How to become a Data Centre Network Engineer
Network engineering
Builds and runs a data centre’s network: deploys and commissions devices, routes traffic, and fixes what breaks.
There’s a page for this role in , with its licences and local details.
What the role does
Deploys, commissions and runs a site or campus network. Usually a degree or equivalent and two to six years of routing.
What a shift looks like
Office hours, with on-call. Network designs and changes, commissioning new capacity, and working with technicians on site.
What employers call it
- Network Implementation Engineer (hyperscale)
- Network Engineer, Deployment & Support (hyperscale)
- Datacenter Network Engineer, Network Deployment (hyperscale)
- Senior Network Developer, Network Region Build (hyperscale)
- Network Engineer I, OSC (colocation and wholesale)
Skills
The level the role needs in each, on FacilityVR’s five levels from Aware to Authority.
White space and IT hardware
- Keep hot and cold aisles right Assisted
LV distribution
- Connect rack power and busway Assisted
Network deployment and operations
- Apply a base configuration and verify links Leads others
- Cable and validate a back-end fabric to its map Leads others
- Coordinate a carrier circuit turn-up Leads others
- IP addressing and subnetting Leads others
- Keep network as-built records Leads others
- Network layers and routing Leads others
- Troubleshoot network faults Leads others
- Turn up routers and optical transport Leads others
- Use a network operating system’s command line Leads others
- Script network tasks Independent
Procedures and documents
- Work within change management Leads others
- Write and review a MOP Leads others
Emergency response
- Recognise and report a suspected cyber incident Independent
Licences and credentials
Licences depend on the country you work in, and sometimes the state. The role’s page for Australia lists them there.
Ways in and ways on
From outside the industry
From another data centre role
- From Data Centre Technician, Network, typically 3 years
Where it leads
- Network Engineering Manager, typically 3 years
Jobs open now
None right now. See every open job.
Questions about data centre careers? Ask about data centre careers
Sources and licences
- Critical Facilities reference framework © Facility Labs. (CC BY 4.0)