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

Apr 28, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The increasing demand for networks and the growing complexity of IT infrastructure has resulted in a surge of demand for Systems Network Engineers. Systems Network Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing computer networks. They monitor network performance, troubleshoot network problems and provide technical support to users.

Their work is critical in keeping businesses connected and running smoothly, as networks are the backbone of any business. The need for Systems Network Engineers has become even more important due to the development of cloud computing, virtualization, and other cutting-edge technologies. By staying up-to-date on new technologies and trends, Systems Network Engineers can ensure that their clients have the most secure and efficient networks possible.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a Systems Network Engineer, you will need to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a field such as computer science, information systems, or engineering.
Gain Experience. You can gain experience in systems network engineering through internships or by working as a network administrator. This will help you to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the job.
Earn Certification. Once you have the necessary experience, you should consider earning certification in systems network engineering, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
Maintain Your Knowledge. With the ever-changing technology and software associated with systems network engineering, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. You should strive to attend seminars and workshops to stay informed.
Specialize. If you have experience in a certain field such as security or virtualization, you may want to specialize in that area. This will make you more desirable to potential employers.

A reliable and efficient network engineer is essential for any organizations IT infrastructure. Their role is to ensure the efficient and secure functioning of the network and its components. Effective implementation of the right technologies can lead to better performance and security of the network.

This, in turn, leads to improved reliability, scalability and efficiency of the overall IT system. a knowledgeable network engineer can reduce downtime, identify potential problems before they occur, as well as provide technical advice and guidance to the organizations users. As a result, organizations are able to maximize their efficiency and productivity, while reducing costs associated with maintaining an efficient IT infrastructure.

You may want to check Systems Business Analyst, Systems Project Manager, and Systems Support Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Design, implement, and maintain network systems, including LANs, WANs, VLANs, VPNs, routers, firewalls, switches, and wireless networks.
Analyze network performance and troubleshoot network problems.
Configure hardware and software components of network systems.
Monitor system performance and make necessary upgrades or modifications.
Develop security measures to protect data from unauthorized access.
Prepare detailed documentation of network systems and procedures.
Develop and implement strategies for managing network expansion and upgrades.
Provide technical support to users and resolve network-related issues.
Create reports to track network performance and usage metrics.
Research and evaluate new technologies, products, and services to identify potential improvements to network systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expert knowledge of network protocols, including TCP/IP, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi
Comprehensive understanding of routing and switching technologies
In-depth knowledge of firewall systems and intrusion detection
Proficient in configuring and deploying hardware and software
Experience with network performance optimization and troubleshooting
Ability to design and implement secure networks
Familiarity with network monitoring tools and network security best practices
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Excellent communication and customer service skills

Having a strong understanding of network engineering is essential for a successful Systems Network Engineer. This is because the ultimate goal of a Systems Network Engineer is to design, implement, and maintain a secure and reliable computer network infrastructure. To do this, they must have a deep understanding of networking protocols, hardware, and software.

In addition, they must have a strong grasp of security measures, such as firewall configurations, to ensure the network is protected from intruders. Furthermore, they must be able to troubleshoot any potential problems that arise in the network and be able to quickly identify and resolve any issues that arise. Finally, they must be able to communicate effectively with other team members and stakeholders to ensure they are meeting their goals.

All of these skills are essential for a successful Systems Network Engineer.

Systems Integration Specialist, Systems Database Administrator, and Systems Integration Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How long have you been working in the field of systems network engineering?
What experience do you have with designing, configuring, and maintaining networks?
Describe your experience with troubleshooting network issues.
What certifications do you hold related to systems network engineering?
How comfortable are you with evaluating and selecting hardware and software for networks?
Have you ever worked with virtualized networking environments?
What security protocols do you have experience working with?
Are you familiar with network monitoring tools?
How do you stay up to date on the latest technologies and trends in systems network engineering?
What do you find most challenging about working as a systems network engineer?

Common Tools in Industry

Network Mapping Software. This software enables network administrators to map out and visualize their networks in order to identify any potential issues or weak spots. (eg: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor)
Network Monitoring Software. This software helps network administrators monitor the performance of their networks and detect any abnormalities or outages. (eg: PRTG Network Monitor)
Network Configuration Management Software. This software helps network administrators manage the configuration of their networks, allowing them to keep track of changes and prevent any unwanted or unauthorized modifications. (eg: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager)
Network Analyzer Software. This software helps network administrators analyze traffic on their networks, providing detailed insights into the performance, availability, and security of a network. (eg: Wireshark)
Network Security Software. This software helps network administrators identify and mitigate potential security threats, such as malware and unauthorized access. (eg: Symantec Endpoint Protection)

Professional Organizations to Know

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)
Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)
Internet Society (ISOC)
International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP)
Association for Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE-CS)
National Association of Network Professionals (NANP)
International Association of Computer Communications (IACC)

We also have Systems Software Engineer, Systems Technician, and Systems Test Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Network Topology. The physical or logical arrangement of a network, including the types of devices, their location, and the connections between them.
Network Architecture. The overall design of a network, including its layers, protocols, and components.
Protocols. The set of rules and standards that govern how computers communicate over a network.
Network Security. Measures taken to protect the integrity of a network and its data.
Routing. The process of selecting paths in a network to send data from one node to another.
Virtualization. The process of creating multiple virtual networks on a single physical network.
Quality of Service (QoS). A set of techniques used to optimize the performance of a network, such as by prioritizing certain types of traffic.
Network Management. The process of monitoring and controlling a network, including its performance, security, and configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Systems Network Engineer?

A Systems Network Engineer is a professional who designs, installs and maintains computer networks, including Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Intranets.

What skills do Systems Network Engineers need?

Systems Network Engineers need strong technical skills in networking, computer hardware, operating systems, and networking protocols. They also need excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects.

What is the job outlook for Systems Network Engineers?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Systems Network Engineers is expected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than average.

What is the average salary for a Systems Network Engineer?

The average salary for a Systems Network Engineer is around $71,000 per year according to PayScale.com. Salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and other factors.

What certifications are available for Systems Network Engineers?

Professional certifications are available for Systems Network Engineers from organizations such as Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft, and Juniper. These certifications demonstrate knowledge and experience in networking, and can help advance a career in this field.