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What does a network security engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Galen Duree
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.

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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. "

All network security engineer skills

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Compare different network security engineers

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.

The annual salary of administrators is $15,440 lower than the average salary of network security engineers.Even though network security engineers and administrators are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require linux, troubleshoot, and cloud security in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

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.

Systems administrator positions earn lower pay than network security engineer roles. They earn a $11,166 lower salary than network security engineers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both network security engineers and systems administrators have skills such as "cisco asa," "switches," and "tcp ip. "

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

People with knowledge, even introductory experience, in quantum effects, quantum computing, optics in general (communication, measurements, imaging, illumination, detection), material science and engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, will be in high demand.

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.

An average system technician eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of network security engineers. The difference in salaries amounts to system technicians earning a $44,912 lower average salary than network security engineers.network security engineers and system technicians both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "switches," "linux," and "tcp/ip," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

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.

Information technology administrators tend to earn a lower pay than network security engineers by an average of $15,127 per year.While their salaries may vary, network security engineers and information technology administrators both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "network security," "cisco asa," and "switches. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A network security engineer uses "windows," "routers," "servers," and "asa." Information technology administrators are more likely to have duties that require skills in "customer service," "database," "windows server," and "pc. "information technology administrators enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $93,678. For comparison, network security engineers earn the highest salary in the retail industry.information technology administrators reach lower levels of education compared to network security engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 7.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of network security 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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