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What does a computer network engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Ming Chow
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Computer network engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer network engineer resumes:

  • Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
  • Set up and configure new hardware including servers, routers, switches, workstations.
  • Integrate, upgrade and maintain existing CISCO routers, switches and other lab equipment.
  • Install and configure OS and application software.
  • Work with Unix and Microsoft software and servers.
  • Configure, troubleshoot, upgrade, and maintain the network hardware/software systems
  • Configure and deploy MPLS connectivity and site-to-site VPN with IPSec security.
  • Develop and maintain LAN procedures that are in line with company objectives.
  • Create UNIX scripts to delete temporary and cache files from all the machines.
  • Ensure full operational capabilities of all software and network failure-over assurance systems (Linux).
  • Circuit testing and maintenance complete using bit error rate tests along with higher-level TCP/IP protocols.
  • Maintain and service all PC's in tank farm, chemical lab, test lab and shipping department.
  • Install and maintain all company hardware and software, assemble and upgrade PC's, assist with network management.
  • Install and configure Macintosh and Linux workstations.
  • Provide support and troubleshooting of communications networks, servers, workstations and hardware

Computer network engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Computer Network Engineers are proficient in Linux, Network Troubleshooting, and Ethernet. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.

We break down the percentage of Computer Network Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Linux, 9%

    Maintained and supported the installation and configuration of resort-wide LAN and Linux server to provide inter-office email and shared Internet access

  • Network Troubleshooting, 8%

    Network troubleshooting of financial telecommunications network

  • Ethernet, 7%

    Maintained IBM hardware and performed network infrastructure implementations using SMC and Accunetics Arcnet Topologies and Novell NE 2000 Ethernet Coaxial subsystems.

  • Tcp Ip, 5%

    Mastered TCP IP addresses configuration, HUB cable routing, registry editing.

  • PC, 5%

    Installed and maintained all company hardware and software, assembled and upgraded PC's, assisted with network management.

  • Troubleshoot, 5%

    Repair, troubleshoot, install and configure Windows based personal computer, laptops and printers.

Most computer network engineers use their skills in "linux," "network troubleshooting," and "ethernet" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer network engineer responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer network engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what computer network engineers do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a computer network engineer resume shows how computer network engineers use analytical skills: "coordinated the maintenance of complex data network hardware and systems. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer network engineer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to a computer network engineer resume, here's how computer network engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "evaluated and recommended the purchase of lan applications, network communication equipment, and hardware peripherals. "

Multitasking skills. computer network engineers are also known for multitasking skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to computer network engineer responsibilities, because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." A computer network engineer resume example shows how multitasking skills is used in the workplace: "use a network pc in a multitasking environment. "

Problem-solving skills. A big part of what computer network engineers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to computer network engineer responsibilities because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computer network engineer tasks: "diagnosed and solved network problems, hardware and software faults. "

Most common computer network engineer skills

Compare different computer network engineers

Computer network engineer vs. Network operation technician

A network operation technician is responsible for providing technical assistance with computer network issues. Network operation technicians repair and troubleshoot networks and routers, identifying the source of defects by listening to the customers and determining step-by-step guidelines for resolution. They also configure servers to optimize the network's performance and recommend strategies to improve the system's infrastructure. A network operation technician must have excellent organizational and technical skills, especially in explaining the network problems to the customers and addressing preventive maintenance.

If we compare the average computer network engineer annual salary with that of a network operation technician, we find that network operation technicians typically earn a $14,101 lower salary than computer network engineers make annually.Even though computer network engineers and network operation technicians are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require linux, network troubleshooting, and ethernet in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, computer network engineer responsibilities require skills like "network hardware," "software issues," "os," and "qos." Meanwhile a typical network operation technician has skills in areas such as "network operations," "noc," "trouble tickets," and "rf." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Network operation technicians tend to make the most money working in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $74,614. In contrast, computer network engineers make the biggest average salary, $101,566, in the finance industry.The education levels that network operation technicians earn slightly differ from computer network engineers. In particular, network operation technicians are 2.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a computer network engineer. Additionally, they're 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Computer network engineer vs. Network support technician

A network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.

On average, network support technicians earn a $29,751 lower salary than computer network engineers a year.A few skills overlap for computer network engineers and network support technicians. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "linux," "network troubleshooting," and "ethernet. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that computer network engineer responsibilities requires skills like "pc," "network performance," "bgp," and "qos." But a network support technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "network support," "provides technical support," "network printers," and "pcs."

On average, network support technicians earn a lower salary than computer network engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, network support technicians earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $48,633. Whereas computer network engineers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $101,566.network support technicians earn similar levels of education than computer network engineers in general. They're 3.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer network engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Ming ChowMing Chow LinkedIn profile

Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University

Infrastructure, including cloud and networking, Security, Machine Learning, and Data Science.

References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity

Computer network engineer vs. Network consultant

Network consultants are information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for designing, setting up, and maintaining computer networks for an organization or at a client location. These consultants are required to meet with the manager of an organization and network engineers to discuss their networking requirements. By supervising a team of IT professionals, these consultants must administer technical issues and fix infrastructure issues onsite. Network consultants must also maintain documentation for IT infrastructure as well as coordinate network documentation with account managers.

On average scale, network consultants bring in higher salaries than computer network engineers. In fact, they earn a $10,930 higher salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on computer network engineers and network consultants resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "linux," "network troubleshooting," and "ethernet.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer network engineer resumes include skills like "tcp ip," "customer service," "routers," and "network performance," whereas a network consultant is more likely to list skills in "appeals," "firewall," "client facing," and "project management. "

Network consultants earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $89,811. Comparatively, computer network engineers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $101,566.Most network consultants achieve a similar degree level compared to computer network engineers. For example, they're 3.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Computer network engineer vs. Network administrator

A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.

Network administrators tend to earn a lower pay than computer network engineers by an average of $7,016 per year.While both computer network engineers and network administrators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like linux, network troubleshooting, and ethernet, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "customer service," "qos," "remedy," and "provisioning" are skills that commonly show up on computer network engineer resumes. On the other hand, network administrators use skills like firewall, network security, vmware, and network administration on their resumes.network administrators enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $74,936. For comparison, computer network engineers earn the highest salary in the finance industry.network administrators reach similar levels of education compared to computer network engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 0.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of computer network engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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