What Does a Network Operations Engineer Do? (And How to Become One)

Key takeaways

Network operations engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining data communication networks. A few things to know:

• This is a mid-to-senior level specialized IT job that emphasizes communication skills alongside technical proficiency.

• The industry is growing much faster than average, offering high salaries and a positive outlook for aspiring network operations engineers [1].

• You can become a network operations engineer with a background in computer science or information technology starting in jobs like systems engineer, IT manager, or network administrator.

Learn what a network operations engineer does, how to become one, and explore adjacent roles in the following article. If you're preparing for your first role as a network operations engineer, consider enrolling to earn the Akamai Network Engineering Professional Certificate. Throughout this three month program, you'll master essential security management skills and learn to implement networking technologies like TCP/IP and DNS.

What does a network operations engineer do?

A network operations engineer is responsible for maintaining the performance, security, and reliability of an organization’s network infrastructure. They 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. Depending on the business size, these networks range from connections between offices to large, cloud-based infrastructures. This is a highly technical role that includes:

• Designing and implementing network solutions (e.g., LAN/WAN configurations, firewalls, VPNs)

• Monitoring network performance and uptime

• Diagnosing and resolving complex network issues through support tickets or real-time troubleshooting

• Collaborating with both IT and non-IT staff to ensure network needs are met

• Providing expert input on IT projects that involve network architecture or connectivity

They also manage and maintain network equipment, ensuring systems run smoothly and issues are resolved quickly. Though rooted in technical expertise, the role demands strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex concepts for various audiences. As a key link between departments and the network team, strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential.

Network operations engineer job description

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to maintain network stability, implement upgrades, and respond swiftly to incidents. This role requires hands-on experience with network hardware, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to communicate technical details effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform routine network maintenance and upgrades

• Collaborate with vendors and service providers as needed

• Document network configurations and incidents

• Assist with network security enforcement and compliance

• Support disaster recovery planning and execution

Qualifications:

• Experience with Cisco, Juniper, or similar network equipment

• Familiarity with network monitoring and management tools

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNA) preferred

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

Network operations engineer salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for this role is $130,390 per year [1]. Learn more about salary ranges and earning potential in the article Network Operations Engineer Salary Guide 2025.

How to become a network operations engineer

Network operations engineers require a strong computer and technology background. Although there is no one path to this position, you can typically develop the skills you need to succeed in a network operations engineering job through completing a degree, earning online certifications, and gaining on-the-job experience.

Pursue education and certifications

According to Zippia, 62 percent of network operations engineers hold a bachelor's degree, 22 percent hold an associate degree, 8 percent hold a master's degree, and 3 percent a high school diploma [2]. The most commonly earned degrees include electrical engineering, computer science, computer information systems, and information technology. Degrees offer the opportunity to learn foundational knowledge and receive hands-on experience with software and network systems.

Certifications are a great way to supplement your experience, enhance your resume, and 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: What Is CompTIA Network+ Certification?

Gain the necessary skills and experience

Success as a network operations engineer requires a balanced mix of technical expertise and workplace abilities.

Technical Skills:

• Experience with network analysis and troubleshooting

• Firewall management and network security knowledge

• Understanding of network infrastructure and system design

• Awareness of how network operations support business processes

Workplace Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities

• Analytical thinking and attention to detail

• Effective problem-solving and time management

• Leadership qualities when coordinating with teams

Get hands-on with network operations engineer tools

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. Gaining exposure and experience with these tools can help increase your competitiveness as a job candidate:

• 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 engineer jobs

Professionals in engineering, IT, or computer science fields all have the foundational knowledge required to pursue a role in network operations engineering. Because the jobs in this field often have overlapping responsibilities or title variations, it may be helpful to compare adjacent positions.

Network operations engineer vs. network administrator

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: System Administrator vs. Network Administrator: Navigating Your Career Choices

What is a network operations center engineer?

A network operations center (NOC) is a central location where network systems and infrastructure are managed. The job titles network operations center engineer (or, NOC engineer) and network operations engineer are often used interchangeably, with the primary difference lying in whether or not the organization has a dedicated network operations center.

What is network field engineering and operations?

Field engineers handle the on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of hardware or infrastructure. Their work is hands-on, often in customer or remote locations, and typically involves direct interaction with equipment rather than network systems.

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