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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a Cisco network engineer. Feel free to use our Cisco network engineer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a Cisco network engineer.

 

Who is a Cisco Network Engineer?

Cisco network engineers are network administrators who design and maintain Cisco-based networks. They set up networks, solve problems, and maintain network security.

They are used by organizations and businesses that seek to build huge computer networks. These engineers’ main responsibilities include creating networks, extending network support, and detecting and resolving persistent difficulties.

They collaborate to set up networks and assist end consumers. Cisco network engineers must consequently have strong analytical skills as well as effective communication abilities.

 

Cisco Network Engineer Job Description

Below are the Cisco network engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a Cisco network engineer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a Cisco network engineer include all of the following:

• Change the arrangement to account for situations such as traffic congestion, needed infrastructure upgrades, troubleshooting issues that inconvenience customers, and preventative maintenance, among others.
• Create a durable, effectively working network, encompassing network design and analysis, that integrates the Internet, Intranet, LAN, and WAN portions.
• Create device drivers, network applications, and new programs using script and web languages.
• Test Hardware and develop new ones.
• Create and test routers, USB flash drives, modems, and power converters.
• Provide technical support and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
• Execute network infrastructure design, architecture, and integration engineering solutions.
• Interact with clients to learn about their business needs and develop technical solutions.
• Design, install, maintain, and supervise the equipment needed to provide cost-effective LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, and VoIP networks.
• Ascertain that there is sufficient availability, latitude, and network functionality.
• Maintain, manage, and configure the organization’s telecommunications systems while also working as VoIP engineers.
• Support, assess, and update infrastructure documentation.
• Maintain current network disaster recovery techniques and strive to improve them.
• Increase and maintain the security of all data networks within a company.
• Represent their company by collaborating with vendors to resolve issues.
• Utilize information accessibility while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.
• Control the firewall and other security features.
• Check that all WAN/LAN circuits are up and running at all times.Ensure that the Internet line is secure and operational.
• Set up DNS servers.
• Describe completely the system’s settings and processes.Incorporate voice call routing and firewalling functions.
• Create and maintain network diagrams.
• Confirm networks that adhere to all Department of Defense requirements.
• Work on projects and provide recommendations for equipment and employees, as well as assist their organization with planning and budgeting.
• Provide training as needed, do frequent audits, test, and troubleshoot by PCI and IT regulations, and upgrade LAN software.
• Attend and participate in project, operational, and other team meetings.
• Examine the hardware, software, and networking systems in place.
• Create and deploy scalable Cisco networks by client requirements.
• Resolve network, hardware, and software-related issues.
• Test installed networks for speed and security.
• Upgrade the network’s security.
• Upgrade and replace hardware and software systems when necessary.
• Make networking reports and present them.

Qualifications

To become a Cisco network engineer you are required to possess the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology is preferred, however, a high school diploma may suffice in some cases.
• In addition, you’ll require a CCNA certification, an awareness of SD-WAN, and solid Cisco Internetworks knowledge. Engineers have an advantage with a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification because they can delve into fundamental network security or dangers, such as malware, adware, or spyware, and connect remote locations utilizing a Wide Area Network (WAN). The certification also enables students to comprehend how various networks communicate with one another to form a secure network. Engineers also learn how different sorts of devices interact with networks.

Following the CCNA, you will be able to fix and validate inter-switch communications, configure routing on Cisco devices, sort out and install routing on Cisco devices, configure a switch with inter-switch communications and VLAN, implement IP addressing and meet network requirements, implement and maintain Access Control Lists (ACL) and Network Address Translations (NAT), validate WAN links and put in place correct methods to connect wide area networks (WAN), implement and maintain Access Control Lists (ACL) and Network Address Translation.

• At least 5 years of network engineering expertise is required.
• Thorough understanding of Cisco networking systems.Storage engineering, wide-area networking, and network virtualization expertise.
• Expert troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to recognize, deploy, and manage complicated networking systems.
• Good interpersonal and communication abilities.
• End-user training experience.

