What does a network security engineer do?

A network security engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all the organization's network systems, conducting regular configuration and maintenance to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities that may pose risks for the company's integrity. Network security engineers manage security threats and strategize resolutions to mitigate the reoccurrence of security issues. They also develop security enhancement recommendations, update network infrastructure, and monitor system activities. A network security engineer should have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.
Network security engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real network security engineer resumes:
- Add and manage nodes in SolarWinds for monitoring purposes using SNMP v1/v2/v3.
- Work with VMware NSX with deployment of greenfield environment and managing and troubleshooting issues with NSX.
- Interact successfully with both program leads and DoD customer to ensure objectives are completed on time.
- Experience in managing and troubleshooting Linux or Unix base operating systems.
- Manage information technology security, including backups, firewalls, and routers.
- Design and manage information systems security policy, implementation, and management for a globally distribute MPLS infrastructure.
- Provide network security management and support windows servers.
- Experience with ALG (RTP, RTSP and FTP, DNS, HTTP), DHCP.
- Resolve routing and NAT issues utilizing tcpdump and other tools
- Perform system upgrades and implement any new security policies per DFAS and DOD guidance and policy.
- Key contributions include trouble shooting of complex LAN/WAN infrastructure that include routing protocols BGP, EIGRP and OSPF.
- Work on different networking concepts and routing protocols like BGP, EIGRP, OSPF and other LAN/WAN technologies.
- Configure networking with route tables, access control lists, firewalls, and NAT, HTTP and DNS.
- Configure and perform troubleshooting routers and switches.
- Perform installation and configuration of Cisco switches and routers
Network security engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Network Security Engineers are proficient in Network Security, Windows, and Cisco Asa. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Analytical skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Network Security Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Network Security, 10%
Worked with Network Project Manager to establish basic security principles, reviewed original HIPAA policies, and developed network security controls.
- Windows, 5%
Configured security on platforms, researches security notifications for applicable applications, made recommendations and deployed patches on Windows servers.
- Cisco Asa, 4%
Experience designing, implementing and supporting network segmentation in a data center environment using Cisco ASA firewall solutions.
- Switches, 4%
Performed installation and configuration of Cisco switches and routers
- Linux, 4%
Experienced in managing and troubleshooting Linux or Unix based operating systems.
- Troubleshoot, 3%
Be able to identify and troubleshoot VoIP service-impacting troubles and provided technical support for Residential and Business VoIP customers.
Most network security engineers use their skills in "network security," "windows," and "cisco asa" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential network security engineer responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a network security engineer to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Network security engineers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "implement and maintain necessary encryption of electronic communication between staff, members and any third party vendor. "
Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform network security engineer duties is analytical skills. Network security engineers 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 security engineers also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "provide minimal support with java and .net frameworks when needed execute reporting functions and data input associated with network management. "
Problem-solving skills. network security engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to network security engineer responsibilities, because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." A network security engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "resolved the partial overlapping encryption domains issue by addressing each network at a time. "
The three companies that hire the most network security engineers are:
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Network security 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a network security engineer are more likely to require skills like "network security," "windows," "cisco asa," and "switches." On the other hand, a job as an administrator requires skills like "customer service," "data entry," "payroll," and "financial reports." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Administrators really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $78,798. Comparatively, network security engineers tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $95,160.On average, administrators reach similar levels of education than network security engineers. Administrators are 2.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Network security 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.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, network security engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "network security," "windows," "routers," and "servers." Meanwhile, a systems administrator has duties that require skills in areas such as "windows server," "database," "powershell," and "os." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Systems administrators may earn a lower salary than network security engineers, but systems administrators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $86,962. On the other hand, network security engineers receive higher pay in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $95,160.In general, systems administrators achieve lower levels of education than network security engineers. They're 6.1% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for network security engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Galen Duree
Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Network security 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 network security engineer resumes include skills like "network security," "windows," "cisco asa," and "tcp ip," whereas a system technician is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "hand tools," "preventative maintenance," and "control systems. "
System technicians earn the best pay in the government industry, where they command an average salary of $58,665. Network security engineers earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $95,160.When it comes to education, system technicians tend to earn lower degree levels compared to network security engineers. In fact, they're 11.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Network security 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.
Types of network security engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











