How to Be Network Development Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 23, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Network Development Engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining computer networks that allow for effective communication and data exchange. This is a crucial role, as these networks are the backbone of many businesses, organizations, and governments. As such, the role of the Network Development Engineer has a direct effect on the performance and speed of communication channels and the overall efficiency of the organization they are employed by.

Poorly designed networks can lead to slow connectivity, decreased reliability, and degraded security, potentially leading to costly data breaches or outages. Conversely, properly designed networks can provide increased performance, reliability, and security, resulting in more efficient operations and increased customer satisfaction.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. This is the minimum educational requirement for most Network Development Engineer positions.
Gain experience in systems engineering and network engineering. You can do this through internships, contract work, or volunteer opportunities.
Develop a strong understanding of networking technologies such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless networks.
Obtain certifications in networking technologies such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP).
Apply for entry-level Network Development Engineer positions. During your job search, emphasize your experience with systems engineering and network engineering.
Use your experience to develop a deeper understanding of network development and gain more experience in this field.
Take on more challenging Network Development Engineer positions to demonstrate your expertise and capability.
Obtain advanced certifications such as Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE).
Dedicate yourself to staying current with new technologies and trends in the network development field.

In order to stay ahead and competent in Network Development Engineering, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, trends, and best practices. Keeping up with the rapid advancements in the field requires continuous learning and research, as well as staying informed of any changes in regulations or standards. networking and establishing connections with other professionals in the field can help to expand knowledge and understanding of the industry.

Participating in networking events, conferences, and online forums can help to build relationships with key players in the industry, providing invaluable resources and advice. Finally, gaining additional certifications and qualifications will provide a competitive edge in the industry, helping to increase employability and career prospects.

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Job Description

Design and build network infrastructures, such as Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and other data communication systems.
Install and configure routers, switches, and other networking hardware.
Plan and implement network security measures, such as firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Test and troubleshoot network systems to identify and fix issues.
Monitor network performance and optimize system availability and reliability.
Research the latest networking technologies and make recommendations for system upgrades.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices for network management.
Train users on new technologies, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Provide technical support to users experiencing network issues.
Create detailed documentation for networks, including diagrams and configuration records.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols
Familiarity with routing, switching, and LAN/WAN technologies
Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot network issues
Strong understanding of network security principles
Experience with network monitoring and management tools
Knowledge of network hardware, including routers, switches, and firewalls
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Project management and organizational skills
Detail-oriented and analytical mindset
Ability to develop and implement network strategies
Ability to work in a team environment
Proficiency with scripting and programming languages such as Python and Bash

Network development engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex network systems. To be successful in this field, they must possess a range of technical and interpersonal skills. Chief among these is the ability to analyze data and identify the best solutions to any given problem.

This involves being able to recognize patterns and trends in data, as well as being able to think critically and creatively. Network development engineers must also be proficient with computer networking technologies, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. They must also be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.

In addition, having strong organizational and project management skills is essential for success in this field. By leveraging these skills, network development engineers can ensure that the network systems they design and manage are secure, efficient, and reliable.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in network development engineering?
Describe a recent project you have completed related to network development engineering.
How have you incorporated automation platforms into network development?
What strategies have you employed to ensure efficient and secure network development?
What procedures do you use to troubleshoot network development issues?
How do you stay up to date with the latest network development trends?
What challenges have you encountered in network development engineering?
Describe your experience working with various routers, switches, and other hardware components.
What techniques do you use to test the reliability and performance of networks?
How do you communicate and collaborate with other engineers on network development projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Wireshark. Network analysis tool used to capture and inspect network traffic (eg: identify malicious traffic).
Nmap. Network exploration tool used to discover hosts and services on a network (eg: scan open ports).
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor. Monitoring and troubleshooting tool used to keep track of networks and detect problems (eg: measure latency and packet loss).
Cisco IOS. Network operating system used to configure and manage network devices (eg: setting up VLANs).
PuTTY. SSH client used to remotely access and manage network devices (eg: configure routers).
Cacti. Network graphing tool used to visualize data from network devices (eg: monitor bandwidth utilization).
NetFlow Analyzer. Network analysis tool used to monitor traffic and identify trends (eg: analyze traffic patterns over time).
PRTG Network Monitor. Monitoring tool used to check the availability of services and resources (eg: monitor network performance).
Network Configuration Manager. Configuration management tool used to track changes in network configurations (eg: detect unauthorized changes).

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Institute of Networking Professionals (INP)
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Internet Society (ISOC)
Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE)
Network Professional Association (NPA)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Association for Communications Technology Professionals (ACTP)
Association of Network Engineers (ANE)

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Common Important Terms

Network Topology. The physical and logical arrangement of computers, routers, and other devices on a network.
Routers. Network devices that forward data packets between connected networks based on their destination IP address.
Switches. Network devices that connect multiple computers or devices together on a network.
Firewalls. Network security devices that act as a barrier between an internal and external network to protect computers from malicious attacks.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Networks that use encryption to securely connect two or more remote computers or networks over the internet.
Network Security. Measures taken to protect a network from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and other security threats.
IP Addressing. A system of assigning unique numerical addresses to computers and other devices connected to a network to enable communication between them.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). A protocol used to assign IP addresses dynamically to computers on a network.
Wireless Networking. Connecting computers and other devices to a network wirelessly using radio frequency signals.
Quality of Service (QoS). A method of prioritizing certain types of network traffic over others, in order to ensure good performance and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Network Development Engineer?

A Network Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and troubleshooting network systems and infrastructure. They are responsible for implementing and maintaining network hardware and software, as well as analyzing and resolving any network-related issues.

What skills are necessary to be a successful Network Development Engineer?

Successful Network Development Engineers need to have strong knowledge in networking technologies, including routing protocols, firewalls, and switching. They should also have a good understanding of network security concepts, along with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Additionally, they should have experience in scripting languages such as Python and Linux.

What qualifications are required to become a Network Development Engineer?

To become a Network Development Engineer, individuals typically need to have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field. Additionally, certifications such as the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and CompTIA Network+ certifications may be beneficial.

How much does a Network Development Engineer typically earn?

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Network Development Engineer is $93,932 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on experience and location.

What types of companies hire Network Development Engineers?

Network Development Engineers are typically hired by companies that need to manage large networks and maintain the security of their systems. Companies such as banks, telecommunications providers, government agencies, and large corporations often hire Network Development Engineers.