Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a senior security & network engineer and how to become one
As a person in this position, you're ultimately responsible for deploying, configuring, and managing the network and security-related software and hardware systems of an organization. The senior security and network engineer deals with firewalls, switches, VPNs, and other types of network monitoring tools. The engineers design and create computer networks, develop, maintain, and organize them. You also get to oversee the maintenance of the company's network enterprise. Network engineers are vast in knowledge of security and system networking. This is why part of your duties will be to manage the junior network engineering staff and train them when necessary
If you plan to apply for this job, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or technology. And most importantly, you should have some years of work experience. Also, the ability to solve problems is very essential. You will earn $52.78 an hour, which is about $109,790 per year.
What general advice would you give to a senior security & network engineer?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, California State University - East Bay
*Here again, I will explain in more detail about the expectation and future of Comp. Network Eng.*
* 1. AI Augments, Not Replaces: While AI can automate some network tasks, like data analysis and basic troubleshooting, it won't replace the need for human network engineers. It will increase the productivity for sure; Complex problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and human judgment are still crucial in network management. AI will likely become a valuable tool that assists network engineers in their tasks, making them more efficient.*
*2. Growing Demand: Our reliance on technology and data is constantly increasing. Businesses and organizations need secure, reliable networks to function. This necessitates a skilled workforce to design, implement, maintain, and secure these networks. The demand for qualified network engineers is expected to grow in the coming years.*
*In our technology horizon, I can see the quantum internet coming and I can see the demand for network engineering accelerate.*
*3. Diverse Skillset: A strong foundation in computer networking equips you with a versatile skillset. You'll understand network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. These skills are valuable across the IT field and can be applied to areas like cloud computing, data center operations, or even cybersecurity. Data Centers for AI are becoming a huge opportunity for Comp Network Eng.*
Avg. Salary $112,202
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 13.82%
Black or African American 7.93%
Hispanic or Latino 11.65%
Unknown 5.00%
White 61.28%
Genderfemale 7.11%
male 92.89%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Senior security & network engineer career paths
Key steps to become a senior security & network engineer
Explore senior security & network engineer education requirements
Start to develop specific senior security & network engineer skills
Skills Percentages Network Security 9.55% Cisco Asa 5.95% Switches 4.57% Network Infrastructure 3.34% BGP 3.06% Complete relevant senior security & network engineer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior security & network engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior security & network engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior security & network engineer resumes.Gain additional senior security & network engineer certifications
More About CertificationsSenior security & network engineer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific senior security & network engineer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for senior security & network engineers include CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP).
Research senior security & network engineer duties and responsibilities
- Manage external DNS for corporate domains and external ISP IP blocks.
- Configure, manage devices ASA 5520-40-80 site to site VPN and perimeter security.
- Configure and tune BGP attributes to achieve maximum efficiency and redundancy.
- Manage information technology security, including backups, firewalls, and routers.
Get senior security & network engineer experience
Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a senior security & network engineer. The most common roles before becoming a senior security & network engineer include network engineer, senior network engineer team lead and network security engineer.Prepare your senior security & network engineer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior security & network engineer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior security & network engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable senior security & network engineer resume templates
Build a professional senior security & network engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior security & network engineer resume.
Apply for senior security & network engineer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a senior security & network engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first senior security & network engineer job
Are you a senior security & network engineer?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average senior security & network engineer salary
The average senior security & network engineer salary in the United States is $112,202 per year or $54 per hour. Senior security & network engineer salaries range between $78,000 and $159,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do senior security & network engineers rate their job?
Updated January 8, 2025
