network engineer job description

Some of the specific tasks of a network engineer include: installation and configuration: as a network engineer, you select and install vital network infrastructure for your organisation. You determine the best routers, servers and load balancers to use in the company's network. You also configure the network infrastructure to ensure it functions properly. troubleshooting and monitoring networks: as a network engineer, you ensure the network infrastructure is running as expected. You check for connectivity issues and get the systems back online during network downtimes. managing policies and network documentation: as a network engineer, you are the primary builder and manager of networks. You write documentation explaining the functions and handle the configuration of the network infrastructure. Your documentation explains the expected user interactions and compliance requirements. researching network optimisation: your job isn't just installing and managing network infrastructure. You also conduct extensive research to look for automation opportunities and third-party applications that can improve network functions. maintenance and security work: as a network engineer, you monitor the network infrastructure for any issues. Your job is to apply patches to improve the security and performance of the network. You also perform a range of security-focused tasks, such as installing antivirus software, performing data backups, or managing firewalls.

Most industries rely on network systems to optimise performance in various departments. You work in diverse business sectors that rely on computer networks to run business processes. For instance, you could work in finance, banking, manufacturing, or the mining and resources sector. You can work internally for a company or externally as an outsourced network engineer. The majority of network engineers work in technology companies or information technology (IT) consultancies.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include systems engineers , cloud engineers and business analysts. You might also be working in close proximity to software developers and software engineers , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, systems analysts, IT support technicians and UX designers .

Network engineers work 38 to 40 hours a week. On a full-time schedule, you are likely to work eight to ten hours a day, Monday to Friday. You sometimes work weekends to deal with problems in network connectivity. You can also find part-time networking roles, working only a few hours or days weekly. During major network installation processes, you may work late evenings or at night to minimise downtime during peak business hours.

As a network engineer, you can progress to a network manager role. Alternatively, consider specialising in specific areas. For instance, focus on network security and become a network security specialist. Some network engineers also become IT security coordinators or project managers.

advantages of finding a network engineer job through randstad

Finding your network engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a network engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

is network engineering a good career?

As a network engineer, you have a promising career with great job prospects. You collaborate with various IT professionals and work in diverse industries, installing and configuring network equipment. Network engineering is a good career with promising remuneration and many opportunities for career advancement.

how much do network engineers make in Australia?

As a network engineer, you enjoy a lucrative remuneration package due to the complexity of your role. The typical salary of a network engineer in Australia is $120,000 per year. In an entry-level position, you receive a remuneration package of $110,000 annually, while the most experienced network engineers take home over $130,000 yearly.

what do you need to be a network engineer?

You require a bachelor's degree to become a network engineer. Pursue a degree in a relevant field like computer science or information systems. A postgraduate qualification may be necessary if you have a bachelor’s in a different field. To improve your employability, consider gaining industry-recognised certifications like CompTIA Network+, CCNA and CCNP. You also require extensive experience and qualifications.

what are the duties of a network engineer?

As a network engineer, you plan and develop an organisation’s computer networks. You implement computer systems and ensure users can access services easily. After installation, you test and document network behaviour to check for performance issues and security breaches. You also troubleshoot problems in the network and ensure optimal performance. It's important to ensure firewalls and security features are up to date to avoid network breaches.

is network engineer an IT job?

Yes. As a network engineer, you work for IT consultancies or in the IT departments of various organisations. You work with tech teams to manage computer systems and networks, ensuring up-to-date security systems that meet the user's needs.

how do I apply for a network engineer vacancy?

Applying for a network engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

Working as a network engineer| Randstad Australia

what is a network engineer?

As a network engineer, you maintain the connectivity of networks in organisations. You ensure that data, calls, videos, voice and wireless network services are available. The role involves formulating, executing and implementing entire computer networks in a company. You ensure the network systems are functioning correctly. You also provide quality network infrastructure, performance and security to end users.

Aside from installing and implementing network systems, you monitor the existing networks. You assess any network problems and devise solutions to improve connectivity. You also perform routine maintenance on critical systems. That involves evaluating performance and diagnosing and repairing network issues. Regular maintenance enhances network security for end users.

Successful network engineers rely on cloud computing, programming and cybersecurity technical skills. Soft skills like analytical and problem-solving abilities help you excel in the role.

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average network engineer salary

Network engineers perform a crucial role in maintaining computer networks in a company. Due to the nature of their tasks, they receive a generous remuneration. The typical salary of a network engineer in Australia is $120,000 per year. When you are in an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $110,000 annually. With experience and additional qualifications, you work senior roles in the company and take home a remuneration package of over $130,000 per year.

what factors affect the salary of a network engineer?

Your earnings mainly depend on your expertise. With additional certifications, like CompTIA Network+, you start with a higher salary. Your experience in computer networks also boosts your earnings.

Working in metro areas increases your earning potential significantly. Most technology companies and large organisations are based in metro areas, increasing the demand for network engineers. The high demand leads to higher salaries for network engineers.

The company size also determines your remuneration package. When you work for large companies, you perform complex duties since you are responsible for managing vast computer networks. Large organisations also have more resources and can afford to pay higher network engineer salaries.

Want to know what you will earn as a network engineer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of network engineers

Network engineers have numerous specialisations, including cloud networking, network security and wireless networks. As a cloud networking architect, you use your understanding of the hybrid cloud environment to prepare an organisation for cloud computing. Your job involves cloud deployment and migrating the company's data. You also troubleshoot issues arising from cloud services.

As a network security specialist, you search for vulnerabilities and stay ahead of threats. Your job is to detect, prevent and resolve threats to a company's computer network. You constantly assess security measures and stay up-to-date on the latest threats to protect the company's network.

