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How to hire Top Network Engineers
Overview
Hiring a Network Engineer, whether for a startup or a larger company, involves careful consideration of a candidate's technical knowledge, experience, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and adaptability to changing technologies. The process necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's understanding of computer network infrastructure, protocols, network design, network architecture, security, and project management.
In a startup environment, the role of a Network Engineer can be much broader and might require a 'jack-of-all-trades.' They may be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the entire network infrastructure, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring the network's security, often with fewer resources. Startups generally require their team members to wear multiple hats, and a Network Engineer might need to take on tasks outside of a traditional Network Engineering role like a network administrator or security engineer. Therefore, when hiring for a startup, look for someone who is versatile, a quick learner, and can work independently.
In contrast, at larger companies, a Network Engineer's role can be more specialized. They might be part of a larger team, each responsible for a specific aspect of the company's network. Their work could range from focusing on network security, maintaining LAN/WAN infrastructure, or managing specific network projects. Here, deep technical expertise, experience with specific network technologies, and the ability to work as part of a larger team are vital.
When it comes to hiring full-time versus hourly, both options come with their pros and cons. Full-time Network Engineers are typically more invested in the company. They'll be available for any emergencies and can provide continuity. However, they also require a long-term commitment from the employer, including benefits and a continuous supply of work.
Hiring Network Engineers on an hourly basis can offer more flexibility, especially for short-term projects or troubleshooting specific issues. This can also be an economically sound choice if the company's network needs don't warrant a full-time role. However, hourly workers might not have the same level of loyalty or availability, and it could be more challenging to find a skilled network engineer available for work on an hourly basis.
In both startup and larger company environments, and whether hiring full time or hourly, finding a Network Engineer with the right mix of technical skills, problem-solving ability, and adaptability to changing technologies is key. A thoughtful and thorough hiring process, that includes reviewing education and certifications, checking previous work experience, conducting technical assessments, and assessing communication skills and cultural fit, will help to ensure you find the right Network Engineer for your needs.
Understanding of Network Protocols and Infrastructure
A deep understanding of network protocols is fundamental to a Network Engineer's role. They should be proficient in protocols like routing, TCP/IP, DNS, HTTPS, OSPF, BGP, and DHCP which are crucial for data transfer and network communication. This extends to knowledge of Ethernet and wireless infrastructure, understanding of subnetting, knowledge of OSI or TCP/IP model, and concepts like NAT, PAT, and VPN configurations. They should also understand the functionality of networking hardware like routers, switches, firewalls, and more. Familiarity with network monitoring and management software, such as SolarWinds or Nagios, can be an added advantage. Moreover, knowledge of scripting languages for automation, like Python or Perl, or operating systems such as Linux, will also be beneficial for a Network Engineer role.
Security Knowledge
With increasing cyber threats, understanding network security is now essential for Network Engineers. A good Network Engineer should be familiar with security protocols, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and firewall configuration. They should understand how to develop and implement security strategies to safeguard the network infrastructure from viruses, hacks, and other security risks. The candidate should be able to conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can demonstrate their competence in this area. Experience with tools like Wireshark for network protocol analysis or software like Nessus for vulnerability scanning can be highly beneficial.
Project Management Skills
Network Engineers often oversee projects such as network installation, upgrades, or hardware/software migration. They should be able to manage these projects efficiently from initiation to closure, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This includes planning, coordinating with different teams, resource allocation, risk management, and reporting. Knowledge of project management methodologies like Agile or Waterfall can be useful. Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project or JIRA could be advantageous. A certification like Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) can provide evidence of their project management skills.
Good Communication Skills
While Network Engineers work with complex technical concepts, they also need to interface with non-technical team members and explain these concepts in an understandable way. They need to be effective communicators, capable of describing problems, solutions, and procedures clearly. These skills also come into play while creating technical reports and documentation. Moreover, they should be able to collaborate effectively with team members, vendors, and management. Assessing communication skills can be done during the interview process through their responses, the questions they ask, and their ability to convey complex technical information.