 

Essential Skills

Cisco Network Engineer job description should include the following skills and qualities:

1. Technical skills: Technical skills are one of the most significant and required talents for Cisco network engineers. This is a broad skill set that can cover a wide range of computer science applications, including router configuration, system firewall setup and management, and other information technology applications. Many Cisco network engineers also pursue various certifications, such as the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) license, which certifies a network engineer’s ability to do highly specific technical and electrical engineering responsibilities.
2. Written communication: Systems analysis, testing, processes, and other technical operations are frequently documented in writing by Cisco network engineers. As a result, many of these professions rely on textual communication to be successful in their jobs. A network engineer, for example, may communicate the technical processes of administering and troubleshooting a wide area network for a major organization so that the IT department has a handbook of operations for what the engineer implemented in the system. Many organizations look for employees who can convey technical and performance-based work tasks in writing.
3. Problem-solving: Cisco network engineers must be capable of handling extremely difficult mathematical and technical challenges, such as debugging network issues to improve performance. Problem-solving also includes the capacity to come up with fresh and creative ways to solve problems in the workplace, whether it’s managing IT security networks or collaborating on a company-wide project.
4. Analytical skills: Cisco network engineers rely on analytical skills such as the ability to break down complex problems, evaluate technological procedures, and apply appropriate operations for specific jobs to be successful in their employment. Working well as a cisco network engineer also requires the ability to think creatively and use brainstorming approaches to build projects, initiatives, and solutions.
5. Time management: Cisco network engineers are regularly assigned to systems development and management projects that necessitate the ability to prioritize critical vs urgent jobs and manage their time effectively. Time management is a key aspect of the profession, and many employers seek Cisco network engineers who can handle busy workdays well.
6. Organizational skills: Having great organizing skills entails more than just keeping files organized. Cisco network engineers must also have a keen eye for detail, as well as the ability to organize and show data and processes that they use and carry out for various projects. Professionals that can demonstrate the capacity to manage paperwork, data files, and other processes are in high demand among employers.
7. Teamwork skills: Cisco network engineers work with a variety of people from various departments inside a business and must be able to interact with them. Cisco network engineers that can work with and even lead teams of software developers, systems analysts, and other IT experts to meet company goals are in high demand.

 

How to Become a Cisco Network Engineer

It will take a lot of hard work and devotion to become a certified Cisco Network Engineer, but it will be well worth it if you achieve your objective. Cisco has a reputation for being respected and sought after by both network professionals and those who employ them. It is a highly attainable aim if you take the proper steps and get the necessary training. The relevant steps to towards this career path include all of the following:

1. Obtain a cisco certification or networking degree

It may appear as straightforward as registering in a course, completing the training, and passing the exam, but knowing Cisco isn’t enough for some businesses. Certain employers prefer candidates with a degree over those with certification. Many prospective Cisco network engineers choose to obtain a certification first and then pursue a bachelor’s degree, which is required by many employers.

This will also be determined by the company for which you wish to work. If a degree is required, then that is the route to take. If you are unsure about the organization you want to work for, a certification will help you to gain experience.

2. Get live labs to build experience while studying

Nothing looks better on a resume than work experience. This reduces the amount of training required to transition you into a fully functional capacity, saving not just time but also money. Even experience working from home is beneficial. Learning the fundamentals of setting up and administering a small network can be quite beneficial, not only when you begin formal training, but also when you opt to take a networking course.

Many training providers, such as IT online learning’s Live Labs, provide practical experience by allowing you to practice on genuine routers and switches without having to buy expensive equipment to use at home.

3. Stay updated with new advancements.

Join Cisco network engineer networks, read industry journals, and keep up with new and developing trends, software, applications, and other technical elements of the sector. The better you grasp how network engineering, information technology, and computer science grow when new technology emerges, the more effectively you can acquire and apply new methods and skills to your profession.

4. Participate in open-source projects.

In open-source projects, practice merging network configurations, implementing testing protocols or establishing firewalls and security networks. These types of tasks are available for network experts through forums and technological platforms, and they can help you hone your network engineering skills. Furthermore, many of these projects can be used to create an informal portfolio that demonstrates your abilities and inner passion to keep improving.

5. Take on more complex projects at work.

You can volunteer to take on greater responsibility in your current function at work, similar to how you can practice your talents in open-source network initiatives. In addition to your regular obligations, request to take on a few extra difficult jobs (such as building up a whole new local network for the company’s sales department). You can rise to more senior-level responsibilities in your profession if you continue to demonstrate your capacity to improve and advance your skillset via your work.

