What Does a Computer Network Engineer Do?

A computer network engineer analyses, installs, configures and monitors performance of company computer networks. Such networks can encompass LANs, WANs and other deployable networks and also involves routers, switches, firewalls, operating systems. With increased deployment of ERP systems and underlying connections with vast networks of computers and communications infrastructure in today's computer age, a computer network engineer becomes a key member of the overall IT team.

Job Responsibilities

Computer network engineers are responsible for the smooth functioning of computer networks, network cables, routers and allied equipment of an organization or business. They plan, architect, implement computer networks and monitor networks' performance, maintain security, make system upgrades, evaluate new products and tools from vendors.

Educational Requirements/Certifications

Computer network engineers need to possess an associate or bachelor's degree in computer science, telecommunication or related field. Some organizations do consider professionals with other graduate degrees but with accredited network certification programs offered by Novell, Cisco, Hewlett-Packard and others.

Jobs Availability

With the deployment of computer networks in virtually every industry, sector or business domain, computer network engineers become important in maintaining the integrity, reliability and consistency of network operations. Computer engineers work in large enterprises, academic institutions, federal government agencies, health and retail sectors.

Salaries

A computer network engineer's salary and benefits packages are commensurate with experience, qualifications, certifications/programs acquired and local job market dynamics. Median salaries for computer network engineers in many states start at about $60,000 and can go up higher for experienced and highly skilled network engineers.

Other Attributes

Adaptability and the ability to work long hours, to work in conjunction with the IT team members, to keep abreast of latest domain technologies and to troubleshoot unique network problems are other attributes that computer network engineers need to have in order to have enriching and successful careers.