Network engineers must use a variety of technical skills to build, maintain, and update networks; they must also rely on their “soft skills” to describe their challenges and secure buy-in from stakeholders throughout an organization, including senior executives and other tech professionals. It’s a complex (and rewarding) job. Which skills do you need to succeed?
What skills do network engineers need?
On an average day, a network engineer might do anything from installing new hardware to troubleshooting a quirky issue to working with an organization’s cybersecurity pros to ensure the network is safe from external and internal attack. As a result, the list of necessary skills for a “typical” network engineer position is often quite long:
Networking fundamentals: Network engineers need to understand concepts such as IP addressing, routing, and switching. Familiarity with networking topologies and protocols is also required.
Troubleshooting: Network engineers need to be able to identify and troubleshoot network problems. This requires the ability to think logically and to follow a systematic approach to problem-solving.
Programming skills: Many network engineers use programming skills to automate tasks and develop custom network solutions. Network engineers commonly use programming languages like Python, Perl, and C++.
Communication: Network engineers need to be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. They need to be able to explain complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.
Problem-solving: Network engineers need to be able to think logically and identify and troubleshoot network problems. They also need to be able to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems, especially when confronted with incomplete information.
Teamwork: Network engineers often work as part of a team. They must collaborate effectively with other network engineers, system administrators, and IT professionals.
Attention to detail: Network engineers need to be able to pay attention to detail to identify and troubleshoot network problems.
How much does a network engineer earn?
According to Dice’s most recent Tech Salary Report, the average network engineer salary is $99,103, up 6.1 percent year-over-year. For context, the average tech salary now stands at $111,348, up 2.3 percent year-over-year. However, the salary range for network engineers can vary drastically depending on experience, skills, location, job title, and industry.
What platforms should a network engineer learn?
Experts agree that you should focus on the platforms and technologies utilized by your specific employer, which can vary wildly. “I'd say a good 'core' skillset will have a level of Cisco switching and routing experience, Juniper switching and routing experience, and then you can broaden out for firewall platforms,” says Tommy Giovannelli, network architect at FoxTech Cyber.
“I think Palo Alto are doing great work in the firewall space, especially when combined with their wider portfolio, and if you're going to work in the SMB space, you may want to look at Fortinet's FortiGate as it's a lot of bang for the buck in that space," Giovannelli continues. "Cisco Meraki comes up a lot, but from a pure engineering perspective, I don't believe it's key given it's relatively easy to configure compared to the more 'traditional' platforms.”
Matt Witmer, senior principal engineer at Opengear, says learning “Cisco, Juniper, Amazon AWS, and Linux” are a sufficient base for many network engineers, skills-wise.
What are the most important technical skills for network engineers?
“Successful network engineers must have expert knowledge of data communications protocols like TCP/IP; protocol analysis tools; basic programming languages like Python; server maintenance experience using Windows Server OS; LAN/WAN technologies like Ethernet switches and routers setup; virtual private networks (VPNs); firewall configuration; Internet protocols like FTP/HTTP,” says Travis Lindemoen, founder at Enjoy Mondays and managing director at nexus IT group.
“All these skills demand extensive training; therefore, before diving into today's complicated IT infrastructure technologies, one must decide how much time to devote to each skill set," Lindemoen added. "You don't need a degree to become a network engineer if you have enough hands-on experience and self-direction through tutorials.”
Giovannelli adds: “Putting aside domain expertise and product knowledge, I think an engineer should excel at the fundamentals such as:
- Dynamic routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, etc.),
- Understanding key switching concepts (VLAN tagging, trunking protocols, spanning-tree),
- Understand how ACLs work within 'simpler' aspects, such as IP access lists, and in the firewall space (something that can differ between products),
- Understand the basics of TCP/IP and UDP and can pull apart a network capture in Wireshark.
Witmer says: “Knowledge of IP networks (e.g., routing, switching, etc.), electrical, cybersecurity, cloud, fiber, automation, IoT, VOIP, and wireless” are all useful skills for network engineers.
What certifications should network engineers obtain?
“The certifications that are most in demand for network administrators are CCIE, CCNP, CCNA, JNCIE, and Amazon Certified Solution Architect,” notes Witmer.
Athena Kan, CEO of Dreambound, a company that helps people gain IT certifications, tells Dice: “There are quite a few certifications that network engineers consider getting, and the ones we see are worth getting are CCNA, CompTIA Network+, CCNP, Juniper certified, and CISSP.” Fortunately, you can often begin your certification journey online, with lots of documentation and tutorials available; also, keep in mind that more advanced certifications may require you to already have a few years of network experience:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): This certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.
CompTIA Network+: This certification covers the essential knowledge and skills to confidently design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot any wired and wireless networks.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP): This is an advanced level certification that proves a network professional's ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks.
Juniper Networks Certified Enterprise Routing and Switching Expert (JNCIE-ENT): This certification validates the networking professionals' expertise in networking technology and Juniper Networks platform configuration and troubleshooting skills.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): While not specific to network engineering, this certification can be valuable for network administrators who manage the security of their organization's networks.
“Most employers prefer CCNA and/or JNCIA credentials,” Lindemoen reminds us. “These two certificates are commonly necessary for entry-level roles but can also help more experienced engineers demonstrate their skills in a rapidly changing sector. To keep up with industry changes, consider getting Linux+, Security+, or AWS certifications, which are also highly valued in the industry.”
Can you get a job as a network engineer without a degree?
“Absolutely,” Giovannelli says. “While I have a degree, some of the best engineers I have worked with have never stepped inside a university. This is especially true in the day of apprenticeships, something that wasn't available when I attended university and, quite honestly, something I'm jealous of.
Witmer agrees, and is just as emphatic: “Network certifications can assist with breaking into the network engineering field. Certifications such as Cisco’s CCNA, Juniper’s JNCIA, or CompTIA’s Network+ can demonstrate a basic understanding or knowledge of networking engineering to prospective hiring managers. However, nothing takes the place of hands-on experience. Anyone can study for a test and pass, but having real-world or hands-on experience will quickly separate you from the rest.”
