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Computer network engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Austin McCoy,

Rania Hussein Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical computer network engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for computer network engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.4% of computer network engineer resumes contained linux as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a computer network engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 computer network engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how computer network engineers use linux:

Maintained and supported the installation and configuration of resort-wide LAN and Linux server to provide inter-office email and shared Internet access
Configured maintained and deployed various DoD military tactical systems with Linux /Unix System installs, maintenance and configurations.

2. Network Troubleshooting

Here's how computer network engineers use network troubleshooting:

Network troubleshooting of financial telecommunications network
Network troubleshooting/problem resolution included individual client network connectivity, mainframe access, email access and custom applications support.

3. Ethernet

Ethernet refers to a system that connects a series of computers in a local area network (LAN). This is often done through ethernet cables, which plug into a router or other port in the modem in addition to the computer port. As ethernet connects only a local network, there are more protocols regarding how information is transmitted.

Here's how computer network engineers use ethernet:

Maintained IBM hardware and performed network infrastructure implementations using SMC and Accunetics Arcnet Topologies and Novell NE 2000 Ethernet Coaxial subsystems.
Planned and executed network migration from token-ring to Ethernet infrastructure, increasing efficiency and stability of network.

4. Tcp Ip

Here's how computer network engineers use tcp ip:

Mastered TCP IP addresses configuration, HUB cable routing, registry editing.
Managed networks through TCP IP configurations with routers and security features.

5. PC

Here's how computer network engineers use pc:

Installed and maintained all company hardware and software, assembled and upgraded PC's, assisted with network management.
Maintained and serviced all PC's in tank farm, chemical lab, test lab and shipping department.

6. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how computer network engineers use troubleshoot:

Repair, troubleshoot, install and configure Windows based personal computer, laptops and printers.
Install, troubleshoot Lotus Notes and MS outlook.

7. Switches

Here's how computer network engineers use switches:

Designed and implemented a CISCO networking lab using multiple CISCO 2600 routes and 2950 switches.
Integrated, upgraded and maintained existing CISCO routers, switches and other lab equipment.

8. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how computer network engineers use customer service:

Maintain, identify and implement wireless communication packages to the Rochester market with a customer service focus.
Provide excellent customer service for end user.

9. Network Infrastructure

Here's how computer network engineers use network infrastructure:

Manage and monitor network infrastructure systems and other event data sources on a 24x7x365 basis.
Installed, sustained, operated and repaired network infrastructure, cryptographic equipment, and systems.

10. Routers

A router is a device that gives a computing device the capability to connect to the internet and transfer data between different devices whether at a home or office. It may include several network ports to connect many devices at one go.

Here's how computer network engineers use routers:

Help Desk / End-user support for hardware, software and Windows operating systems Learning Cisco Routers and their use.
Maintained and administered Cisco routers and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, peripherals, and security configurations.

11. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how computer network engineers use technical support:

Build, repair, and technical support of computers and software.
Provide technical support, setup wireless network.

12. Network Devices

Here's how computer network engineers use network devices:

Configured, monitored, and maintained all network devices and provided first-level troubleshooting by diagnosing and resolving hardware/software faults.
Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedure documentation for all daily tasks and implementation of network devices.

13. TCP/IP

Here's how computer network engineers use tcp/ip:

Experienced w/ Windows OS 2000/XP/Server 2000 Expert w/ MS Office, IE, TCP/IP apps.
Created/implemented many successful Microsoft Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange servers and TCP/IP networks with emphasis on security and high availability.

14. Network Performance

Here's how computer network engineers use network performance:

Monitored network performance and ensured security protocols were in place to protect network data in adherence to company standards.
Monitored the network performance to collect and analyze network and memory utilization.

15. Unix

UNIX is a computer operating system that was first created in the 1960s and has been constantly updated since then. The operating system refers to the set of programs that enable a machine to function. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking device that works on computers, laptops, and servers. UNIX systems also have a graphical user interface (GUI), similar to Microsoft Windows, that makes it simple to use.

