There were 5.19 billion users connected to the internet in July 2023 which is around 64% of the global population.
In such an increasingly connected world, there is a constant need for skilled Network Engineers and Administrators who can handle the complex network infrastructures behind the services we use every day.
This article explores the potential to hire Network Engineers and Administrators from Poland or Ukraine which are rising as a top destination for such talent pool because of their technical proficiency, competitive costs, and quality of work.
Network Engineers & Administrators: Definitions, Roles, Differences
The roles of Network Engineers and Network Administrators are both important yet distinct. Below we understand their core definitions, roles, and key differentiators.
What Is a Network Engineer?
A Network Engineer designs, maintains, and controls the computer networks to ensure ideal performance, reliability, and security of the network. This includes supporting the wireless network services, voice, video, and data.
What Does a Network Engineer Do? Roles & Responsibilities
Key Network Engineer roles and responsibilities are highlighted below:
- Maintain and control computer networks and computing environments
- Troubleshoot and resolve software, hardware, and system issues
- Design and implement solutions to enhance network sustainability
- Monitor network performance and make necessary adjustments when needed
- Configure routing and switching equipment
- Fix network related issues of team members and clients
- Schedule network upgrades and configure firewalls
Types of Network Engineers
Here are the different types of Network Engineers:
Network Design Engineer
They plan and design computer network architectures, including hardware, software, and security features.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineer’s focus on safeguarding networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats by implementing security measures.
Network Implementation Engineer
They set up and configure network hardware and software components, ensuring they meet design specifications. For instance, for a new office such experts can configure the routers, switches, and firewalls according to the network design.
Wireless Network Engineer
They specialize in designing, implementing, and optimizing wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
Cloud Network Engineer
Cloud Network Engineer’s manage networks connecting on-premises infrastructure to cloud services, ensuring seamless connectivity and security.
What Is a Network Administrator?
A Network Administrator looks after the day-to-day maintenance and operations of a company’s network. They work on installing new equipment and troubleshooting different issues that come up to ensure uninterrupted operations.
What Does a Network Administrator Do? Roles & Responsibilities
Confusions can arise about what a Network Administrator does because of their similarity with Network Engineer’s role. Here are some of their key roles and responsibilities:
- Install and configure network devices and hardware
- Perform daily monitoring of network infrastructure
- Troubleshoot network problems and disruptions
- Help users in accessing permission for different network systems
- Ensure network compliance with relevant regulations and standards
- Create documentation on changes to network configurations
Types of Network Administrators
There are few different types of Network Administrators:
Network Administrator
They manage day-to-day network operations, including user accounts, network monitoring, and troubleshooting.
System Administrator
These types of Network Administrators handle a broader range of IT tasks, including network management, server administration, and storage management.
Security Administrator
Security Administrators focus on network security by configuring and maintaining security measures like firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Database Administrator (DBA)
They manage databases within the network, ensuring their accessibility, security, and performance.
Cloud Administrator
They optimize and maintain cloud resources, including networking configurations, for secure and efficient cloud-based operations.
For instance, the Cloud Administrator may work to optimize the AWS cloud environment to ensure it is ready to scale.
Network Engineer vs. Network Administrator: What’s the Difference?
The difference between Network Admin and Network Engineer is seen in the daily tasks that each performs.
Network Engineer’s are focused on the design and implementation of the network while the Network Administrator is focused on maintaining the network and troubleshooting issues that come up on an ad hoc basis.
To simplify, Network Engineers design the computer network while Network Administrators ensure that it keeps running by resolving issues on a day-to-day basis.
Key Skills to Look Out for When Hiring Network Engineers
Network Engineer key skills are a vital element to assess before making a hiring decision. Here are key Network Engineer skills to evaluate:
1. Technical Skills
The candidate should have expertise in key networking concepts and protocols, including TCP/IP, DHCP, UDP, and routing. Expert knowledge is also needed with network hardware and infrastructure, such as routers, hubs, servers, VPNs, and switches.
Furthermore, asking questions regarding their knowledge of firewalls and network security is important too.
2. Modern Networking Skills
Network Engineers need to be adept in key modern networking concepts such as cloud networking architecture, virtualization, and automation.
3. Problem Solving and Troubleshooting
An organization faces an influx of problems related to connectivity where Network Engineers need to identify issues and troubleshoot them quickly as it can hamper the business operations.
For this, they need analytical skills where they can logically think through problems and provide practical solutions.
4. Communication Skills
Another key part of the Network Engineer skill set is the ability to communicate effectively since they need to explain technical concepts clearly with clients and team members who may be from non-technical backgrounds.
5. Project Coordination
As Network Engineers oversee the entire lifecycle from planning to deployment of network infrastructure projects, they need to be competent in resource allocation and time management while also tackling potential risks.
Ask for their past experiences in handling past network infrastructure projects and how they went about the planning and execution of the project.
Key Skills to Look Out for When Hiring Network Administrators
Here are some Network Administrator skills to assess:
1. Technical Skills
Network Administrator technical skills include proficiency in computer systems along with sound knowledge of information security. Consider asking them about their knowledge of routing along with past experience with hardware and software configuration.
2. Communication Skills
Similar to Network Engineers, Network Administrators also need to work with clients and cross-functional teams.
Therefore, they require active listening skills to first identify the problems that these stakeholders mention along with the ability to articulate solutions in easy-to-understand language.
3. Problem-Solving Skills
The role of a Network Administrator centers around resolving different software, hardware and network problems on a day-to-day basis.
4. Organizational Skills
Organizational skills help Network Administrators in effective resource allocation for managing network equipment, software licenses, and user accounts. These skills enable them to maintain accurate documentation regarding network changes too.
5. Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking is among the key skills for network Administrators since they deal with complex network issues often among various systems which need to be thoroughly examined to find out their root cause.
6. Research Skills
When dealing with new issues, the ability to conduct independent research in gaining information on the problem will help them to suggest the most feasible and effective solutions.
7. Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are Network Administrator required skills that people tend to neglect as they view the role as a technical one. Yet, this role also involves dealing with clients, team members, and management where emotional intelligence is important.
8. Multitasking Skills
Consider asking them how they manage their schedule and deal with conflicting priorities since network issues can fill up fast in the backlog if not dealt with fast yet with quality.
9. Creativity Skills
Creativity can lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing problems. For example, during times of limited budgets and resources, creative Network Administrators can come up with unconventional solutions that get the job done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Network Engineers and Administrators
The average cost of hiring the wrong employee is estimated to be $17,000. Try avoiding the following common mistakes when hiring Network Engineers and Administrators.
1. Not Defining Clear Job Roles and Responsibilities
Failing to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of Network Engineers and Administrators can lead to confusion and overlap in duties.
2. Overlooking Technical Proficiency
Hiring candidates without thoroughly assessing their technical skills can lead to underqualified individuals working on critical network infrastructure.
3. Ignoring Soft Skills and Communication Abilities
Focusing solely on technical skills and neglecting soft skills, like communication and teamwork, can hinder effective collaboration within the IT department.
4. Neglecting Industry-Specific Knowledge
Not considering industry-specific knowledge and compliance requirements can lead to network vulnerabilities and regulatory violations.
5. Rushing the Hiring Process
Making hasty hiring decisions due to immediate needs can lead to hiring candidates who may not be the best fit.
How to Hire Network Engineers and Administrators: Choosing the Perfect Candidate
Below are the steps to help you hire Network Engineers and Administrators who meet your needs.
1. Build the Ideal Candidate Profile
Firstly, it’s important to evaluate the needs of the organization to define the kind of candidate you are looking for, such as a Network Engineer, Administrator, or even a hybrid role.
2. Write a Job Description Based on Skills
Once there is clarity on the contributions the role will provide, it’s important to define the skills you’re in search for. For instance, a Network Engineer’s job description could require Cisco’s CCNA certification.
3. Selecting the Ideal Candidate
As a screening test, consider sending an assessment which includes case studies and questions that are critically important for the role. The best candidates should be chosen for the next step based on their CV and assessment.
4. Interview Top Performers
Interview the top candidates and get to know them to see if there is a fit not only in terms of technical proficiency but also soft skills and cultural fit.
5. Make an Offer
Once the right candidate is identified, it’s important to make a fair offer with compensation and benefits packages which are competitive with the market.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Network Engineer?
The average annual salary for U.S. based Network Engineers is around $80,000. In the U.K., the average is $54,000 and in Australia it is $67,000.
Furthermore, the average annual salary for a Network Engineer is $44,000 in Poland. On the other hand, in Ukraine, the average salary is around $20,000, which can be an even better choice.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Network Administrator?
In the U.S., the average annual salary for a Network Administrator is around $64,000. In the U.K., it is around $33,000 while in Australia, the average salaries reach $58,000.
For Poland, the average salary for a Network Administrator is $24,000. Ukraine is among the most affordable options with average costs amounting to $12,000 per year.
Best Models for Hiring Network Engineers and Administrators
Here are 3 models to choose from to hire Network Engineers and Administrators:
1. In-House
They work as full time employees paid a monthly salary.
Advantages
- They become a dedicated team member for any network issues
- Higher confidentiality of network data as information stays in-house
Disadvantages
- They might lack certain expertise for some projects
- Time and Resources needs to be invested in upskill them on new technologies
2. Freelance
Freelancers are independent contractors paid on a project basis.
Advantages
- Cost effective option for short term projects
- Access to specialized skills and experience with new technologies
Disadvantages
- Sharing sensitive network data may be risky
- Availability per your needs may not be always present
3. Outsourcing
Outsourcing involves hiring talents through third-party recruitment agencies.
Advantages
- Ready pool of experienced candidates who match company needs
- Save time on the recruitment process
Disadvantages
- No guarantee that best candidate will be hired
- Possible communication problems among outsourcing firm and company HR team
Hiring Remote Network Engineers and Administrators
The trend of remote work has been rising tremendously since the pandemic with 16% of companies being fully remote without a physical office.
The rise of remote work provides new opportunities to hire Network Engineers and Administrators without being limited by a geographic radius.
As a result, talent with the necessary skills can be explored from around the world at affordable costs.
Why Hire Network Engineers and Administrators from Poland or Ukraine?
Poland and Ukraine have been making a name for themselves to hire quality tech talents. Here are some reasons to hire Network Engineers and Administrators from Poland or Ukraine:
1. Technical Expertise
Both Poland and Ukraine have a strong pool of IT professionals who are well-trained and experienced in Network Engineering and administration.
2. Cost-Effective Solutions
Labor costs in Poland and Ukraine are often lower than in Western European countries or the United States.
3. Language Skills
Many IT professionals in Poland and Ukraine are proficient in English, which is crucial for effective communication in international projects.
4. Outsourcing Experience
Both countries have a robust outsourcing industry with a proven track record of delivering IT services to global clients.
5. Time Zone Advantage
Poland and Ukraine are in favorable time zones for collaborating with European and North American clients.
Let RemoDevs Help You Hire Network Engineers and Administrators
RemoDevs can help you hire Network Engineers and Administrators by filtering out the 1% of candidates who best fit your offer and company culture. The average time to present the first 3 to 5 candidates only takes 72 hours with our service.
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