Adaptability
The field of network engineering is dynamic, with technologies and best practices continually evolving. Successful Network Engineers need to display a willingness to adapt and learn new technologies as they emerge. This includes cloud technologies like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure, and concepts such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) or Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning, whether through recent certifications, participation in professional workshops or conferences, or other forms of professional development. Their ability to not just keep pace with the rapidly changing networking field, but to anticipate and prepare for these changes, will be invaluable.
Expert Resources for Hiring Network Engineers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a Network Engineer?
The cost to hire a Network Engineer can vary widely depending on factors like geographical location, years of experience, expertise, certifications, and the complexity of your network infrastructure. According to Payscale, the average salary for a Network Engineer in the U.S. is around $74,000 per year, but this can go up to over $100,000 for senior roles or those with specialized skills. This doesn't include additional costs like benefits, taxes, and equipment. If you choose to use a recruitment agency, their fees, often a percentage of the candidate's first-year salary, need to be added to the total cost.
Where can I hire a Network Engineer?
There are several places to find qualified Network Engineers. Traditional job posting or specialized tech job boards like Braintrust attracts more technical candidates. Networking events or tech-focused meetups can also be useful. If you're looking for freelancers or contract workers, sites like Braintrust can be beneficial. Using a recruitment agency specializing in tech hires can also be a good choice, though this comes with additional costs.
How do I recruit a Network Engineer?
Recruiting a Network Engineer starts with understanding your specific network needs and crafting a job title and detailed network engineer job description reflecting those needs. Once the role is posted on suitable platforms, the selection process begins, involving screening resumes, preparing interview questions, conducting interviews, and assessing technical skills, possibly through practical tests or problem-solving scenarios. Assess their problem-solving skills, understanding of network protocols and infrastructure, experience, certifications, and their adaptability to technology changes. It's also crucial to assess their communication skills and cultural fit for your organization.
How much does a Network Engineer charge per hour?
Hourly rates for Network Engineer jobs can vary based on the same factors as full-time hires, including experience, location, and specific skills. The hourly rate can range from around $20 to over $100 per hour in the U.S. More experienced or specialized senior Network Engineers, consultants, or those from high-cost areas will generally charge at the higher end of the spectrum. Remember to factor in additional costs like overtime pay or the cost of any needed software or equipment when calculating the total cost.
What qualification is required for a network engineer?
Network Engineers typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related field. This provides a foundation in the principles of networking. However, due to the technical nature of the role, professional certifications are highly valued and often crucial. These include certifications like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and CompTIA Network+. These certifications demonstrate competency in various aspects of networking such as infrastructure design, troubleshooting, and network security. Furthermore, practical experience managing and troubleshooting networks, particularly those similar to your organization's in terms of size and complexity, is highly beneficial.
Is networking a good career?
Networking is a promising career choice due to several reasons. First, the demand for Network Engineers is high and expected to grow with the increasing reliance on robust and secure network infrastructure by businesses. Second, the career progression in networking is well defined, with opportunities to advance from junior roles to senior and managerial roles. Third, it's a field that provides continuous learning opportunities due to rapidly evolving technologies and network solutions and network systems. Lastly, it's a rewarding career financially, with salaries typically higher than average for IT roles. However, it's important to note that the role can be challenging, with the need for constant learning, occasionally high pressure, and possibly unsociable hours when network emergencies occur.
Does a network engineer need coding skills?
While not always a strict requirement, coding skills are becoming increasingly beneficial for Network Engineers. Automation is becoming a significant part of network management, and knowing how to write scripts to automate routine tasks can be a big advantage. Understanding programming languages such as Python, Perl, or Ruby can help a Network Engineer to create these scripts. Additionally, software-defined networking (SDN) is an emerging field where coding skills are particularly valuable. While you can certainly work as a Network Engineer without coding skills, having them can make you more efficient and open up more opportunities.
What is the job role of a network engineer?
A Network Engineer's role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining the organization's network infrastructure. This includes setting up and managing networks like LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and cloud networks. They are also responsible for troubleshooting network issues, ensuring network security, and optimizing network performance. A Network Engineer works with a range of network hardware like routers, switches, and firewalls, and network management software. In some organizations, Network Engineers might also be involved in managing telecommunication networks. Overall, they ensure the smooth running of the network, enabling the organization's computer systems to communicate efficiently.
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