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If you’ve Googled “network engineer job description,” you’ve probably found dozens of articles that all look the same:
Bullet points. Vague requirements. Dry wording.
Something like:
“Install and configure network equipment.”
“Ensure uptime and performance.”
“Monitor traffic.”
Sure—it checks boxes.
But here’s the truth: top network engineers don’t apply to job posts that sound like a checklist.
They want to know what kind of systems they’ll be working on.
What tools they’ll use.
Whether the company values documentation or just chaos.
Whether they’ll be stuck doing L1 tickets forever… or actually get to build and scale infrastructure.
In other words: great engineers care about more than just the tasks.
They want to know the why, the how, and the who behind the job.
So if your job post feels like a formality, here’s how to turn it into your best recruiting tool.
Before we dive into the templates, we recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post—because once you understand what great job posts look like, you’ll stop attracting checkbox applicants… and start hiring real pros.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What A Network Engineer Actually Does - Their Duties Explained
Let’s define the Network Engineer role in plain, human language:
A network engineer is the person who keeps your company’s digital highways running smoothly. They design, build, and maintain the systems that allow your teams, applications, and customers to stay connected—securely and reliably.
They’re not just “fixing internet issues.” They’re:
- Planning and configuring routers, switches, and firewalls.
- Optimizing performance for speed and uptime.
- Troubleshooting problems before anyone even notices.
- Keeping your network secure from external threats.
In many ways, a great network engineer is like an air traffic controller. Without them, everything slows down—or crashes entirely. They’re both strategic (designing systems for the future) and hands-on (solving real-time problems).
The best network engineers combine technical expertise with problem-solving, clear communication, and the ability to anticipate issues before they happen.
Two Great Network Engineer Job Description Templates
✅ Experienced Network Engineer Job Description
Job Title: Network Engineer needed to scale multi-site infrastructure at ByteFuse (Atlanta, GA)
💼 Full-Time | Hybrid | $90,000–$115,000/year (Based on Experience)
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | Core hours: 9AM–5PM
🎥 A quick hello from our Infrastructure Lead
(Insert Loom or YouTube video link here)
Who We Are
At ByteFuse, we help growing businesses scale securely by building next-gen enterprise software. We’ve doubled in size over the last year and are expanding our internal infrastructure to support a global team and remote-first operations.
We’re looking for a hands-on Network Engineer to lead our network design, security, and performance optimization across multiple office locations and cloud environments.
Company Culture
We move fast, document everything, and believe in fixing root problems—not symptoms. You’ll be surrounded by sharp people who love teaching, learning, and building robust systems that just work.
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of experience in network engineering (LAN/WAN, TCP/IP, routing, switching)
- Experience with Cisco/Meraki, Fortinet, or similar systems
- Familiarity with cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network, etc.)
- Strong understanding of network security best practices
- Bonus: Experience with automation (Ansible, Terraform)
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design, implement, and maintain scalable networks across office and cloud
- Monitor performance and resolve bottlenecks before they become problems
- Work cross-functionally with DevOps and IT to improve architecture
- Own network documentation, diagrams, and uptime reporting
- Lead incident response and security patching for all infrastructure
Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
At ByteFuse, you won’t be stuck firefighting all day—we actually invest in infrastructure.
You’ll get real ownership, visibility into decisions, and a team that wants to do things the right way. We promote from within, encourage learning, and support engineers who want to grow into architecture or leadership roles.
Our benefits include:
- 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision
- 401(k) with 4% company match
- Paid certifications + conference budget
- 20 PTO days + 10 flex Fridays per year
How to Apply
We care about fairness and clarity—so we use WorkScreen to help us evaluate every candidate based on real skills, not just resumes.
To apply, click the link below and complete the short evaluation.
👉 [insert application link]
🌱 Entry-Level / Trainable Network Engineer Job Description
Job Title: Junior Network Engineer (Training Provided) at ByteFuse – Entry Point to Infrastructure Career
💼 Full-Time | In-Person (Atlanta, GA) | $55,000–$65,000/year
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 9AM–5PM
🎥 Meet Your Future Mentor (Insert Loom Video from Lead Engineer)
Why We Created This Role
Not everyone has years of experience—but some people have hunger, discipline, and a love for solving problems. If that’s you, we want to meet you.
This role is perfect for someone who’s worked on a helpdesk, has a bit of Cisco lab time under their belt, or just finished a bootcamp and is ready to learn in a real-world environment.