Wireless network engineers install and configure wireless equipment. They also maintain and troubleshoot issues that lead to downtimes and upgrade the equipment as needed. As a voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) engineer, you enable voice and video capability on one network. VOIP technology allows users to make phone calls, chat with colleagues and conduct meetings online. Your job is to install and maintain VOIP networks.

A data centre networking specialist sets up and maintains the data centre housing the organisation's critical data and applications. Their job is to manage computing resources and the network infrastructure to keep the data centre safe.

male looking at tablet while standing beside servers

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working as a network engineer

Network engineers install and maintain computer networks and systems. If you are interested in the role, check out the duties, responsibilities and work environments associated with the role.

network engineer job description
Some of the specific tasks of a network engineer include:
- installation and configuration: as a network engineer, you select and install vital network infrastructure for your organisation. You determine the best routers, servers and load balancers to use in the company's network. You also configure the network infrastructure to ensure it functions properly.
- troubleshooting and monitoring networks: as a network engineer, you ensure the network infrastructure is running as expected. You check for connectivity issues and get the systems back online during network downtimes.
- managing policies and network documentation: as a network engineer, you are the primary builder and manager of networks. You write documentation explaining the functions and handle the configuration of the network infrastructure. Your documentation explains the expected user interactions and compliance requirements.
- researching network optimisation: your job isn't just installing and managing network infrastructure. You also conduct extensive research to look for automation opportunities and third-party applications that can improve network functions.
- maintenance and security work: as a network engineer, you monitor the network infrastructure for any issues. Your job is to apply patches to improve the security and performance of the network. You also perform a range of security-focused tasks, such as installing antivirus software, performing data backups, or managing firewalls.
work environment

Most industries rely on network systems to optimise performance in various departments. You work in diverse business sectors that rely on computer networks to run business processes. For instance, you could work in finance, banking, manufacturing, or the mining and resources sector. You can work internally for a company or externally as an outsourced network engineer. The majority of network engineers work in technology companies or information technology (IT) consultancies.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include systems engineers, cloud engineers and business analysts. You might also be working in close proximity to software developers and software engineers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, systems analysts, IT support technicians and UX designers.
work schedule

Network engineers work 38 to 40 hours a week. On a full-time schedule, you are likely to work eight to ten hours a day, Monday to Friday. You sometimes work weekends to deal with problems in network connectivity. You can also find part-time networking roles, working only a few hours or days weekly. During major network installation processes, you may work late evenings or at night to minimise downtime during peak business hours.
job outlook

As a network engineer, you can progress to a network manager role. Alternatively, consider specialising in specific areas. For instance, focus on network security and become a network security specialist. Some network engineers also become IT security coordinators or project managers.
advantages of finding a network engineer job through randstad
Finding your network engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a network engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

To work as a network engineer in Australia, you require a bachelor's degree or a relevant qualification. Consider pursuing a degree in information systems, information technology or computer science. These courses equip you with the necessary skills to perform your tasks as a network engineer. If you have previous tertiary qualifications, consider a postgraduate degree in networking.

If you don’t qualify for a bachelor's degree program, pursue a vocational education and training (VET) qualification, like a diploma in IT or advanced networking. Aside from your educational qualification, complete industry-recognised certifications to improve your employability. For instance, you obtain Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+ or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification.

network engineer skills and competencies

Some of the qualities that help network engineers excel include:

problem-solving skills: you require problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities to resolve network connectivity issues. Your diagnostic skills help you identify and evaluate problems in network systems to ensure they operate optimally.
time management: you require good time management skills to resolve network connectivity issues faster and minimise downtimes. Planning your tasks carefully and ensuring you complete the installation within the expected deadlines is essential.
project management: as a network engineer, you coordinate several aspects of a project. For instance, you take care of the network selection process, from configuration to the final implementation. You coordinate the installation process and ensure minimal network disruptions and downtimes.
basic programming skills: as a network engineer, you require basic coding skills to work on enterprise-grade networks. Your programming skills help you automate tasks and complete your work more efficiently.
communication skills: as a network engineer, you require excellent communication skills when answering questions and giving instructions to team members. With good listening skills, you can better understand the type of support that end-users need.

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FAQs about working as a network engineer

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a network engineer.

is network engineering a good career?

As a network engineer, you have a promising career with great job prospects. You collaborate with various IT professionals and work in diverse industries, installing and configuring network equipment. Network engineering is a good career with promising remuneration and many opportunities for career advancement.
how much do network engineers make in Australia?

As a network engineer, you enjoy a lucrative remuneration package due to the complexity of your role. The typical salary of a network engineer in Australia is $120,000 per year. In an entry-level position, you receive a remuneration package of $110,000 annually, while the most experienced network engineers take home over $130,000 yearly.
what do you need to be a network engineer?

You require a bachelor's degree to become a network engineer. Pursue a degree in a relevant field like computer science or information systems. A postgraduate qualification may be necessary if you have a bachelor’s in a different field. To improve your employability, consider gaining industry-recognised certifications like CompTIA Network+, CCNA and CCNP. You also require extensive experience and qualifications.
what are the duties of a network engineer?

As a network engineer, you plan and develop an organisation’s computer networks. You implement computer systems and ensure users can access services easily. After installation, you test and document network behaviour to check for performance issues and security breaches. You also troubleshoot problems in the network and ensure optimal performance. It's important to ensure firewalls and security features are up to date to avoid network breaches.
is network engineer an IT job?

Yes. As a network engineer, you work for IT consultancies or in the IT departments of various organisations. You work with tech teams to manage computer systems and networks, ensuring up-to-date security systems that meet the user's needs.
how do I apply for a network engineer vacancy?

Applying for a network engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

network engineer.