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Digital / data / automationDigital / data / automation
Network Engineer
Network Managers play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of an organisation's network infrastructure, which is vital in our increasingly digital world. By overseeing network performance and security, they empower businesses to communicate effectively, innovate, and thrive in the global market.
No degree needed for many routes
AI impact: low££££ payDirect entry route
38
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Robin · your guide
Curious about being a network engineer? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.
What you'd actually do
As a Network Manager, you will be at the helm of your organisation's network infrastructure, ensuring that all systems are running smoothly and securely. Your expertise will directly influence the efficiency of communication and data transfer within the company, which is critical in today's fast-paced business environment. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving, you will be responsible for maintaining a robust network that supports the operational needs of the business.
Your typical day will involve a blend of monitoring existing systems, troubleshooting issues, and planning for future upgrades. You will work closely with IT teams to design and implement network configurations that enhance performance and reliability. This includes configuring routers, switches, and firewalls, as well as ensuring that all hardware and software are up to date and compliant with industry standards.
- Performance Monitoring: You will regularly check network performance metrics and troubleshoot any issues that arise, ensuring that downtime is minimised and productivity remains high.
- Security Management: Cybersecurity is a top priority. You will conduct regular assessments of network security, implementing necessary updates and protocols to protect sensitive information from threats.
- Vendor Management: Building and maintaining relationships with service providers is crucial. You will negotiate contracts and manage vendor performance to ensure the best possible service for your organisation.
- Documentation: Keeping detailed records of network configurations and changes is essential for compliance and future reference. You will create and maintain documentation that can be used for training and troubleshooting.
- Technical Support: You will act as a point of contact for network-related queries, providing guidance and support to staff to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
The role of a Network Manager is both challenging and rewarding. You will need to stay abreast of the latest technologies and industry trends to ensure your network is not only functional but also competitive. This position offers the opportunity to lead projects, innovate solutions, and make a significant impact on your organisation's success. If you are a problem-solver with a passion for technology and a commitment to excellence, a career as a Network Manager may be the perfect fit for you.
1Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure optimal functionality.
2Design and implement network configurations, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
3Collaborate with IT teams to integrate new technologies and improve network efficiency.
4Conduct regular security assessments and updates to protect against cyber threats.
5Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for network services and equipment.
6Document network systems and procedures for compliance and training purposes.
7Provide technical support and guidance to staff on network-related queries.
8Stay updated on the latest networking technologies and industry trends.
Career progression & pay
01
Getting in
Junior Network Engineer
£30,000 - £36,000
BSc in Computer Science or related field
In this entry-level role, you will assist in the setup and maintenance of network systems, gaining hands-on experience while learning from senior engineers.
02
Building up
Mid-level Network Engineer
£45,000 - £55,000
3-5 years experience + relevant certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP)
As a mid-level engineer, you will take on more complex projects, lead troubleshooting efforts, and mentor junior staff.
03
At the top
Senior Network Engineer/Network Architect
£70,000+
10+ years experience, chartered status with BCS preferred
In this peak role, you will design large-scale network solutions, oversee major projects, and contribute to strategic planning for network infrastructure.
Degrees that lead here via Computer Science
2D Animation and Stop Motion
Teesside University
2D Animation and Stop Motion
Teesside University
2D Animation and Stop Motion (with Foundation Year)
Teesside University
3D Animation
Ravensbourne University London
3D Animation and Visualisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
3D Animation for Games and Film
Middlesex University
Apprenticeships that lead here
Gas network operative
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 2 · GCSE level2 yrs
Hardware, network and infrastructure foundation apprenticeship
Digital
Level 2 · GCSE level0.7 yrs
Water network operative
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 2 · GCSE level1.5 yrs
Drainage network operative
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 2 · GCSE level1.5 yrs
Heat network maintenance technician
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 3 · A-level3 yrs
Gas network craftsperson
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 3 · A-level4 yrs
Who hires - top UK employers
BT Group
A leading telecommunications company in the UK, offering diverse opportunities for Network Engineers to work on cutting-edge technology.
