Analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, satellite, and other data communications systems. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. Research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Includes telecommunications specialists who deal with the interfacing of computer and communications equipment. May supervise computer programmers.
Tasks:
- Maintain needed files by adding and deleting files on the network server and backing up files to guarantee their safety in the event of problems with the network.
- Monitor system performance and provide security measures, troubleshooting and maintenance as needed.
- Assist users to diagnose and solve data communication problems.
- Set up user accounts, regulating and monitoring file access to ensure confidentiality and proper use.
- Design and implement systems, network configurations, and network architecture, including hardware and software technology, site locations, and integration of technologies.
- Maintain the peripherals, such as printers, that are connected to the network.
- Identify areas of operation that need upgraded equipment such as modems, fiber optic cables, and telephone wires.
- Train users in use of equipment.
- Develop and write procedures for installation, use, and troubleshooting of communications hardware and software.
- Adapt and modify existing software to meet specific needs.
- Serves as the lead technical expert for the organization in the strategic oversight and planning for network engineering projects and programs.
- Oversees the strategic interface of network systems configuration; strategically plans new configurations for operation into the network, using knowledge of the characteristics of the systems being added to the network and the specifications for network interfaces to insure effective integration and optimal network performance.
- Establishes overall network standards and priorities; analyzes the optimization of network system performance.
- Provides complete assessments of the technical characteristics of the proposals and alternatives considered to optimize network performance.
- Oversees the design, evaluation, selection, implementation and support of major networks; reviews and evaluates network performance, risk and financial analysis feasibility studies.
- Depending upon assignment may perform supervisory duties
- Assigns and coordinates individual and staff activities, prioritizing assignments to meet assigned deadlines and allocating funds and resources.
- Monitors the day-to-day office activities, prioritizing assignments to meet assigned deadlines and allocating funds and resources.
- Serves as coach and/or mentor to introduce new approaches and to facilitate performance.
- Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands
- Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs
- Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades
- Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems
- Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems
- Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs
- Develop procedures to track and report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes
- Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects
- Evaluate network designs to determine if requirements are met efficiently and effectively
- Monitor and analyze network performance and data input/output reports to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning
- Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing
- Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems
- Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, and recommended technologies
- Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability
- Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, to alert them to future needs, to resolve problems, or to address systems maintenance issues
- Coordinate installation of new equipment
- Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks
- Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, and product education sessions for staff and suppliers
- Develop or maintain project-reporting systems
- Develop disaster recovery plans
- Develop network related documentation
- Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers
- Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement
- Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers
- Supervise engineers and other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions
- Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Thorough knowledge of the TCP IP protocol suite, IP subnets and masking, and routing protocols.
- Thorough knowledge of new network architectures and implementation of networked computer systems emphasizing multiple platform environments.
- Considerable knowledge of network operating systems.
- Considerable knowledge of bandwidth application requirements, routing through network devices or Public Network Extensions.
- Considerable knowledge of Project Management concepts and principles.
- Thorough knowledge of the TCP IP protocol suite, IP subnets and masking, and routing protocols.
- Thorough knowledge of new network architectures and implementation of networked computer systems emphasizing multiple platform environments.
- Considerable knowledge of network operating systems.
- Considerable knowledge of bandwidth application requirements, routing through network devices or Public Network Extensions.
- Considerable knowledge of Project Management concepts and principles.
- Thorough knowledge of the TCP IP protocol suite, IP subnets and masking, and routing protocols.
- Thorough knowledge of new network architectures and implementation of networked computer systems emphasizing multiple platform environments.
- Considerable knowledge of network operating systems.
- Considerable knowledge of bandwidth application requirements, routing through network devices or Public Network Extensions.
- Considerable knowledge of Project Management concepts and principles.
- Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills; ability to create original concepts/theories for various projects.
- Strong interpersonal skills to resolve problems in a professional manner, lead working groups, negotiate and create consensus
- Project planning and management skills, including scope of work, time estimation, and resource assignment.
- Strong interpersonal skills to resolve problems in a professional manner, lead working groups, negotiate and create consensus.
- Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
- Ability to translate technical terminology in terms understandable to management and technical staff and resources.
- Ability to effectively monitor program/project development.
- Ability to analyze, evaluate, design and recommend network and cabling infrastructure architecture.
- Ability to effectively diagnose, isolate and expediently resolve complex problems pertaining network systems configurations.
- Ability to explain protocols, technical procedures and processes clearly and accurately to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to develop and prepare complex technical documents, reports and proposals.
- Strong interpersonal skills to resolve problems in a professional manner, lead working groups, negotiate and create consensus
- Ability to translate technical terminology in terms understandable to management and technical staff and resources.
- Ability to effectively monitor program/project development.
- Ability to analyze, evaluate, design and recommend network and cabling infrastructure architecture.
- Ability to effectively diagnose, isolate and expediently resolve complex problems pertaining network systems configurations.
- Ability to explain protocols, technical procedures and processes clearly and accurately to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to develop and prepare complex technical documents, reports and proposals.
Tools used in this occupation:
- Integrated services digital network ISDN testers - Integrated services digital network ISDN analyzers
- Multimeters - Network multimeters
- Network analyzers - Asynchronous transfer mode ATM analyzers; Bit error rate BER testers; Network connectivity testers; Wide area network WAN analyzers
- Power meters - Fiber optic power meters
- Protocol analyzers
Technology used in this occupation:
- Administration software - Cisco Systems CiscoWorks; Element management software; NetIQ software; SolarWinds software
- Configuration management software - Application management software; Automated installation software; Patch and upgrade management software; Software distribution software
- Network monitoring software - Ethereal; Ipswitch What's Up Gold; Multi-router traffic grapher MRTG software; Symantec Intruder Alert
- Network security or virtual private network VPN management software - Intrusion prevention system IPS software; Network and system vulnerability assessment software; Risk assessment software; Virtual local area network management software
- Transaction security and virus protection software - CA eTrust; Encryption software; Penetration testing software; Virus scanning software
