Perform a variety of tasks.
Perform continuous research on current and emerging infrastructure technologies and tools.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Perform functional testing to verify implementation meet production acceptance standards.
Perform high-impact maintenance and release upgrades on a timely basis.
Perform infrequent evening and weekend work in response to the needs of the client.
Perform initial troubleshooting.
Perform network assessments and security audits.
Perform network design and capacity planning.
Perform network troubleshooting to isolate and diagnose advanced network problems.
Perform network troubleshooting to isolate and diagnose common network problems.
Perform non-critical investigations into functionality that are not working as desired.
Perform penetration tests if requested.
Perform platform upgrades.
Perform software and hardware upgrades as well as support circuit installations and cutovers.
Perform technology watch related to industry trends, best practices, and competition.
Perform triage and troubleshooting for network-related issues.
Perform various network tasks.
Perform work tasks as assigned.
Plan
Plan and implement network security, including firewalls, wireless related systems and IPS devices.
Plan, coordinate and implement changes to the network following our internal change control process.
Plan, coordinate change within the network infrastructure.
Plan, design, and configure networking for our Cloud infrastructure in Azure and AWS.
Plan and execute highly sophisticated network upgrades and migration activities.
Plan implementation of enhancements and upgrades to the network.
Produce
Produce detailed Network Migration Services to support our customer's requirements.
Produce detailed reports with key metrics.
Produce HLD & LLD Survey / Design Documentation.
Produce project outcomes and isolate issues.
Promote
Promote and demonstrate the behaviors consistent with CoreSite's culture and 8 Guiding Principles.
Promote a positive mindset and a collaborative environment.
Promote continued integration of technological advances to further enhance security and reduce risks.
Promote project management best practices and continuous improvement.
Provide
Provide 24x7 Tier 3 IT Network Escalation Support.
Provide 3rd level support.
Provide after-hours on-call and downtime support as needed.
Provide alerts and situation status information to both client and Unisys management.
Provide architecture development for networking in a private cloud infrastructure.
Provide coaching to junior-level employees.
Provide configuration and automation scripts for network management, control, and monitoring.
Provide consulting support to clients.
Provide customer support for functional and performance issues and trouble tickets.
Provide customer system installation and training as needed.
Provide equipment and operational support for offsite testing.
Provide escalations support on production systems, services & infrastructure.
Provide excellent customer support to existing and potential customers.
Provide expertise for the client as Prime is fully implemented and rolled out, globally.
Provide feedback for continuous improvement to project planning and standard operating procedures.
Provide guidance and work leadership to less-experienced network personnel.
Provide hands-on implementation and ongoing care and maintenance for network projects.
Provide immediate response to production program or system problems.
Provide leadership and guidance to several teams and solves cross-department issues.
Provide leadership by aiding in service and product research, testing, and evaluation.
Provide monthly reporting on agreed Key Performance Indicators.
Provide multi-level support for implemented systems.
Provide network security assessments.
Provide Network support to project teams in support of infrastructure deliverables.
Provide on-site testing and technical support during solution deployment.
Provide out of hours' support for critical business impacting incidents.
Provide project support for major initiatives with an emphasis on operations and operational support.
Provide secondary support for the VOIP system issues and day-to-day systems administration.
Provide security guidance and is an escalation contact for IT analysts in other towers.
Provide Strategic Input for Agency IT Strategy.
Provide strong strategic and technical thought leadership and ability to align diverse opinions.
Provide Subject Matter Expertise (SME) on DNS and F5 Load Balancers.
Provide support and input to team projects.
Provide support for connectivity or related network / communication issues for the user community.
Provide support in Cisco routers and switches requirements.
Provide technical assessment of requirements and definition from conception through implementation.
Provide technical expertise to implement, configure and troubleshoot multiple technologies.
Provide technical input and recommendations on proposals / projects.
Provide technical input to the overall department architecture and operational governance models.
Provide technical mentorship and training for network operations team members.
Provide training, documentation and communication to junior staff.
Recommend
Recommend and manage network monitoring tools.
Recommend improvements and changes in current setup.
Recommend and implement solutions based on analysis of issues and implications for the business.
Recommend, schedule, and perform network improvements, upgrades, and repairs.
Report
Report network operational status and complete assignments in a timely manner.
Report network operational status by gathering and prioritizing data.
Research
Research and develop innovative network solutions and support chronic complex problem resolution.
Research and evaluate industry developments and trends.
Research, design, and test complex wide-area computer networks to include both hardware and software.
Research, design, test, and implement new or re-engineered network services and solutions.
Resolve
Resolve specifications issues and / or ambiguities during design and product development cycle.