Here's how computer network engineers use unix:

Provided routine analysis and software patches and upgrades using UNIX, C, UIM/x GUI Builder and Software through Pictures tools.
Created and executed UNIX and DOS scripts to add over 2,600 accounts to MS Windows Server 2003/Exchange 2003 domain.

What skills help Computer Network Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on computer network engineer resumes?

Austin McCoy

Director of Javelina Engineering Student Success Center, Texas A&M University - Kingsville

-Internship/co-op experience -Research experience
-Good leadership skills and involvement on campus and in the community and activities where the individual works as part of a team.
-Well written resume can tell a lot about the technical writing skill; a resume needs to be clean and comfortable to read; recruiters can find what they are looking for easily.
-Less is sometimes more because students sometimes will put more information on a resume than is pertinent to the position applying for.

What soft skills should all computer network engineers possess?

Rania Hussein Ph.D.

Associate Teaching Professor, University of Washington

Being coachable, know how to learn and figure things out, effective communication skills, continuous self-development.

What hard/technical skills are most important for computer network engineers?

Rania Hussein Ph.D.

Associate Teaching Professor, University of Washington

C language and hardware description language, such as Verilog, microcontrollers and FPGA programming, computer organization, and low-level programming in assembly.

What computer network engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

I recommend enhancing skills in data analytics, if a graduate lacks such skills. Revitalizing business practices by analyzing user or inventory data is an integral part of almost all business applications. Hence, skills in data analytics will give a graduate an edge in the changing job market. Data analytics comes in various flavors: from gathering simple statistics to advanced machine learning. Hence, a graduate can always improve their skill from freely available online lectures, online classes such as Coursera, or on-ramp classes offered by many universities.

What type of skills will young computer network engineers need?

Joshua Davis Ph.D.

Lecturer, Carleton College

Studying mathematics is good practice for rigorous thinking and problem solving, which are valued across the workforce. For science and engineering applications, it is often also helpful to have R, Python, Matlab, or another popular programming language. But technical abilities get the graduate-only so far. They need interpersonal communication skills so that they can understand the needs of stakeholders and cooperate with colleagues. For this reason, many faculty at my school emphasize writing, speaking, listening, and teamwork skills.

What technical skills for a computer network engineer stand out to employers?

Chirag Parikh Ph.D.

Computer Engineering Chair, Grand Valley State University

If you ask me, I consider valuable experience over good paycheck. Once you have gained that experience the paycheck will follow. As soon as you are out of college, the knowledge gained is very fresh and raring to go. If put into the right place can enhance your technical skills and you can do wonders.
As a Computer Engineering professor, I would say the job opportunities are tremendous for students out of college as they can venture into hardware field (technical support, hardware engineer, test engineer and much more) as well as software field (software engineer, software developer, software tester and much more). The possibilities are endless.
With COVID and employees working remotely there is still ample opportunity to enhance your technical and interpersonal skills as I believe remote working might stay for a while till things get back to normal.

Do you want to know more?

List of computer network engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a computer network engineer resume and required skills for a computer network engineer to have include:

Linux
Network Troubleshooting
Ethernet
Tcp Ip
PC
Troubleshoot
Switches
Customer Service
Network Infrastructure
Routers
Technical Support
Network Devices
TCP/IP
Network Performance
Unix
BGP
VoIP

Network Hardware
Lan Wan
Software Issues
OSPF
Cisco Asa
Lan
Cisco Ios
OS
DNS
QoS
VPN
Remedy
Provisioning
Printers
Windows Server
Desktop Support
Workstations

Virtualization
DHCP
Novell
Microsoft Windows
SQL Server
Network Problems
Juniper
Vmware Esxi
User Accounts
Windows NT
Windows XP
Mac
POS
Computer Network Systems
Network Connectivity

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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