Network Engineer
Job Overview
The Network Engineer designs and maintains the company's network infrastructure to ensure the highest levels of availability and security of company platforms and services. The Network Engineer configures and tests network devices, monitors network performance, troubleshoots network issues, and provides technical support to end-users. The Network Engineer works closely with the IT team and other stakeholders to identify and resolve network-related issues and develop plans for future network development and growth.
Organizational Impact
The organization impact of a Network Engineer can be significant. Some of the key impacts are:
- Improved Network Performance: A Network Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the organization's network infrastructure. They ensure that the network is optimized for performance, reliability, and security. This can lead to improved productivity, faster data transfer, and reduced downtime.
- Enhanced Security: Network Engineers are responsible for implementing security measures to protect the organization's network from cyber threats. They ensure that firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to the network. This can help to prevent data breaches and protect sensitive information.
- Cost Savings: A Network Engineer can help to reduce costs by optimizing the network infrastructure. They can identify areas where the organization is overspending on network resources and recommend cost-effective solutions. This can lead to significant cost savings over time.
- Improved Collaboration: A well-designed network infrastructure can improve collaboration among employees. Network Engineers can implement tools such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing to facilitate communication and collaboration among team members.
- Competitive Advantage: A well-designed and optimized network infrastructure can give an organization a competitive advantage. It can help to improve customer service, increase productivity, and reduce costs, which can lead to increased profitability and market share.
Key Systems
- Cisco networking equipment
- TCP/IP protocol
- Routing and switching protocols (e.g. OSPF, BGP)
- Network security systems (e.g. firewalls, VPNs)
- Network monitoring and management tools (e.g. Nagios, SolarWinds)
Inputs
- Network architecture and design plans
- Network security policies and procedures
- Network performance metrics and monitoring tools
- Vendor and supplier contracts and agreements
- User and system requirements and requests
Outputs
- Network design and implementation plans
- Network performance reports and analysis
- Troubleshooting and resolution of network issues
- Configuration and maintenance of network devices and systems
- Documentation of network infrastructure and processes
Activities
-Plan and oversee the design and documentation of the Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN), tracking of infrastructure system build-out status, specification and configuration of firewalls, switches, core routers, VPN concentrators, content switches, web management devices
-Install, configure and manage reporting tools and software
- Manage the utilization of hardware and software tool to monitor health of Internet connection, WAN and various LANs, correct issues with network
- Assist in ensuring 24/7 availability of services and infrastructure
-All other duties as assigned
Recommended Items
- Network design and implementation documentation
- Network security policies and procedures
- Change management processes
- Incident response and disaster recovery plans
- Network performance monitoring and reporting procedures
Content Examples
- Network diagrams and schematics
- Configuration and installation guides
- Network security policies and procedures
- Network performance reports and analysis
- Troubleshooting and incident response documentation
Sample Event-Driven Tasks
- Troubleshoot network connectivity issues when a user reports a problem
- Implement security measures when a network breach is detected
- Configure network devices to support new applications or services
- Monitor network traffic and performance to identify potential issues
- Update network documentation and diagrams when changes are made to the network infrastructure
Sample Scheduled Tasks
- Perform routine network maintenance tasks such as firmware updates, patching, and backups on a weekly basis.
- Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues as they arise on a daily basis.
- Conduct regular security audits and implement necessary changes to ensure network security on a monthly basis.
- Plan and execute network upgrades and expansions on a quarterly basis.
- Collaborate with other IT teams to ensure seamless integration of network systems on a bi-annual basis.
Sample Infill Tasks
- Troubleshoot network connectivity issues
- Configure and maintain network switches and routers
- Monitor network performance and identify areas for improvement
- Implement security measures to protect the network from cyber threats
- Collaborate with other IT teams to integrate new technologies into the network infrastructure