Network Engineer

Network Engineer job description

Network Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring and managing the local and wide area networks of an organisation to ensure maximum uptime for users. The role can include designing system configurations, documenting and managing the installation of a new network, and maintaining and upgrading existing systems as necessary.

Network Engineer duties and responsibilities of the job

Network Engineers will work in-house or be assigned to project management teams working with outside clients. As part of an organisation’s IT team, Network Engineers work closely with Business Analysts, Network Architects and IT Managers. A Network Engineer job description can therefore comprise of:

Designing and implementing new network solutions and/or improving the efficiency of current networks

Installing, configuring and supporting network equipment including routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, DNS and DHCP

Procuring network equipment and managing subcontractors involved with network installation

Configuring firewalls, routing and switching to maximise network efficiency and security

Maximising network performance through ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting

Arranging scheduled upgrades

Investigating faults in the network

Updating network equipment to the latest firmware releases

Reporting network status to key stakeholders

Network Engineer job qualifications and requirements

Holding a degree and having a technical background will be required to gain a Network Engineer role. Degrees in the following subjects can be included:

Computer science

Computer software/computer systems engineering

Computer systems and networks

Electrical/electronic engineering

Mathematics

Network security management

Physics

Organisations may also have specific requirements depending on their current network configuration. As a guide, a CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification is desirable.

As well as formal qualifications, a Network Manager job description should include the following qualities:

An analytical mind

An ability to learn new technologies quickly

Good time management skills

An ability to follow processes

Strong documentation skills

Good communication skills – both written and verbal

Commercial and business awareness

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Salary for Network Engineer

110000 - 130000

25th percentile

110000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

120000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

130000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or KiwiSaver.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Infrastructure Architect

155000

175000

185000

Senior Network Engineer

130000

135000

145000

Systems Engineer

110000

120000

130000

Senior Systems Engineer

130000

135000

145000

Infrastructure Manager

145000

160000

180000

Cloud Engineer

130000

145000

160000

DevOps Engineer

130000

150000

175000

EUC Engineer

95000

110000

120000

Modern Workplace Engineer

105000

115000

135000

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Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job candidates our recruiters have matched with companies across the country.

The Salary Guide from Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.