What does a network planning engineer do?
A Network Planning Engineer is a person who has a significant role in maintaining the internal and external network of an organization. Their responsibilities include:
Offering support to critical teams within the organization as needed.
Engineering designs.
Communicating new strategies for new projects from deployment to maintenance and upgrades.
Completing the setup of a network in a manner that satisfies the organization and generally design and improves networks.
Network planning engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real network planning engineer resumes:
- Manage SunOS UNIX base network systems.
- Excele at managing major network-wide upgrades; improve speed and predictability of multicast and order-routing data.
- Evaluate KPI ad adjust parameters base in MRR and statistics.
- Track and forecast minutes of use for voice switches across the country.
- Perform node-swapping (BSC, HLR etc) in a live network.
- Conduct functional tests by creating different test scenarios of control message exchanges within LTE NMS.
- Design and implement collapsed core network for a COLO. Work involve configuring L2 and L3 switches.
- Fine-Tune PS nodes base on live capture data by Wireshark in different test scenario on real-time traffic.
- Design, architecture, planning, and implementing fiber design for Gigabit Ethernet and SONET [] networks.
- Migrate to DHCP server from static TCP/IP addressing, and set up virtual private network for host services.
- Reorganize the company peer-to-peer LAN by upgrading the server and backup system without adversely affecting employee work habits.
- Work on the deployment of a LTE network on the Navajo nation as part of a government grant.
- Handle KPI metrics creation, monitoring and reporting, data analysis and troubleshooting of 1.4 million cell sites antennae.
- Design, install, configure and operate LAN's, including all components of the networks, software and hardware.
- Deliver automation and visualization of recurring analytics.
Network planning engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Network Planning Engineers are proficient in Network Planning, Capacity Planning, and OSPF. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Network Planning Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Network Planning, 9%
Provided input to network planning engineers regarding information affecting capacity requirements.
- Capacity Planning, 5%
Collected and interpreted network statistical data, performed network capacity planning and network performance evaluation.
- OSPF, 4%
Configured OSPF and BGP on the L3 switches, route redistribution.
- Ethernet, 4%
Identified and resolved circuit issues related to Frame Relay, IP, Ethernet, ATM and Voice telephony.
- RF, 4%
Partnered with OSS teams to resolve OSS issues and trouble tickets by providing RF performance related domain expertise.
- Network Design, 4%
Developed customized circuit and network designs along with supporting documentation.
Common skills that a network planning engineer uses to do their job include "network planning," "capacity planning," and "ospf." You can find details on the most important network planning engineer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a network planning 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." Network planning engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "scripted tools using java, perl and sql plus to collect data for the web based reporting. "
Communication skills. Many network planning engineer duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a network planning engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways network planning engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "design microwave and fiber optics links evaluate customer's locations in order to offer telecommunication services. "
Problem-solving skills. network planning engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to network planning engineer responsibilities, because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." A network planning engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "implemented new solution trials on test markets and defined method of procedures, resulting in lowering capex. "
The three companies that hire the most network planning engineers are:
- L3Harris21 network planning engineers jobs
- Verizon Communications15 network planning engineers jobs
- Crown Castle International4 network planning engineers jobs
Compare different network planning engineers
Network planning engineer vs. Assistant systems administrator
Assistant systems administrators are responsible for supporting a team with their day-to-day operations of a company's computer systems and networks. They perform varied tasks, including monitoring, maintaining, and testing internet performance, ensuring the availability of computer networks for all users, and troubleshooting system failures and computer hardware and software issues. Assistant systems administrators may conduct training and support other network users within the organization. Additional tasks also include monitoring and evaluating the efficiency of operations and preparing systems and software documentation.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, network planning engineer responsibilities require skills like "network planning," "capacity planning," "ospf," and "ethernet." Meanwhile a typical assistant systems administrator has skills in areas such as "customer service," "patients," "payroll," and "powerpoint." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Assistant systems administrators earn the highest salaries when working in the health care industry, with an average yearly salary of $46,025. On the other hand, network planning engineers are paid more in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $91,216.The education levels that assistant systems administrators earn slightly differ from network planning engineers. In particular, assistant systems administrators are 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a network planning engineer. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network planning 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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real network planning engineer resumes. While network planning engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "network planning," "capacity planning," "ospf," and "ethernet," administrators use skills like "customer service," "data entry," "troubleshoot," and "payroll."
On average, administrators earn a lower salary than network planning engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, administrators earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $78,798. Whereas network planning engineers have higher pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $91,216.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Administrators tend to reach similar levels of education than network planning engineers. In fact, they're 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network planning 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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, network planning engineers are more likely to have skills like "network planning," "capacity planning," "ospf," and "ethernet." But a systems administrator is more likely to have skills like "linux," "troubleshoot," "windows server," and "database."
Systems administrators make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $86,962. On the other hand, network planning engineers are paid the highest salary in the telecommunication industry, with average annual pay of $91,216.systems administrators typically earn similar educational levels compared to network planning engineers. Specifically, they're 4.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network planning engineer vs. Service administrator
A service administrator is responsible for assisting the customers' inquiries and concerns, recommending service alternatives, processing refunds, and escalating high-level complaints to the service manager for immediate resolution. Service administrators receive and process orders, take customers' special instructions, and ensure that they get the highest customer satisfaction, generate more revenues, and improve the company's branding recognition. A service administrator also informs the customer of promotional offers and new services by utilizing sales pitches and other marketing strategies. They should have excellent communication and customer service skills to keep a customer's loyalty.
Types of network planning engineer
Updated January 8, 2025