OVERVIEW
What is a Senior Network Engineer?
A senior network engineer is an IT professional who works with computer systems and networks to ensure that all network operations run smoothly. This includes designing, analyzing, evaluating, configuring, troubleshooting, and implementing network solutions. Senior network engineers have extensive knowledge of coding languages, protocols, hardware components, and IP-based networking technologies. They also actively stay up to date on security measures to protect the networks they manage. In addition to technical skills, successful senior network engineers demonstrate strong problem-solving strategies, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to collaborate with and lead junior engineers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Senior Network Engineer Do?
A senior network engineer's day-to-day duties include the following:
- Building and maintaining the network infrastructure.
- Collaborating with network architects to design and implement functional company networks.
- Installing and configuring networking hardware.
- Creating and implementing network security measures.
- Conducting regular network performance tests.
- Delegating networking maintenance tasks.
- Dealing with escalated network support issues.
- Drawing up network status reports.
- Working on troubleshooting any technical problems that arise.
- Ensuring that their software and hardware are always up to date.
- Maintaining security measures to defend from outside threats or malicious attacks.
- Managing and mentoring junior network engineering staff.
- Abiding by industry standards and regulations.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Senior Network Engineer?
Becoming a senior network engineer is both an exciting and rewarding opportunity. To start, a computer science or network engineering bachelor’s degree will give you a solid foundation regarding networks and their infrastructure. Upon graduation, entry-level roles are ideal for gaining experience in the basics of network engineering. Once these skills have been established, gradually moving into more complex positions will help you reach the status of senior network engineer. Progression typically follows this order: junior network engineer to senior network engineer to team lead or manager. While experience is important in climbing the ranks, certification may help shorten the timeline. Having certifications related to network engineering, such as Cisco CCNA, Cisco CCNP, or CompTIA Network+, provide expertise in overseeing an entire department or division's networking operations. The path to becoming a senior network engineer takes time and dedication. Still, this professional milestone is achievable with the proper knowledge and attitude.
Best Degrees for a Senior Network Engineer
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Artificial Intelligence – School of Technology
Discover how this AI course can help you expand your skillset and enhance...
Discover how this AI course can help you expand your skillset and enhance your résumé.
- Time: 2 months from start to finish
- Cost: $99
- Modules: 2 modules in this course
This AI course is directly focused on helping you enhance your skills in AI prompts, machine learning, NLP, and more. The skills you gain in this certificate can be directly applied to your career.
Technology
Network Engineering and Security – B.S.
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
- Two focus areas: Students can choose between a Cisco or general program, allowing them to learn and gain experience in their chosen specialty.
Certifications:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Foundations
The Cisco program also includes:
- Cisco CCNA
- Cisco DevNet
- Cisco CyberOps
The general program also includes:
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (Stacked)
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist (Stacked)
- CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional (Stacked)
- CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (Stacked)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Network engineering
- Network operations
- Security management skills
This program will help you develop strong skills in network design, network operations, and security management.
Technology
Computer Science – M.S.
A degree in computer science can give you critical IT skills for your...
A degree in computer science can give you critical IT skills for your future.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
The M.S. in Computer Science at WGU has three specializations for students to choose from, giving them the opportunity to focus on an area that is meaningful for their career and life. The specializations are Computing Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in the computer science programs include:
- Programming and Logic
- Architecture and Systems
- Data Structures
- AI
- Project Management
Technology
AI Skills Fundamentals Certificate – School of Technology
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills Fundamentals Certificate will...
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills Fundamentals Certificate will prepare you to demonstrate foundational concepts and build job-ready skills in fields like operations, finance, customer service, and more.
- Time: 3 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $699 for the certificate.
- Courses: 3 courses total in this program.
This certificate program is tailored for professionals in various industries who want to harness AI to enhance efficiency, generate data-driven insights, and foster innovation within their organizations. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.
This certificate can help build fundamental skills in AI, data analysis, and also help those with no technical background begin to build vocational identity for a long-term career in their industry.
How Much Does a Senior Network Engineer Make?
$126,900
Network engineers typically earn an annual salary of $126,900, with the bottom 10% of the field making $73,490 and the top 10% making $185,170 or more, depending on the region and size of the company they work for. Most employers offer health benefits, paid holidays and vacation days, flexible hours, and other additional perks in addition to their base salary.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
4%
Because the field is expected to grow by 4% between 2021 and 2031, the outlook for network engineers is excellent. With recent advances in technology, almost all industries need to have secure, reliable networks. Network engineers are responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and security of these essential systems. This makes them an invaluable asset to any organization.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Senior Network Engineer Need?
A senior network engineer requires a broad range of technical and communication skills, most notably:
- Understanding of both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
- Advanced knowledge of network operating systems, including Cisco, JUNOS, and iOS.
- Knowledge and understanding of scripting languages such as Verilog or GraphQL.
- Knowledge and understanding of key networking hardware, including CPUs, wiring, and routers.
- Knowledge of communication and routing protocols used within businesses.
- Familiarity with network analysis tools, such as SolarWind.
- Ability to identify, diagnose, and solve networking problems.
- Proficiency with various coding languages.
- Strong leadership and team mentoring skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Communication skills.
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