Network engineer
Network engineers design, set up and maintain physical and virtual IT communication systems for organisations.
Typical Salary
£25,500 – £52,000
per year
Working Hours
38–40
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a network engineer, you could:
- design, install and upgrade network systems for clients
- set up accounts, user permissions and firewalls
- give technical support to staff
- monitor network performance and fix faults
- make sure systems meet all technical, security and data standards
We've identified this as a potential green job
For a network engineer to be a green job, you could:
- upgrade IT network systems to take advantage of more energy efficient hardware
- shift towards green cloud providers that have lower carbon emissions
- use methods like data compression and bandwidth management to reduce power use
Skills needed
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
With experience, you could:
- specialise in cyber security, data analysis or software development
- become a network manager, business analyst or technical architect
- set up your own business and work as a freelance consultant