Network and Security Engineer job description.
A network and security engineer designs, builds, and maintains an organization's network infrastructure while safeguarding it against cyber threats. They configure routers, switches, and firewalls, monitor traffic for anomalies, and implement security controls such as VPNs, intrusion detection, and access management. The role blends traditional network engineering with cybersecurity practice, requiring close collaboration with IT and security teams to keep systems available, performant, and protected from unauthorized access or attack.
The Network and Security Engineer job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 9 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Network and Security Engineer Reports to: IT Director
A network and security engineer designs, builds, and maintains an organization's network infrastructure while safeguarding it against cyber threats. They configure routers, switches, and firewalls, monitor traffic for anomalies, and implement security controls such as VPNs, intrusion detection, and access management. The role blends traditional network engineering with cybersecurity practice, requiring close collaboration with IT and security teams to keep systems available, performant, and protected from unauthorized access or attack.
- Design, configure, and maintain routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs
- Monitor network traffic and security logs for anomalies or intrusions
- Implement and manage security controls including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and access lists
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
9 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
5 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
IT Director
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Design, configure, and maintain routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs
- Monitor network traffic and security logs for anomalies or intrusions
- Implement and manage security controls including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and access lists
- Troubleshoot network outages, performance issues, and connectivity problems
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and coordinate remediation of identified risks
- Maintain network documentation, diagrams, and disaster recovery procedures
- Support compliance efforts related to data security and network access standards
- Evaluate and recommend new network and security technologies
- Respond to and investigate security incidents affecting network infrastructure
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience
- 3+ years of experience in network engineering, security engineering, or a related IT role
- Working knowledge of routing/switching protocols, firewalls, and VPN technologies
- Understanding of security frameworks and common attack vectors
- Experience with network monitoring and vulnerability scanning tools
- CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Security+, or CISSP certification
- Experience with cloud network security (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Familiarity with SIEM tools and incident response procedures
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Network and Security Engineer job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Network and Security Engineer job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (IT Director) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- How is this role different from a pure network engineer or security analyst?
- A network and security engineer combines both disciplines, building and defending the network infrastructure itself, whereas a network engineer focuses mainly on connectivity and a security analyst focuses mainly on monitoring and threat response across broader systems.
- What certifications should candidates have?
- Networking certifications like CCNA/CCNP paired with a security credential such as Security+ or CISSP are strong indicators of readiness for this hybrid role.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Network Engineer
A network engineer designs, implements, and maintains an organization's data communication networks, including LANs, WANs, and cloud connectivity.
Network Security Engineer
A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains an organization's network defenses against unauthorized access, breaches, and other cyber threats.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst monitors, investigates, and responds to threats against an organization's information systems and networks.
This Network and Security Engineer job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.