Who We Are
ByteFuse is a fast-growing B2B software company based in Atlanta. We’re expanding and need junior hands to support our network operations while learning from seasoned engineers. This isn’t a role where you’ll be stuck doing ticket triage. You’ll get mentorship and room to grow.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong interest in networking (CCNA or equivalent knowledge)
- Ability to learn fast and follow documentation
- Good communicator and team player
- Bonus: Some exposure to Cisco gear or cloud tools (AWS, Azure)
We don’t expect you to know everything—just show up curious, prepared, and ready to grow.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support the senior network team in configuring, testing, and monitoring networks
- Assist with helpdesk escalations related to connectivity and hardware
- Shadow senior engineers on installs, upgrades, and audits
- Learn documentation best practices and network security protocols
- Gradually take on more responsibility as your skills grow
Growth Path & Perks
- 1-on-1 mentorship from senior engineers
- Paid certifications (Cisco, CompTIA, AWS)
- Weekly hands-on labs and review sessions
- Clear path to become mid-level in 12–18 months
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to make sure passionate candidates—like you—don’t go unnoticed.
Click below to start your short evaluation and show us what you’re capable of.
👉 [insert application link]
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Breakdown of Why These Network Engineer Job Posts Work
Let’s break down why the two job descriptions above work—and more importantly, how they differ from the generic posts that most companies still use:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of vague titles like “Network Engineer” or “IT Staff,” we used:
- “Network Engineer needed to scale multi-site infrastructure at ByteFuse”
- “Junior Network Engineer (Training Provided) at ByteFuse – Entry Point to Infrastructure Career”
These titles communicate:
- The company name (ByteFuse)
- The core mission (scaling infrastructure / entry into IT)
- The level (experienced vs. junior)
- The location (Atlanta, GA)
That’s how you attract the right applicants and filter out the wrong ones before they apply.
✅ 2. The Introductions Build Emotional Connection
Each job post starts with a story or mission, not a checklist.
The experienced post says:
“You won’t be stuck firefighting all day—we actually invest in infrastructure.”
The entry-level post says:
“Not everyone has years of experience—but some people have hunger, discipline, and a love for solving problems.”
This speaks directly to the candidate’s fears, goals, and aspirations. That kind of human-centered tone builds trust instantly.
✅ 3. Salary and Perks Are Transparent
- Experienced: $90,000–$115,000
- Entry-Level: $55,000–$65,000
Both include clear benefits like PTO, 401(k), paid certs, and mentorship.
This helps build trust, reduces negotiation friction, and saves time on unqualified applications. Transparency filters in serious, prepared applicants.
✅ 4. The Responsibilities Explain Why the Work Matters
Instead of bland bullets like “Configure routers,” we say:
“You’ll be the go-to person who keeps our office and projects running smoothly… so others can focus on getting the job done right.”
This helps candidates see how their work contributes to a larger mission—making it feel more meaningful and motivating.
✅ 5. Culture and Career Growth Are Highlighted
Both job posts describe team values (documentation, mentorship, doing things the right way) and growth paths (promotion from within, certifications, hands-on learning).
This signals:
- You invest in people
- You don’t treat tech staff like ticket-takers
- You care about long-term retention
✅ 6. The Hiring Process Feels Fair and Respectful
Each job post explains how candidates will be evaluated—through WorkScreen—and reassures them that applications will be taken seriously. That small detail changes everything.
It tells candidates:
🟢 You won’t be ghosted.
🟢 You’ll be evaluated based on skills, not just keywords on a resume.
🟢 You’ll hear back—because we value your time.
Bad Network Engineer Job Description Example (And Why It Falls Short)
Here’s what a generic, outdated, and ineffective job description for a network engineer might look like. Unfortunately, this is what many companies still post—and why they struggle to attract great candidates.
Job Title: Network Engineer
Company: TechNet Solutions
Location: Dallas, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive
Job Summary:
We are looking for a Network Engineer to support and maintain the company’s enterprise infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing network configurations, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring uptime.
Key Responsibilities:
- Configure and install network hardware and software
- Monitor and troubleshoot network performance
- Provide support to end-users and IT team
- Implement network security protocols
- Maintain network documentation
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in a network engineering role
- Proficiency in Cisco, Fortinet, or similar
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication abilities
How to Apply:
Email your resume and cover letter to hiring@technetsolutions.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Post Falls Flat
1. The Job Title Is Generic and Uninspiring
“Network Engineer” tells us nothing about:
- The team
- The mission
- The tools
- The level of responsibility
A strong title should attract the right person before they even open the post.
