What is a Cisco Engineer?
Cisco hardware and software engineers are qualified in computer science and engineering. They are involved in the design and development of hardware programs and devices.
There are two types of developers: Applications developers and system software developers. Application software developers create programs that meet the needs of users but are not obligatory for the cisco systems engineer jobs. This includes word processors, games, spreadsheets and other databases. System software developers create software that is part of operating systems without which computers alone would not work. In both cases, software developers must be able to design software using code. They also analyze how different programs work, test software and solve problems.
Computer hardware engineers develop new computer hardware. You start by drawing diagrams of computer components. They then design new devices to incorporate or replace existing components. After manufacturing newly designed elements, they test them. They ensure that the equipment meets the requirements of the project and works well with the software. The following table delivers an overview of the information you need to enter this field.
Typical Job Duties
According to Cisco’s description of prospective software engineers, you could be responsible for designing network applications, developing device drivers and using Web and script languages to write new programs. Cisco hardware engineers, also called systems development engineers, are responsible for developing networking systems, testing hardware and developing new equipment and architecture. You could design and test modems, routers, power converters, and flash drives.
Cisco Engineers is a type of network administrator specializing in networks built with Cisco products. Cisco engineers work for companies, governments, nonprofits, and any other organization that needs to build or maintain a large computer network. Common tasks for Cisco engineers include designing and building networks, providing technical support, and identifying and resolving issues that may arise.
Training required
While many network administration jobs, including those for Cisco engineers, require a 4-year bachelor’s degree in an area such as information technology or computer science, some jobs only require a degree. Typical courses in a two- or four-year program that will help you prepare for your Cisco technician training include network concepts, network infrastructure, network technologies, Windows client operating systems, Windows server operating systems, and hardware installation.
Also, many employers are looking for candidates who are Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA). It confirms that candidates can install, troubleshoot, maintain, and configure the network.
Skill Requirements
Because Cisco engineers work as part of a team to install and support networks and their users, they must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical skills are also necessary to identify, solve problems, and solve problems.
Employment and Economic Outlook
The employment outlook for network and computer systems administrators, including Cisco engineers, is good; data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment in this field may increase 6% from 2016-2026. According to the BLS, network, and computer systems, administrators made median annual earnings of $82,050 in 2018.
Alternative Careers
Listed below are some other options for careers in computer networking:
Computer Network Support Specialist
For those who want to maintain computer networks and diagnose performance issues, becoming a computer network support specialist may be a good career option. Under the direction of a network administrator, these support specialists observe network activities and make sure all equipment and software is running correctly. Although many duties are similar to what a network administrator does, some network support specialists may only have to earn an associate degree or take computer technology courses to qualify for employment. However, a bachelor’s degree may be necessary for more technically advanced positions.
Based on BLS projections, job opportunities for computer network support specialists should increase 8% through the 2016-2026 period. In May of 2018, the BLS estimated that computer user support specialists earned a median annual salary of $50,980.
Computer Network Architect
If working on the design and set up computer networks seems like an exciting job, consider a career in computer network architecture. Network architects select networking equipment that meets organizational needs in addition to setting up access and security processes, creating plans for future expansion, determining equipment layout and researching new advances in technology that may be beneficial.
To enter the profession, earning a bachelor’s degree in information systems, engineering, computer science, or a related field is essential, as is prior work experience in an information technology position. Some employers may additionally require an MBA, based on the complexity of an organization’s technology.
As seen in BLS reports from 2018, approximately 152,670 computer network architects were employed in the U.S. and earned a median yearly income of $109,020 in 2018According to the BLS, an increase of 6% is predictable for developing artists in 2016-2026, and a significant portion of this increase will impact healthcare, mobile, and technology industries.