Network Engineer Job Description

What is the job description of a Network Engineer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Network Engineer? What does a Network Engineer do?

Job description of a Network Engineer

Network engineers job description involves installing, maintaining and supporting the day-to-day operation of computer networks that companies and organizations rely on. These networks typically include an intranet, extranet, local area network (LAN), and wide area network (WAN). 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.

This Network Engineer job description example includes the list of most important Network Engineer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Network Engineer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Network Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Network Engineer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Design and deploy company LANs, WANs, and wireless networks, including servers, routers, firewalls, load balancers hubs, switches, UPSs, and other hardware
  • Configure, tests, and maintains LAN/WAN equipment and related services
  • Identifies, diagnoses, and resolves network problems
  • Architecting, creating, managing and maintaining Network, Server and PC health for clients (as defined by SLA)
  • Managing existing and deploying new system configurations, including Windows Server, Virtualization Systems, Mobile Devices, Mobile Platforms and Desktops (Windows and MAC)
  • Provide Tier 2 and 3 support for internal and external customers
  • Provide formal corporate communications on directional changes or changes that will impact existing services
  • Select and implement security tools, policies, and procedures in conjunction with the company’s security team
  • Monitor and maintain all levels of network security internally and externally
  • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all implemented networks

Network Engineer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Network Engineer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor degree in Information Technology related field of study with a network engineering focus.
  • Strong understanding of network infrastructure and network hardware.
  • Ability to think through problems and visualize solutions.
  • Ability to implement, administer, and troubleshoot network infrastructure devices, including wireless access points, firewall, routers, switches, controllers.
  • A self-starter able to work independently but comfortable working in a team environment.
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Dependable and flexible when necessary.
  • Network security experience.
  • LAN and WAN experience.
  • Knowledge of application transport and network infrastructure protocols.
  • Ability to create accurate network diagrams and documentation for design and planning network communication systems.
  • Provides specific detailed information for hardware and software selection.
  • Ability to quickly learn new or unfamiliar technology and products using documentation and internet resources.
  • Ability to work with all levels of staff within and outside of IT and outside the organization.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Network Engineer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Network Engineer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Network Engineer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.