2. The Introduction Is Cold and Corporate
“We are looking for a Network Engineer to support and maintain…”
There’s no hook, no context, and no emotional appeal. It reads like filler.
3. No Mention of Culture or Purpose
There’s no section about the company’s mission, work culture, or values.
A great engineer wants to know how the team works and what they’re contributing to.
4. Salary Is Vague
“Competitive” is not helpful. It signals a lack of transparency, which creates distrust and discourages serious applicants from applying.
5. Responsibilities Are Just Tasks
“Monitor and troubleshoot network performance.”
Okay… but why?
What kind of systems?
How critical are they?
Are you building anything or just fixing problems?
There’s no context to make the job feel real, challenging, or rewarding.
6. Application Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”
This line alone turns away thoughtful applicants. It feels like you don’t respect their time—and they’ll apply somewhere that does.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Network Engineer Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve nailed the core structure of your job post, these extra touches can elevate it from good to truly standout—especially when hiring in a competitive, technical field like networking:
✅ Tip 1: Add a Security / Privacy Notice
Candidates—especially technical ones—are wary of scams. Including a short note builds trust:
🔒 “We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or personal financial info at any stage of the hiring process.”
It shows you care and increases application confidence.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Time Off and Flexibility
Technical roles often come with high cognitive load. Highlighting rest time sends a signal that you value employee well-being:
🌴 “Enjoy 20 paid days off, plus 10 Flex Fridays a year to recharge and reset.”
It makes your offer more appealing without costing a lot.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
The best engineers are always learning. So tell them how you support that:
📚 “We cover the cost of certifications (like CCNP, AWS, or Fortinet) and provide mentorship to help you level up fast.”
This attracts ambitious candidates who want a future—not just a job.
✅ Tip 4: Add a Loom or YouTube Video from the Hiring Manager
This one makes a huge impact.
It gives candidates a face, a voice, and a human touch behind the listing. Even a 90-second Loom video from your lead engineer explaining what they’re looking for can dramatically improve your application rate.
🎥 “Here’s a quick video from our team lead walking you through the role and what success looks like.”
People apply to people—not PDFs.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
AI Caution: Why You Shouldn’t Let AI Write Your Job Post From Scratch
In today’s hiring world, it feels like every tool—ATS platforms like Manatal or Workable, browser plugins, even ChatGPT—wants to “generate a job description” with one click.
It’s tempting, right?
But here’s the truth:
Blindly using AI to write job posts is one of the fastest ways to lose great candidates.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you just type “Write me a job post for a network engineer,” here’s what you’ll get:
- A bland checklist of tasks.
- Zero context about your team or culture.
- A robotic tone that feels templated and soulless.
It may look polished, but it’ll attract the wrong people—or no one at all.
AI has no idea:
- What your company actually does
- What tools your engineers use
- What personality fits your culture
- How this role supports your mission
In short: it lacks your insight.
✅ The Smart Way to Use AI for Job Posts
You can use AI—as long as you guide it.
Think of it like this:
- You provide the ingredients.
- AI helps you shape and polish the dish.
Here’s how to prompt it correctly:
“Help me write a job post for our company, ByteFuse. We’re hiring a Network Engineer to support and scale our multi-site infrastructure across AWS and on-prem Cisco environments. Our culture values documentation, clarity, mentorship, and building resilient systems. We’re looking for someone with 3+ years of experience, ideally with Cisco and cloud networking knowledge. We offer 20 PTO days, full health benefits, paid certifications, and a clear growth path. Here are a few raw notes to get us started [paste notes]…”
Then paste your rough outline or talking points.
Let AI:
- Refine your wording
- Improve flow
- Help structure long sections
But don’t let it work without direction.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Need Quick Copy-Paste Job Description Templates?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Network Engineer needed to scale secure systems at [Your Company Name] (Location)
💼 Full-Time | Hybrid | $XX–$XX/year (based on experience)
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | Core hours [Enter Shift]
🎥 A quick hello from your future team lead
(Insert Loom or YouTube video here)
Who We Are
We’re [Your Company Name]—a growing tech company with a big mission: to build secure, scalable systems that support real-world impact. As we expand our infrastructure, we’re looking for a Network Engineer to help lead the charge in scaling our operations across multiple locations and cloud environments.
