What does a network operations/network engineer do?
Network operations/network engineers are information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for monitoring the daily performance of a network system of an organization. These IT engineers must assist the senior network engineers in developing and managing security policies that will safeguard all their network systems. They are required to participate in the installation of new or upgraded systems, including equipment testing and troubleshooting. Network operations/network engineers must also provide technical support to assist in resolving network problems.
Network operations/network engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real network operations/network engineer resumes:
- Work in managing the VMware ESX hosts from vC server.
- Manage company's DNS with QIP by adding / deleting IP addresses.
- Manage cabled LAN and wireless access, with switching technologies and wireless technologies.
- Manage state of the art equipment including SAN, NAS, windows servers and desktops.
- Select to train on a new customer database system to facilitate managing client telecommunication data.
- Configure EIGRP and OSPF as interior gateway protocols with route filtering and route redistribution.
- Design and implement corporate standards for new deployment for VPN site to site, BGP & IOS/JUNOS/NEXUS upgrades.
- Maintain security of network devices and configure all site-to-site and remote-access VPN connections.
- Utilize network performance tools to analyze TCP/IP traffic flows.
- Perform changes to DNS records and MX records for customer websites.
- Use of telephony protocols such as SS7, PRI and VoIP protocols MGCP.
- Work with Cisco IOS-XR on the ASR9000 devices for MPLS deployments in data center.
- Experience admin support with BigIP F5 (GTM, LTM) creating VIP/pools for Dev/QA/Stage/Prod.
- Maintain Cisco routers, configuration, and Cisco images, network software and hardware upgrades.
- Maintain core and distribution networking equipment on Cisco MPLS, ADSL, fiber ATM and wireless ATM networks.
Network operations/network engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 5% of Network Operations/Network Engineers are proficient in Network Operations, BGP, and OSPF. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Network Operations/Network Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Network Operations, 5%
Support daily network operations within direct and regional networks both on a national and international level.
- BGP, 5%
Monitored and troubleshoot Cisco PIX and 2600 router IPSEC VPN connectivity issues of worldwide BGP WAN infrastructure with HP OPENVIEW.
- OSPF, 5%
Utilized OSPF and static routing between network sites as well as managed the Internet access in and out of our Firewalls.
- Troubleshoot, 5%
Develop scripts to parse metadata and troubleshoot video distribution errors in a Linux environment.
- Juniper, 4%
Supported WAN infrastructure involving Cisco and Juniper devices across several sites.
- Firewall, 4%
Worked on Checkpoint Firewall policy provisioning Involved in Firewall Administration, Rule Analysis, and Rule Modification.
"network operations," "bgp," and "ospf" are among the most common skills that network operations/network engineers use at work. You can find even more network operations/network engineer responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a network operations/network engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role 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 network operations/network engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "managed, deployed, and maintained in-house and cloud-based data centers with up to 160 windows 2008/2012 and linux servers. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform network operations/network engineer duties is communication skills. Network operations/network engineers responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Network operations/network engineers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "managed cisco 2500 series routers via hp open-view and siemens telecommunication network management system. "
Multitasking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of network operations/network engineers is multitasking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday network operations/network 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: "used multitasking and knowledge in unix and aol proprietary systems while working individually in an overnight setting. "
Problem-solving skills. network operations/network engineer responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This resume example shows what network operations/network engineers do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "provided custom routing solutions across our juniper mpls, bgp network. "
The three companies that hire the most network operations/network engineers are:
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Compare different network operations/network engineers
Network operations/network engineer vs. Engineer
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between network operations/network engineers and engineer. For instance, network operations/network engineer responsibilities require skills such as "network operations," "bgp," "ospf," and "juniper." Whereas a engineer is skilled in "python," "cloud," "c++," and "c #." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Engineers really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $97,672. Comparatively, network operations/network engineers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $99,128.The education levels that engineers earn slightly differ from network operations/network engineers. In particular, engineers are 4.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a network operations/network engineer. Additionally, they're 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network operations/network engineer vs. Network manager
A network manager is responsible for monitoring the efficient network connection of the company's technology systems, analyzing system designs, and overseeing installation processes and programs. Network managers inspect the efficiency of existing network management systems, upgrading network data to boost optimal performance and communication transportation. A network manager must have excellent knowledge of technology disciplines and should always be updated with the recent technology trends, guiding the network staff on their tasks and immediately resolving system defects and discrepancies.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, network operations/network engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "ospf," "juniper," "technical support," and "ios." Meanwhile, a network manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "network hardware," "project management," and "routers." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Network managers earn a lower average salary than network operations/network engineers. But network managers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $105,251. Additionally, network operations/network engineers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $99,128 annually.In general, network managers achieve similar levels of education than network operations/network engineers. They're 3.4% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network operations/network engineer vs. Senior network administrator
Senior Network Administrators provide system and network solutions for their organizations. They supervise the functioning of networking equipment and follow strict maintenance standards.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from network operations/network engineer resumes include skills like "network operations," "juniper," "ios," and "noc," whereas a senior network administrator is more likely to list skills in "routers," "network hardware," "network security," and "san. "
Senior network administrators make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $93,129. On the other hand, network operations/network engineers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $99,128.Most senior network administrators achieve a similar degree level compared to network operations/network engineers. For example, they're 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network operations/network engineer vs. Network technician
A network technician is responsible for system malfunction diagnosis and troubleshooting operations. Network technicians duties' include repairing damaged system components, analyzing computer systems and blueprints, installing network connections, and upgrading accessories for efficient operations. Other duties include assisting customers with technical issues, ensuring computer systems' privacy, creating documents of network issues and resolutions, and suggesting alternative equipment for network backups. A network technician must have a broad knowledge of the technology industry and mechanical processes, plus the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
Types of network operations/network engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