Respond
Respond to and remediate incident tickets.
Respond to SNMP trap alarm notifications and resolve / repair issue (if necessary).
Review
Review alternate approaches and selects appropriate methodology.
Review of vendor proposals / bids / submittals as required.
Review security logs and take appropriate actions.
Secure
Secure network infra by establishing and enforcing policies.
Set up
Set up and maintain connectivity throughout CentraComm's infrastructure.
Stay current with
Stay current with industry trends and technology advances in the area of Information Technology.
Stay current with the latest networking and multiplayer technologies.
Stay up to date on emerging technology trends and innovation.
Suggest
Suggest improvements to legacy network performance, capacity and scalability.
Support
Support and monitoring of client's backup infrastructure including VEEAM and Netbackup.
Support and provide knowledge transfer to team members and clients.
Support campus wide IT initiatives by provisioning and optimizing the network for each application.
Support Design and Development teams with AWS expertise in helping come up efficient cloud solutions.
Support detailed LAN / WAN / Cloud architecture and design specifications.
Support enterprise network infrastructure.
Support IT & Systems teams with their network requirements.
Support Level 2, 3 and / or 4 escalation for production Incidents.
Support network software analysis and testing procedures.
Support other information security and risk management activities, goals and objectives as requested.
Support our end users with level 2 and 3 support.
Support SIP, H.323 standard protocols with expert knowledge.
Support STR Enterprise networks including routers, switches and firewalls.
Support tier 2 escalation involving LAN & Wireless on Cisco platforms.
Support Vendor management.
Take
Take a lead role in the engagement and mitigation of outage, causing events or issues.
Take on-call rotation to respond to high priority incidents and resolve issues.
Take initiative and work independently and as part of a team, self- driven.
Take leadership role in execution of delivery projects.
Test
Test and evaluate future looking technologies by participating in beta tests of given technologies.
Test and isolate circuit issues using tools / Telco local loop, and customer in-house wiring.
Test and evaluate network systems to eliminate problems and make improvements.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and resolve critical incidents within defined SLA.
Troubleshoot and suggest improvements to networking-related issues.
Troubleshoot LAN, WAN or global routing-related issues in an accurate and timely fashion.
Troubleshoot and debug problems found in the production and non-production environments.
Understand
Understand business challenges and problems facing customers.
Understand client requirements and business objectives.
Understand how the network components interact with the other parts and pieces of the infrastructure.
Update
Update data servers and network equipment.
Update the network maintenance manual as well as maintaining network documentations and diagrams.
Use
Use monitoring to help find areas for improvement.
Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.
Use of a variety of network monitoring tools.
Use of computer, telephone, and other office equipment for the greater part of the workday.
Utilize
Utilize existing mechanisms and SOPs to maintain network awareness.
Utilize moderate to complex lab setups to recreate and solve problems.
Validate
Validate network capacity, performance, and uptime to management.
Verify
Verify and update project documentation.
Work with
Work with a laboratory focused local area network.
Work with client Support and Engineering teams to help solve customer issues.
Work with internal and external stakeholders.
Work with minimal supervision with wide latitude for independent judgment.
Work with SD-WAN (Fortinet preferred) and network management.
Work with Security to design alerting for these devices that will proactively.
Work with site personnel to ensure all applications and network connectivity is working correctly.
Work with users / network architect in designing complex solutions.
Work with vendors to ensure compliance.
Write
Write function requirements / specifications documents.
Write / implement automation tools to monitor, maintain, lower TCO and meet defined KPI's.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Network Engineer:
MPLS
AWS
Troubleshooting
TCP/IP
DNS
LAN
Python
Linux
Networking
Design
CCNA
WAN
Network Engineering
Routing
Eigrp
Switching
Azure
Security
VPN
Routers
Configuring
Routing Protocols
DHCP
IPSEC
QOS
Ansible
Network
Palo Alto
Network Design
CCIE
Juniper
Protocols
Vmware
Network Security
F5
Wireless
Project Management
Scripting
Firewall
Cisco Routers
SNMP
HSRP
Wireshark
Load Balancing
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Network Engineer:
Written and oral communication skills
Problem-solving attitude
Analytical ability
Interpersonal skills
Organizational capacity
Attention to detail
Troubleshooting skills
Self-starter
Leadership
Presentation
Self-motivated
Communications
Critical thinker
Team player
Time-management
Work independently with little direction
Multi-task
Creative
Detail-oriented
Flexible
Collaborative
Organized
Listening
Work with minimum supervision
Adaptable to changes
Proactive
Results-oriented
Priority management
Planning
Dependable
