Job Description for an NOC Engineer

Computers are connected often through networks that are managed from the Network Operations Center.

Telecommunications plays a huge role in the transfer of information and in the entertainment industry. The NOC is an acronym for the Network Operations Center. This center is where information technology engineers observe and perform maintenance on telecommunications networks. These network operations centers are often found in large companies where network activities are difficult to observe individually.

Identification

The network operations center (NOC) is a room where the IT specialists do their work, using sophisticated equipment that produces visualizations of the networks that the IT specialists are responsible for, according to Tech Target. From this center, the IT specialists troubleshoot networks, distribute new software and update data. From this center, the overall performance of the company's network is monitored and networks are coordinated. Working in the NOC is often an NOC engineer.

Function

The NOC engineer performs a variety of tasks such as configuring and administering Cisco routers, changing firmware--which are small and fixed software programs--on a regular basis, resolving issues with computer networks whenever they are reported and ensuring that multimedia transmitted through the networks are functioning properly, according to CyberCoders Engineering. According to RealPage, the NOC engineer monitors system conditions, documents any changes made to networks, constructs a procedural manual for handling network problems and is responsible for maintaining network security.

Conditions

NOC engineers work in a computer laboratory where a large number of computers are located. These engineers usually work 40 hours a week, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many are expected to be on call in the event of a system failure. These engineers spend a lot of time in front of computers, which can make them susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome and eyestrain.

Education

Becoming an NOC engineer usually involves a bachelor's degree in computer science or information science. However, those workers who have extensive experience troubleshooting computer networks will often find work. Companies are often looking for NOC engineers who have previous experience with the hardware and software that the company uses, though they are sometimes willing to provide some on-the-job training to the NOC engineer.

Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer network administrators such as NOC engineers can expect their industry to grow by 23 percent between 2008 and 2018. Companies are becoming increasingly more concerned with network security and integrity, especially as these companies become increasingly more dependent on computer networks. Also, computer networks are being increasingly used by consumers.

Wages

The hourly wages for a network operations center technician in 2010 ranged from $14.87 to $29.57, according to payscale.com. Engineers with one to four years of experience can sometimes earn as much as $19.92. NOC engineers working for companies are paid slightly more than engineers working as independent contractors.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Computer Network Administrators
• RealPage: NOC Engineer
• CyberCoders Engineering: Network Operations Center Engineer
• Tech Target: What is Network Operations Center?
• Payscale: Network Operations Center Technician Wages