6. Learn from more experienced professionals.

Always take the time to speak with people who are more experienced and qualified than you are at this point in your career. These senior-level professionals can provide advice on how to advance in your career as well as information and tools to help you improve your skills and accomplish more sophisticated jobs at work.

7. Consider an internship

This is one of the most effective (and recommended) ways to get networking experience. Cisco, for example, provides internships to undergraduate and graduate students who want to work as Cisco network engineers.

Many organizations also provide students with the opportunity to obtain experience through an internship while they are still in school. This will not only provide you with much-needed practice, but it will also allow you to begin working as soon as your studies are over.

8. Accept entry-level networking positions

It may appear like starting from the bottom and working your way up to become a Cisco Network Engineer will take a long time, but keep in mind that the experience you gain will have a significant impact on your studies later. This may allow you to participate in training that will help you advance through the ranks more quickly and, in turn, offer you a stronger work ethic and a better grasp of the work that has to be done.

9. Obtain your Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) is the first step toward CCIE, and it comprises one exam when the training is done.

Following CCENT, the next step is commonly CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate). This can be accomplished by either taking a single, all-encompassing exam or bypassing CCENT first and then taking the CCNA exam. If you believe you have sufficient expertise, you may be able to skip CCENT by taking only the one CCNA exam.

CCNP will be the next step (Cisco Certified Networking Professional). Before beginning the training, you must first pass the CCNA exam. Because the CCNP offers numerous areas of specialization that can be studied, you have the option of acquiring multiple CCNPs.

The CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) program prepares you to become a skilled Cisco Network Engineer. This is the most prestigious Cisco networking course, and it will be divided into two sections.

The first will be a written exam that you must pass to proceed to the next stage. The second part will be a practical test in a real lab, where your abilities will be put to the test. You will receive your CCIE certification only if you pass both exams.

10. Sharpen your Soft skills

You’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and efficient Cisco network engineer with the right training, such as a Cisco networking course, and the addition of practical experience. It’s also crucial to work on some soft skills that will help you perform better in your current position. Soft skills are not typically taught in the Cisco networking courses that you will take as a Cisco student, but they are critical to establishing a successful career as a Cisco network engineer. The following are some of the soft talents you must possess:

• Communication Skills: Communication is one of these crucial soft skills. As a Cisco network engineer, you may encounter many situations when you will need to communicate with people who do not have the same level of technical knowledge as you. This implies that you must be able to speak in a language that the other person can comprehend.

As a Cisco network engineer, you will need to provide simple explanations so that others may assist you in your work. This could be in the context of obtaining financing for improvements or enhancements, or merely to speak with top management about your work. As your Cisco network engineer career grows, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to train or develop more junior engineers, and solid communication skills will help you do so.

• Problem-Solving Skills: You’ll need to be a good problem-solver as a Cisco network engineer. Troubleshooting skills are essential for the job, and you will be confronted with difficult circumstances, concerns, and problems that must be resolved at times. A Cisco network engineer must be able to think outside the box and use initiative to identify the source of a problem and offer feasible ways to remedy it.

Problem-solving abilities can be developed with effort and experience, but individuals who have a natural knack for it make excellent Cisco network engineers. This portion of the job takes an analytical mind, but it is also possible to train yourself to look at problems from other perspectives and acquire a clearer perspective on the issue at hand. To solve difficulties and perform well, a Cisco network engineer must be reasonable and practical.

 

Where to Work as a Cisco Network Engineer

Cisco network engineers might be hired by a large IT firm to handle the firm’s systems or as contract workers. Large corporations, such as Microsoft, offer a broad range of installation and customer support services, and they hire graduates and experienced employees in all areas of IT support.

 

Cisco Network Engineer Salary Scale

Cisco network engineers in the United States earn an average annual pay of $94,900, or $46 per hour. The richest ten percent earn more than $127,000 per year, while the bottom ten percent earn less than $70,000. The average cisco network engineer’s pay in the United Kingdom is £45,000 per year or £23.08 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level positions begin at £40,000 per year, with most experienced professionals earning up to £65,000 per year.

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