What is a Network Security Engineer?


A network security engineer is responsible for IT-related duties and must be highly skilled in the IT realm to keep the job long-term. If you are considering becoming a network security engineer, you’re in great company for one of the highest-paying jobs in security. This position is highly sought after by those who have great attention to detail, are innately technologically inclined, and enjoy working in a challenging environment.

Nevertheless, simply desiring a network security position is not sufficient enough to allow you to land one of these positions. You have to take the time to research and ensure you have the proper education and training before you apply. That said, the following is an overview of what is a network security engineer, a network security engineer job profile, network security job requirements, the network security engineer job description, and what it takes to secure one of these positions for the long term.

What is a Network Security Engineer?

For those who are yet unfamiliar, a network security engineer is a professional that is responsible for an array of technical duties. They are responsible for handling an array of IT-related duties and must be highly skilled in the IT realm to keep the job long-term. The majority of these IT-related tasks involve restoring or helping to maintain a secure network.

Network Security Job Description

Simply put, these professionals plan, design, optimize, implement, audit, as well as troubleshoot the network security system of a particular company or organization. They are responsible for protecting the network from bugs, threats, and other potentially harmful things in order to ensure that the network maintains optimal functionality. Additionally, one of their most important tasks is to create a sound disaster recovery plan to make sure the company can easily bounce back from security breaches, cyber hacks, and the like.

Network Security Engineer Job Profile

In addition to the security engineer job description and profile, there are also specialized traits required to be successful in this field. Some of which are below.

  • Leadership: One of the top traits of a successful network security engineer is leadership. Network security engineers must be able to remain self-motivated and may need to spearhead various initiatives as well as their implementation.
  • Well-Rounded: Network security engineers must have a well-rounded skill set. They need a good mix of skills such as cyber governance, soft skills, technical skills, and more.
  • Great Attention to Detail: Given the nature of technical work, a network security engineer must have great attention to detail.
  • Work Well Under Pressure: Moreover, you must also be capable of working well under pressure because the network is the life force behind a business and issues must be rectified in a timely manner.
  • Analytical Skills: Network security engineers must also have good analytical skills in order to properly evaluate the network.
  • Computer Skills: A network security engineer must obviously have great computer skills in order to secure these positions as this is the majority of the job.

How to Become a Network Security Engineer

If you are wondering how to start your career the following is a list of the steps you can take.

  • Pursue Education: One of the first things you need to do is pursue your education. While some employers only require a postsecondary certificate, many employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to information science or computers. Additionally, you can even go on to obtain a master’s degree in order to land higher-quality positions.
  • Licenses and Certifications: Many positions require certifications. No matter if you get them from a direct vendor or a vendor-neutral certification, these licenses and certifications help to validate the knowledge they have acquired over time.
  • Experience: Many network security engineers participate in internships in order to gain the necessary hands-on experience needed to secure a long-term position. This allows network security engineers to gain the ability to flow from one task to another.

Overall, if you are looking to become a network security engineer, this guide is a great start. Be sure to acquire the necessary education and certifications you may need to get and secure the position. Whether in the private sector or working for Homeland Security, this is a worthwhile career for many as it will remain in high demand for quite some time. Given that virtually every company and organization has some sort of network, it is possible to find jobs virtually anywhere. Additionally, there is also lot of growth potential in this field, making it possible for people to stay in this field until retirement.

Related: