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What does an information engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Edoardo Sarda Ph.D.
What does an information engineer do

An information engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of computer systems and network infrastructure, performing configuration to boost the optimal performance of the technology systems. Information engineers assist end-users in resolving network issues, identifying the source of inconsistencies, and create resolution reports for reference to avoid reoccurrence. They also design new network systems according to business needs and client specifications, running multiple diagnostic tests to ensure effectiveness before the release of final deliverables. An information engineer should have excellent technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.

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Information engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real information engineer resumes:

  • Manage users VPN access with RSA tokens.
  • Use of Powershell to automate server builds and daily tasks.
  • Use of PowerShell to automate daily tasks, and create reports ..
  • Mentore and lead QA team on best practices of STLC.
  • Manage monthly audits with cloud providers over deterrent, preventive, detective and corrective controls.
  • Create and manage VMware VM templates and OS images base on configuration and security hardening standards.
  • Patch cable drops to provide network functionality of VOIP and video services to users desk from network LAN room.
  • Perform reboots and hardware swaps including, USB hubs, switches, routers, Cisco VoIP phones, and hard drives.
  • Administer DHCP server to network different down level clients.
  • Maintain documentation, current IOS and configurations of all Cisco equipment.
  • Repair and troubleshot desktop and laptop PCs in a multiple device LAN.
  • Assist development team with migration of continuous build environment from Hudson to Jenkins.
  • Configure and administer company networks (LAN) and servers and provide second-tier support.
  • Resolve major DHCP issues causing connectivity loss to network drives, printers and devices.
  • Work within the governance, risk and compliance sector of SunGard ITIL security model.

Information engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Information Engineers are proficient in Customer Service, Linux, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.

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

  • Customer Service, 7%

    Honored with several customer service awards for delivering high-level support of complex projects with stringent deadlines.

  • Linux, 6%

    Developed client applications targeting Windows and Linux platform with VC++/MFC and C++/X-Motif respectively.

  • Troubleshoot, 5%

    Installed and configured TeamViewer to quickly troubleshoot client computers remotely.

  • Java, 5%

    Performed Java development with agile methodology to meet the requirement, maintain DB2 database, and provide technical support.

  • SAN, 4%

    Managed mission critical Service Guard clusters running Clear Case, licenses, and documentation along with an EVA5000 SAN storage device.

  • Azure, 4%

    Managed Microsoft Exchange cloud services, implemented Azure Active Directory Sync with ADFS single sign-on.

Common skills that an information engineer uses to do their job include "customer service," "linux," and "troubleshoot." You can find details on the most important information engineer responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for an information engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what information 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, an information engineer resume shows how information engineers use analytical skills: "designed and wrote a hierarchytree java class that would build a hierarchical data structure of control nodes and data nodes. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling information 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 an information engineer resume, here's how information engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "authored provisioning documents and telecommunication requests (trs). "

Multitasking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of information engineers is multitasking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday information engineer duties, as "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "exhibit strong communication, critical thinking, multitasking, troubleshooting, and customer service skills"

Problem-solving skills. A big part of what information engineers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to information 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 information engineer tasks: "develop customized site solutions for all technical services (ad, dns, dhcp, exchange, etc. )"

All information engineer skills

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Compare different information engineers

Information engineer vs. Information technology supervisor, information technology

An information technology supervisor of information technology is primarily in charge of overseeing a company's IT operations, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. It is their duty to spearhead projects, set goals and objectives, coordinate staff, manage budgets and timelines, perform installations and upgrades, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They must remain knowledgeable of the latest technologies, liaise with external parties, and produce progress reports. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is essential to monitor the performance of the IT teams, all while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.

The annual salary of information technology supervisors, information technology is $6,279 higher than the average salary of information engineers.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between information engineers and information technology supervisors, information technology are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like customer service, linux, and troubleshoot.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between information engineers and information technology supervisor, information technology. For instance, information engineer responsibilities require skills such as "java," "data analysis," "mac," and "c++." Whereas a information technology supervisor, information technology is skilled in "project management," "database," "performance reviews," and "itil." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Information technology supervisors, information technology really shine in the energy industry with an average salary of $116,415. Comparatively, information engineers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $107,435.On average, information technology supervisors, information technology reach similar levels of education than information engineers. Information technology supervisors, information technology are 3.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Information engineer vs. Senior information technology specialist

A senior information technology specialist is responsible for handling technology systems and network issues, ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of the database by configuration and improving network infrastructures. Senior information technology specialists also design computer systems and applications to support business functions and operations, depending on the requirements and budget limitations. They create resolution reports for reference and recommend strategic techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of defects and malfunctions. A senior information technology specialist must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in responding to the end-users' inquiries and concerns about the servers.

Senior information technology specialist positions earn lower pay than information engineer roles. They earn a $1,525 lower salary than information engineers per year.A few skills overlap for information engineers and senior information technology specialists. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "customer service," "linux," and "java. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that information engineer responsibilities requires skills like "troubleshoot," "azure," "data analysis," and "c++." But a senior information technology specialist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "database," "project management," "sr," and "cycle management."

Senior information technology specialists may earn a lower salary than information engineers, but senior information technology specialists earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $117,267. On the other hand, information engineers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $107,435.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior information technology specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than information engineers. In fact, they're 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

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

Edoardo Sarda Ph.D.Edoardo Sarda Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor, Robotics Engineering, Lake Superior State University

It's evident that social distancing regulations have already affected our way of life, including our work routine, and will continue to do so for the near future. This is only going to accelerate the growth of robotics and automation that we had already been experiencing in recent years. A human working closely with a robot is still tolerated, while multiple humans being close to each other is becoming less acceptable. Besides, robots are not affected by any sort of virus, including COVID19 (the exception being computer viruses, of course). This tells me that the trend towards human-robot collaboration will become more dominant as the regulations for social distancing become stricter in the industry. Mobile robots represent another technology that may gain popularity, due to the pandemic. Applications that require non-stationary, autonomous systems, such as disinfecting facilities, greeting people, serving customers, and others, will benefit from using mobile robots.

Information engineer vs. Information systems specialist

An Information Systems Specialist is responsible for supporting and developing the database system of an organization. They are responsible for designing and implementing information systems, developing prototypes, and maintaining hardware and software operations. They build information security to protect the computer system against a threat. Information System Specialists must have good communication and analytical skills to adapt to different organizational needs.

On average scale, information systems specialists bring in lower salaries than information engineers. In fact, they earn a $31,508 lower salary per year.By looking over several information engineers and information systems specialists resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "customer service," "linux," and "troubleshoot." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from information engineer resumes include skills like "java," "san," "azure," and "mac," whereas an information systems specialist is more likely to list skills in "data entry," "strong analytical," "customer support," and "technical issues. "

Information systems specialists earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $75,326. Comparatively, information engineers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $107,435.When it comes to education, information systems specialists tend to earn similar degree levels compared to information engineers. In fact, they're 4.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Information engineer vs. Systems engineer

Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.

Systems engineers typically earn lower pay than information engineers. On average, systems engineers earn a $22,169 lower salary per year.According to resumes from information engineers and systems engineers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "linux," "troubleshoot," and "java. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "customer service," "data analysis," "mac," and "vmware" are skills that commonly show up on information engineer resumes. On the other hand, systems engineers use skills like python, database, matlab, and project management on their resumes.systems engineers enjoy the best pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $96,218. For comparison, information engineers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, systems engineers hold similar degree levels compared to information engineers. Systems engineers are 0.7% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of information 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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