What It’s Like to Work Here
We value autonomy, documentation, and doing things the right way—even if it takes a little longer. You’ll work with a team of builders who care deeply about clean architecture, mentorship, and solving root problems—not just putting out fires.
What You’ll Do
- Design and maintain internal networks (LAN/WAN, VPN, firewall configs)
- Monitor network performance and proactively address bottlenecks
- Secure systems and lead patching, segmentation, and access policies
- Collaborate with DevOps and IT to improve cloud/network integration
- Document systems, topology, and runbooks clearly for team reference
What We’re Looking For
- X+ years of experience in a similar role
- Strong knowledge of routing/switching protocols, TCP/IP, and VLANs
- Experience with Cisco, Meraki, Fortinet, or similar gear
- Bonus if you’ve worked with cloud networking (AWS, Azure)
- Strong troubleshooting mindset and a passion for clean systems
Perks and Benefits
- 100% paid health, dental, and vision insurance
- XPTO days + XFlex Fridays per year
- 401(k) with 4% company match
- Paid certifications and conference attendance
- Remote flexibility with X days in-office/week
How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
📐 Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Network Engineer
Location: [Location] (Hybrid)
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $XX–$XX/year
Job Brief
We’re seeking a Network Engineer to join our growing infrastructure team. This person will take ownership of our internal and cloud network systems, ensuring uptime, security, and performance across all environments.
Responsibilities
- Install, configure, and maintain network hardware and software
- Optimize performance across LAN/WAN and cloud networks
- Monitor network health and proactively resolve issues
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on system integration
- Maintain thorough documentation and change logs
Requirements
- X+ years experience in network administration or engineering
- Hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls (Cisco/Meraki/Fortinet)
- Proficiency with TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, VPNs
- Cloud networking experience (AWS, Azure) preferred
- Strong troubleshooting and documentation skills
Benefits
- X days PTO + paid holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) match
- Paid certifications and technical training
- Flexible work schedule (hybrid)
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate all candidates fairly—based on real skills, not just resumes.
Click here to apply and complete your short evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen.io Handle The Rest
You’ve written a strong, thoughtful job post. Now it’s time to make sure the right people actually apply—and that you don’t waste hours sorting through low-effort submissions.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Instead of manually reviewing resumes and guessing who’s qualified, let WorkScreen handle the next phase:
✅ WorkScreen helps you:
● Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
● Easily administer one-click skill tests
Workscreen allows you to easily administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
● Eliminate low-effort applicants
Workscreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
So if you’re ready to hire smarter—not just faster— 👉 Sign up for WorkScreen.io today Create a job post. Share the link. Let WorkScreen handle the rest.
FAQ
A great network engineer should bring both technical expertise and problem-solving ability. Here are key skills to look for:
- Deep understanding of networking protocols: TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, DNS, DHCP
- Hands-on experience with hardware: Routers, switches, firewalls (e.g., Cisco, Meraki, Fortinet)
- Network security knowledge: Firewalls, VPNs, access controls, patching practices
- Monitoring and diagnostics: Tools like Wireshark, SolarWinds, Nagios
- Cloud networking: Familiarity with AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network, or Google Cloud
- Documentation & communication: Can explain network topologies clearly and work cross-functionally
- Problem-solving mindset: Able to diagnose and resolve issues under pressure
Bonus: experience with network automation (Ansible, Terraform, Python scripts)
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s what typically signals a strong candidate:
- 3–5 years of hands-on experience in network design and maintenance
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (optional if experience is strong)
- Certifications like CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+, or AWS Certified Advanced Networking
- Project experience—especially with scaling networks, cloud migration, or multi-site configurations
If you’re hiring for entry-level, look for motivation, curiosity, and foundational knowledge rather than full qualifications.
Salaries vary by region, experience, and specialization, but here’s a general range:
- Entry-Level Network Engineers: $55,000–$70,000/year
- Mid-Level Network Engineers (3–5 years): $80,000–$100,000/year
- Senior Network Engineers: $105,000–$130,000/year
- Network Architects / Specialists: $130,000+
Source: CompTIA, Glassdoor, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of 2024)
Both matter—but for junior roles, potential can outweigh experience.
If a candidate demonstrates:
- Eagerness to learn
- Foundational knowledge (e.g., CCNA coursework)
- Problem-solving instincts
- Good communication and documentation habits
They can often grow into the role faster than someone with years of experience but low adaptability.
