How to hire a network engineer — Your guide to finding and hiring the right person

If the company computer network goes down, the entire company is affected. Network engineers play a critical role in successful communication and effective business operations. These technical experts monitor and alter computer network topology based on user issues, traffic congestion, preventative maintenance, necessary infrastructure upgrades, and new product offerings. Thriving network engineers are natural collaborators and will often interact with management and staff to facilitate the achievement of a successful network system.

You might hire a network engineer to:

Oversee computer networks to maximize performance and minimize downtime

Confer with management and network users regularly to clarify needs
Design and implement network components, including equipment procurement
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve problems

Coordinate network access and use
Continually research new technologies and educational opportunities

Required Skills and qualifications	Preferred skills and qualifications
Experience with network infrastructure and hardware	MBA in information systems or related field
Proficiency with infrastructure devices, including switches, routers, wireless access points, controllers, and firewalls	Professional certifications (CCIE, CCNP, JNCIE-ENT, Network+, WCNA)
Expertise in designing, monitoring, and repairing local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN)