What does a junior networking engineer do?
Junior networking engineers are entry-level information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for managing the daily activities of local and wide area network systems of an IT organization. They must collaborate with senior network engineers to develop and implement network security procedures to safeguard the organization's networking systems. They are required to perform diagnostics and schedule preventive maintenance on the network system while responding to emergency work requests. Junior networking engineers must also manage network management programs and prepare network status reports for the management.
Junior networking engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real junior networking engineer resumes:
- Configure and manage networks using L3 protocols like RIPv2, IGRP.
- Utilize bash and python scripting to manage multiple Linux servers used for research.
- Manage a project for the deployment of Wi-Fi networks at all substations across the province.
- Formulate SQL queries to automate data acquire from weekly team trackers, saving several hours daily.
- Manage security solutions, including firewall, anti-virus, and intrusion detection systems.
- Work on STP and VTP switching technologies.
- Configure STP, VTP and DOT1Q in switching network.
- Work on several projects installing VoIP solutions and troubleshooting network issues for clients in large environments.
- Perform simulation testing in lab environment by using spectrum analyzer, RF chamber, attenuates etc.
- Used the Cisco IOS embed event manager for network event detection and configure floating static routes using track objects.
- Use Cisco ASA CLI to create VPN users, reset passwords, and regenerate certificates in an existing VPN infrastructure.
- Implement a NAT proxy using socket programming in Java to keep local IP addresses private between and a client and server.
- Add, delete, and modify DNS entries.
- Work with the basic communication protocols like TCP/IP.
- Configure Linux servers to access SAN and NFS.
Junior networking engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Junior Networking Engineers are proficient in Switches, Troubleshoot, and Lan. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Junior Networking Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Switches, 8%
Monitored and configured changes on installed Cisco networking devices such as Routers and Switches to address network related issues/problems
- Troubleshoot, 6%
General responsibility: Support network operation center to configure, monitor and troubleshoot network related problems and devices across 3 campuses.
- Lan, 5%
Used various scanning and sniffing tools like Wire-sharkEnvironment: Cisco catalyst 2960/4550/5550 switch, Cisco 2880/3700/3880 router, LAN, M
- OSPF, 4%
Configured and verified MPLS manually and using automatic configuration via OSPF.
- Network Infrastructure, 4%
Supported Cisco Unified Communication solutions including IVR applications, network infrastructure, and directory/messaging services.
- BGP, 3%
Configured and verified internal BGP peering using directly connected networks.
"switches," "troubleshoot," and "lan" are among the most common skills that junior networking engineers use at work. You can find even more junior networking engineer responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a junior networking engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Junior networking engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "discovered and fixed an improper video teleconferencing configuration using wireshark for packet analysis. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling junior networking 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 junior networking engineer resume, here's how junior networking engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "implemented extended acls on 3560 and 3750 to allow communication between the required networks, and to restrict other communications. "
Problem-solving skills. junior networking engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to junior networking engineer responsibilities, because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." A junior networking engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "deployed highly scalable and reliable dns, dhcp solution using cisco network registrar 6.0. "
The three companies that hire the most junior networking engineers are:
- Innovative Management & Technology Approaches24 junior networking engineers jobs
- TEKsystems4 junior networking engineers jobs
- Information Management Group4 junior networking engineers jobs
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Junior networking engineer vs. Information technology administrator
An Information Technology (IT) administrator is an individual responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed. They are required to assess the organization's security programs and run the system for viruses and spyware. IT administrators also extend support to the organization's end-users and train them on desktop applications.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, junior networking engineer responsibilities require skills like "ospf," "bgp," "series routers," and "network devices." Meanwhile a typical information technology administrator has skills in areas such as "customer service," "database," "vmware," and "windows server." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Information technology administrators earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $93,678. On the other hand, junior networking engineers are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $85,018.The education levels that information technology administrators earn slightly differ from junior networking engineers. In particular, information technology administrators are 2.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a junior networking engineer. Additionally, they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Junior networking engineer vs. Systems administrator
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that junior networking engineer responsibilities requires skills like "ospf," "bgp," "series routers," and "firewall." But a systems administrator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "windows server," "database," "powershell," and "os."
On average, systems administrators earn a lower salary than junior networking engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, systems administrators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $86,962. Whereas junior networking engineers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $85,018.systems administrators earn similar levels of education than junior networking engineers in general. They're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Junior networking engineer vs. System technician
A system technician is an individual responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members. They should carry out tests on the system so that they can generate error reports to identify and fix any computer system problems. System technicians also can write and maintain computer programs and work with computers and electronics, including circuit boards, computer hardware and software, and computer processors.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from junior networking engineer resumes include skills like "troubleshoot," "lan," "ospf," and "network infrastructure," whereas a system technician is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "hand tools," "preventative maintenance," and "control systems. "
System technicians make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $58,665. On the other hand, junior networking engineers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $85,018.system technicians typically earn lower educational levels compared to junior networking engineers. Specifically, they're 6.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Junior networking engineer vs. Administrator
Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.
Types of junior networking engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











