Network Engineer - Routing & Switching (4-5 yrs)

Job Description :

Key Skills for a Network Engineer :

1. Technical Networking Skills :

- Routing and Switching : Knowledge of routing protocols (e., OSPF, BGP, EIGRP) and switching concepts (e., VLANs, STP, trunking).

- TCP/IP Protocol Suite : Deep understanding of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack, IP addressing, subnetting, and key network services like DHCP and DNS.

- Network Security : Familiarity with firewalls, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), IPS/IDS (Intrusion Prevention/Detection Systems), AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting), and encryption protocols.

- WAN Technologies : Knowledge of Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies like MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN), and leased lines.

- Wireless Networking : Experience with wireless networking standards (e., 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Wi-Fi security protocols (WPA2, WPA3), and wireless troubleshooting.

- Network Automation and Scripting : Experience with automation tools like Ansible, Python scripting for network automation, or using tools like Cisco DNA Center and Juniper Apstra.

- Cloud Networking : Understanding of cloud networking in platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, including hybrid cloud configurations and VPN connectivity between on-premise and cloud networks.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills :

- Network Troubleshooting : Expertise in diagnosing and resolving network issues, using tools like Wireshark, SolarWinds, or PRTG.

- Capacity Planning : Ability to analyze traffic patterns and scale network resources to meet demand.

- Performance Optimization : Proficiency in tuning network performance by analyzing bandwidth utilization, latency, jitter, and packet loss.

Security Skills :

- Network Security : Proficiency in firewall configurations (e., Cisco ASA, Palo Alto), VPN setup, and security policies to prevent unauthorized access and protect data.

- Access Control and Monitoring : Experience with implementing 802.1X authentication, RADIUS/TACACS+ servers, and monitoring tools like SIEM systems for threat detection.

- Threat Management : Familiarity with preventing and mitigating DDoS attacks, malware, phishing, and other network threats.

Network Design and Architecture :

- Network Design Principles : Knowledge of network topologies (e., star, mesh, hybrid), hierarchical design models (core, distribution, access layers), and redundancy planning.

- High Availability : Understanding of failover techniques like HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol), VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol), and load balancing solutions.

- Scalability : Ability to design networks that scale as the organization grows, incorporating technologies like link aggregation, VLAN trunking, and dynamic routing.

Communication and Documentation :

- Effective Communication : Ability to explain complex networking concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate with teams from other IT areas (e., server, storage, application teams).

- Network Documentation : Skill in maintaining detailed and up-to-date network diagrams, configuration files, and procedural documentation using tools like Visio or netTerrain.

Soft Skills :

- Attention to Detail : Precision in configuring network devices and ensuring no misconfigurations that could cause outages.

- Project Management : Ability to manage networking projects, from planning and design to deployment and maintenance, often in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

- Adaptability and Learning : As networking technologies evolve rapidly, network engineers need to continuously update their skills and learn new technologies, such as SDN (Software-Defined Networking), NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), and cloud networking.

Certifications :

- Earning industry-recognized certifications can enhance a network engineer's skills and career prospects.

Some common certifications include :

- Cisco Certifications : CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert).

- Juniper Certifications : JNCIA (Juniper Networks Certified Associate), JNCIP (Professional).

- CompTIA : Network+, Security+ for basic networking and security skills.

- VMware Certifications : VMware Certified Professional - Network Virtualization (VCP-NV).

- Cloud Certifications : AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer.

Network Monitoring and Management Tools :

- Monitoring Tools : Experience with monitoring and management tools like Nagios, PRTG, SolarWinds, Zabbix, or Datadog to ensure network health and performance.

- Configuration Management : Experience with configuration management systems like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef for automating repetitive tasks.

Educational Requirements :

- Bachelor's or Masters degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field