What does a Network Security Engineer do?
Network security engineers are responsible for deploying, configuring, and administering many network and security-related hardware and software pieces. This could include a firewall, router, switch, and various network monitoring tools. They are the company's first line of defense against unauthorized access from outside sources or potential security threats. In addition to knowing how to mitigate potential threats, they strategize how to stay vigilant and prepare before security threats begin.
Network security engineers stress test networks and try to spot potential vulnerabilities. This requires them to work with larger information security teams to evaluate, troubleshoot, and test technologies they identify, diagnose, and resolve information security issues. They ensure proper protocols and processes are in place by creating and maintaining comprehensive documentation related to the company’s server and security infrastructure. Network security engineers also maintain strong relationships with integrators and vendors to maintain upgrades and installations. Network security engineers need a bachelor's degree in a field including computer science, software engineering, systems engineering or related fields.
- Creation of network security policies, processes, auditing, and enforcement.
- Keep abreast of changes and new developments in products and technology.
- Network firewall and IDS/IPS systems evaluation, design, implementation, and support.
- Provide advanced expertise in the development of network test, validation, and integration plans on projects, and assurance of network integrity.
- Routinely research, analyze, test, retest, and troubleshoot complex problems.
- Design, test, and integrate new security products as directed by supervisors.
- Responsible for operational excellence of information security systems.
- Ensure solutions are delivered in adherence of defined standards and policy.
- Effectively communicate engineering solutions through detailed high and low level diagrams.
- Participate in knowledge transfer, documentation and information sharing while staying abreast of new technology/technical areas.
- Coordinate, prioritize, and report on key activities, projects and metrics in a timely manner.
- Communicate with co-workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations.
- Coordinate with the team and vendors as it relates to the security infrastructure.
- Oversee patching, hardening and baselining activities across networks. ensures other stakeholders are in compliance with established patching/hardening policies.
- Adhere to change controls, leads root-cause analysis, and focuses on continuous improvement for production and non-production environments.
- Assist with supporting technical documentation for the server infrastructure.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in computer science, engineering, information systems or information technology, or equivalent experience.
- Experience with VPN, Linux, Cloud, CCNP, GCIH, IPSEC, and SSL software and systems.
- Experience with GIAC, NIC Cards, DOD, OSPF, and Python software and systems.
- Fluent in enterprise resource planning operating systems, and incident response.
- Demonstrated leadership and problem solving skills.
- Comfortable running writing protocols and scripting.
How much does a Network Security Engineer make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$108,051
/ yrNetwork Security Engineer Career Path
Learn how to become a Network Security Engineer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Network Security Engineer Insights
InKnowTech“No salary increment time but if you have a good performer then definitely it will increment.”
NetSentries Technologies“Very knowledgeable and supportive team helps you improve and advance in your career.”
Technology of the Santander Bank“Good salary and very stable.”
Check Point Software Technologies“The people at Check Point are some of the best I have ever met and consider them part of my extended family!”
M.C. Dean, Inc.“I was just a subcontractor but my career grew a lot working on the contract.”
TaskUs“Nice place to work and explore your knowledge.”
Silverlink Technologies“run business and good pay.”
IMSI (India)“Good for biggenrs as starting career”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Network Security Engineer
When working as a Network Security Engineer, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Routing Protocols, Operating Systems, SSL VPN, CISSP, and Cloud.
- Network Administrator
- Systems Administrator
- Systems Engineer
- Network Engineer
The most common qualifications to become a Network Security Engineer include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.