What is it?
Network engineers design, develop, and maintain internal and/or external local area networks (LAN) or wide area networks (WAN). In order to analyze network structures and model suggested changes, network engineers need to have knowledge of both hardware and software characteristics for network maintenance. The job doesn’t just require a bachelor’s degree. It also requires various security certifications, and a lot of on-the-job experience. Many start out low-man on the totem pole; however, as you gain experience and knowledge, a number of doors open into higher-level positions and greater salary potential.
In 2012 network engineers made it to #14 (out of 100) on CNN’s Best Jobs in America list. CNN describes network engineers as, “the plumbers of the computer world. Network engineers design and install the high-tech pipes that keep information flowing and then stick around to fix leaks and clogs.”
As a network engineer, you can stick to the cube life, if that’s what you want. But the gray “walls” don’t have to be your only view. With enough experience and the right certifications, network engineers can move into management positions or specializations in telecommunications or network architecture. Promotion and career growth are dependent on the organization.
Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree, typically in computer science, information science or management information systems (MIS) is required. As long as you have basic computer science or engineer training, other degrees may apply. Network engineers should expect a skills-intensive interview. If you have the skills, you can get the job.
Skills and Certifications
A junior position may only require a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), which is a prerequisite to the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). If you don’t have any certifications yet, the CCNA is the place to start. Expect to move on to studying for the CCNP for any advancement. Microsoft server and configuration certifications are often required.
In addition to the typical attention-to-detail and problem-solving skills, network engineers need to have the knowledge and skills to work with routers, routing protocols, firewalls, network equipment, and virtual servers.
A Typical Day as a Cleared Network Engineer
(Daily activities will vary depending on the organization of the technology department or the agency, but the following is a basic example of some typical tasks for a cleared network engineer.)
08:00 – Arrive at work and log-into your computer. Follow up on emails about the current project’s technical requirements.
08:15 – Investigate alerts from overnight and clear them out as false positives or investigate.
08:30 – Take a walk to the server room and check to see that all the lights are on and things are running smoothly.
08:45 – Update your bosses on prevailing issues and project-specific work in an all-hands call.
09:00 – Meet with the project manager and client to address the ramifications from the client’s desired changes.
10:00 – Update technical documentation to meet the client’s changes.
10:05 – Colleagues report a problem they believe is related to networking.
10:10 – The problem is proven to have nothing to do with networking.
11:30 – Work on creating network schematics for current project.
12:30 – Follow up on project team emails.
12:45 – A routing problem requires you and others on your team to engage vendor support and remediate the issue ASAP.
13:30 – Update test scripts, based on team and client feedback.
14:30 – Begin to compile a report on ways to enhance the capabilities of the network.
14:40 – Answer hypothetical questions from developers about how their application interacts with the network.
15:30 – Run through some tests of the network design.
15:50 – Investigate alerts and ensure all is clear.
16:00 – Take a final check of servers and emails and then head home.
Security Clearance Concerns
Depending on the contract, network engineers desiring work in the cleared world need to either have an active secret clearance or the ability to obtain one. However, work on the contract will not start until the clearance is obtained. Some agencies may require a top secret clearance. If the work is being done for an intel agency, a polygraph may be required as well.
