What does a server engineer do?
A server engineer specializes in designing and developing server structures in a company, ensuring accuracy and client satisfaction. They typically work together with technicians and specialists to analyze and assess existing systems to identify their strengths and weaknesses, implement solutions in problem areas, provide technical support, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Furthermore, as a server engineer, they are also in charge of installing and performing regular maintenance checks on servers, coordinating corrective measures in a prompt and efficient manner.
Server engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real server engineer resumes:
- Work with SAN, database, network, and backup administrators to deploy and manage infrastructure as a team.
- Maintain, monitor, manage and right size the VM environment using industry virtualization tools on a daily basis.
- Deploy and manage Citrix environments utilizing publish desktops and publish applications to make available to users both internally and externally.
- Convert to GC and DNS server and DHCP server.
- Used PowerShell to script DNS changes on all servers in company.
- Build networks from the ground up and select the server hardware OS and software base on the customer needs.
- Create DHCP scopes for new segments.
- Administer DNS records for projects and day-to-day operations.
- Create automated custom vCloud consumption reports with PowerCLI.
- Implement DoD standard data sanitation process with Knoppix LiveCD.
- Recycle app pools on IIS servers to ensure services are healthy.
- Work with development teams to ensure new architecture standards are meet in IaaS.
- Perform server migrations to AWS in coordination with the client's application owners.
- Deploy multiple new VM servers, upgrade and patch vSphere hosts and clusters.
- Design and oversee tripling of AIX footprint size in environment, using virtualization and automation.
Server engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Server Engineers are proficient in Windows Server, PowerShell, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Server Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Windows Server, 10%
Disposed of obsolete application server hardware and reduced physical data center use by Windows servers.
- PowerShell, 6%
Added significant system automation and reporting mechanisms using PowerShell.
- Linux, 5%
Established automated configuration scripts to allow simplified management with integrated Perl, Power shell, and console based Linux utilities.
- Java, 5%
Utilized a combination of open source and commercial languages and technologies including Python, JAVA, Apache, MySQL and MSSQL.
- Microsoft Windows, 4%
Manage Microsoft Windows active directory, AD federation, domain policies, corporate email platforms, and secure file transfer utilities.
- SAN, 3%
Engineered High Availability MS Clusters on IBM Fiber SAN's for SQL Database, and Application servers.
Common skills that a server engineer uses to do their job include "windows server," "powershell," and "linux." You can find details on the most important server engineer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a server engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what server engineers do 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 server engineer resume shows how server engineers use analytical skills: "work hand in hand with the corporate data security department in managing the secure network and server environment for pci compliance. "
Communication skills. Many server engineer duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a server engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways server engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "implemented quality assurance model with mirrored server base, patch management process, and communications plan. "
Multitasking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of server engineers is multitasking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday server 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: "refined skills in multitasking and customer service. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what server engineers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to server engineer responsibilities because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical server engineer tasks: "engineer solutions that resolves recurring issues and automates daily tasks within the sql server environment. "
The three companies that hire the most server engineers are:
- TransUnion51 server engineers jobs
- Amazon23 server engineers jobs
- ZeniMax Media9 server engineers jobs
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Compare different server engineers
Server engineer vs. Windows system administrator
A Windows System Administrator maintains the systems and servers of a Windows operating system. They evaluate and modify the system's performance.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, server engineer responsibilities require skills like "server environment," "server infrastructure," "server hardware," and "lan." Meanwhile a typical windows system administrator has skills in areas such as "infrastructure," "group policy," "system administration," and "database." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Windows system administrators tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $93,089. In contrast, server engineers make the biggest average salary, $97,310, in the telecommunication industry.The education levels that windows system administrators earn slightly differ from server engineers. In particular, windows system administrators are 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a server engineer. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Server 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, server engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "server environment," "server infrastructure," "server hardware," and "lan." Meanwhile, a systems administrator has duties that require skills in areas such as "database," "computer system," "system performance," and "citrix." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Systems administrators earn a lower average salary than server engineers. But systems administrators earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $86,962. Additionally, server engineers earn the highest salaries in the telecommunication with average pay of $97,310 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Systems administrators tend to reach similar levels of education than server engineers. In fact, they're 2.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Server engineer vs. Senior system administrator
A senior system administrator specializes in overseeing the computer system operations in an organization. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around monitoring the performance of all software and hardware, installing servers, configuring systems, and making sure every technical aspect is running smoothly. Should there be any issues, they must take charge of troubleshooting and providing solutions. As someone with more experience, a senior system administrator leads and evaluates the performances of fellow skilled professionals in the department, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, server engineers are more likely to have skills like "server environment," "server infrastructure," "server hardware," and "lan." But a senior system administrator is more likely to have skills like "system administration," "dod," "desktop," and "network infrastructure."
Senior system administrators earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $104,418. Comparatively, server engineers have the highest earning potential in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $97,310.Most senior system administrators achieve a similar degree level compared to server engineers. For example, they're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Server engineer vs. Technical systems engineer
Technical Systems Engineers are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure or systems network. They build, maintain, and repair all the systems and network infrastructure of the organization. They troubleshoot problems and find the best possible solution to address such problems. They also ensure that those problems will be resolved and would never be encountered again. Technical Systems Engineers also help out in information technology or network infrastructure projects of other departments. They provide expertise on the systems-related aspects of the project. They help guide project teams on the feasibility and the success factors of the project.
Types of server engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