Cisco Systems
A global leader in networking technology, Cisco provides a dynamic environment for engineers to innovate and grow.
Vodafone
One of the world's largest telecommunications companies, Vodafone offers exciting roles in network engineering across various platforms.
IBM
A pioneer in technology and consulting, IBM provides opportunities for Network Engineers to work on transformative projects.
Capita
A leading provider of business process management and integrated professional support service solutions, Capita offers a range of roles in network engineering.
AI & the future of this job
Network managers sit in a relatively resilient position because their work is deeply embedded in physical infrastructure, vendor politics, and real-time incident response that AI cannot yet coordinate end-to-end. AI tools are already handling routine monitoring alerts, log analysis, and basic configuration checks, which reduces the grunt-work load but does not replace the judgement calls that come with a live outage or a security breach. The role is shifting from hands-on configuration towards oversight, interpretation, and strategic decision-making. Entry-level network support roles face more pressure than mid-to-senior network management positions, so your trajectory matters enormously.
Within 5 Years
Moderate workflow automation
AI-powered network observability platforms will absorb most first-line monitoring and alerting tasks that junior engineers currently handle. Tools like AI-driven AIOps will flag anomalies, suggest fixes, and even auto-remediate low-risk issues without human input. This means organisations will need fewer tier-one support staff, but experienced network managers who can validate AI recommendations and handle complex incidents will remain essential. Expect your day-to-day to involve more oversight and less manual configuration work.
Within 10 Years
Significant role redefinition
By the mid-2030s, intent-based networking systems will handle much of the routine design and configuration work, translating business requirements directly into network policies with minimal human intervention. Network managers who have not moved into security architecture, cloud networking, or strategic vendor management will find their roles considerably narrowed. The professionals who thrive will be those who understand AI-generated recommendations critically enough to challenge them when something is wrong. This is a role that survives, but it looks materially different to what it does today.
Within 20 Years
Deep strategic specialisation required
A 20-year horizon is genuinely uncertain, but the physical complexity of networks, the political sensitivity of cybersecurity, and the liability attached to infrastructure failures all point to continued human accountability at senior levels. Fully autonomous network management is plausible for standardised environments, but edge cases, novel threat actors, and hybrid physical-digital systems will keep skilled humans in the loop. The network managers who remain relevant will likely look more like infrastructure architects or security strategists than traditional IT administrators. The career survives, but only for those who have continuously adapted.
How to stay ahead
Get serious about cybersecurity
Network management and cybersecurity are converging fast, and professionals who can handle both are significantly harder to automate away. Pursue qualifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Information Security alongside your core networking credentials. Threat analysis, incident response, and security architecture all require contextual human judgement that AI tools still handle poorly.
Build cloud and SD-WAN expertise
Traditional on-premise network management is the segment most exposed to automation, while cloud networking, software-defined WAN, and hybrid infrastructure management are growing and more complex. Get hands-on with AWS Networking, Azure Virtual WAN, or Google Cloud Networking through certifications and practical labs. Organisations migrating to cloud environments need people who understand both the legacy infrastructure and the new architecture, and that intersection is currently underserved.
Learn to work with AIOps tools, not against them
Platforms like Cisco ThousandEyes, Juniper Mist AI, and Darktrace are already deployed in enterprise environments, and employers want network professionals who can interrogate their outputs critically. Understanding how these tools make decisions, where they fail, and how to override them sensibly is a skill that makes you more valuable, not redundant. Position yourself as the person who validates and governs the AI, rather than competing with it on routine tasks.
Develop vendor and contract management skills
Negotiating ISP contracts, managing equipment lifecycles, and holding vendors accountable to SLAs are tasks that involve organisational politics, legal literacy, and relationship management that AI cannot meaningfully perform. These responsibilities already fall to senior network managers and will become a larger part of the role as technical automation increases. Building commercial awareness alongside your technical skills makes you genuinely difficult to replace at a mid-to-senior level.
How to get in - your routes
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