What Does a Network Operations Engineer Do?

Most businesses that rely on digital channels for daily operations need information technology (IT) professionals on their teams to keep those channels working. Network operations engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining data communication networks. This industry is growing and offers higher-than-average salaries and a positive outlook for professionals in the field [1].

What is the role of a network operations engineer?

Network operations engineers use their in-depth understanding of a business’s needs and goals to design a data communication network that allows employees to fulfill their roles. This network includes intranet, extranet, routers, computers, and phones. Depending on the business size, these networks range from connections between offices to large, cloud-based infrastructures. Network engineers monitor, manage, and maintain data networks. They're often updated on new technology trends and upgrade their company’s network as necessary.

Are network operations engineers the same as network administrators?

While some businesses use the terms "network operations engineer" and "network administrator" interchangeably, the two roles are very distinct. Network operations engineers are typically responsible for the high-level design and maintenance of a network system. Network administrators, meanwhile, are typically responsible for the day-to-day operational management of a network system.

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

Network operations engineer tasks and responsibilities

While the specific tasks of a network operations engineer vary based on a business’s or organization's needs, some typical responsibilities include:

• Install network components, including routers, VPNs, and proxy servers

• Monitor current performance, implement upgrades, and install patches

• Troubleshoot issues as they arise

• Perform data backups, update security systems, and monitor for security issues

• Optimize networks for best performance

• Create plans for tailored networks

• Research new technologies

• Predict future needs by analyzing data

• Collaborate with management to address changing business needs

• Repair hardware as needed

Read more: What Is CompTIA Network+ Certification?

What tools do network operations engineers use?

Network operations engineers use various tools to monitor, maintain, upgrade, and repair a network system. These tools allow engineers to analyze data as it crosses the network for issues or abnormalities. The real-time nature of these monitoring tools means a network operations engineer can address issues, such as packet loss or overloaded network devices, as they occur. 

Some of these tools include:

• SolarWind’s Engineer’s Toolset, which analyzes and troubleshoots complex networks 

• PRTG, which is a network monitoring software

• MultiPing, which monitors a network’s performance

• Wireshark, which analyzes data packets for red flags

• Nmap, which is a security auditing tool

• Ping sweep, which is an IP scanning technique

• PuTTY, which is a terminal emulation software

Network operations engineers use a combination of these tools to address the unique needs of their employer’s computing network. They are responsible for staying up-to-date on the different software and technologies available so that they can adapt their company’s processes as necessary to better fit any changing needs.

Salary and job outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a network operations engineer’s median salary is $129,840 [1]. The field is expected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is slightly faster than the average for all jobs in the US, adding a potential 10,200 new jobs per year within that time frame [2].

How do you become a network operations engineer?

Network operations engineers require a strong computer and technology background to be successful in the role. You can typically develop these skills through completing a four-year degree, online certifications, and on-the-job experience.

Education and certifications

Network operations engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a field like network operations, computer and information technology, or engineering. These degrees offer the opportunity to learn foundational knowledge and receive hands-on experience with software and network systems.

Certifications are a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest software trends. They help you demonstrate expertise and set you apart from other professionals in your field. Some certifications to consider include:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• LPI Linux Essentials

• CompTIA A+

• CompTIA Cloud Essentials+

• CompTIA Network+

• CompTIA Project+

• CompTIA Security+

• Amazon AWS SysOps Administrator-Associate

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

Skills

To be successful in a network operations engineer role, you need a strong set of both technical and workplace skills. Some of the most useful include:

Technical skills

• Experience with network analysis

• Firewall management experience

• Familiarity with network security and infrastructure 

• Understanding of system designs and structure

• Familiarity with business processes

Workplace skills

• Communication skills

• Analytical skills

• Detail-oriented

• Interpersonal skills

• Leadership skills

• Problem-solving

• Time management

Experience

Typically, you’ll need several years of experience with information technology to become an engineer. These years tend to occur during a four-year degree and on-the-job experience. Once you can successfully demonstrate you’ve gained the foundational knowledge needed for a role, you can pursue an entry-level position.

Read more: Do I Need an Information Technology Degree? What to Consider

What career paths lead to becoming a network operations engineer?

Professionals in engineering, IT, or computer technology fields can all pursue a job as network operations engineers. Anyone with an adjacent skill set might be competitive in the field. In contrast, those choosing to move into network operations from an unrelated field would benefit from returning to school for a relevant degree.

How can I advance my network operations engineer career?

As you spend time in a network operations engineer role, you have the opportunity to advance your career by gaining more responsibilities and supervisory roles. For example, you may progress into a role—such as senior network engineer—then on to infrastructure project manager or director of information technology services.

Keep learning on Coursera

Network operations engineers use their coding knowledge to ensure an organization’s networks run smoothly and efficiently. Learn more about what it’s like to be a network operations engineer with courses and certificates on Coursera. Course options like Network Security by Cisco Learning and Certifications or the IT Support Professional Certificate by Google can help you sharpen your skills and give you the chance to develop your knowledge of network operations.