Robert L. Ohlson Robert L. Ohlson 
In the last few decades, enterprise networking, which is relatively stable, has experienced a lot of turmoil. Many networking professionals have taken on new responsibilities after losing their traditional job titles.
Cloud services are becoming more popular and will revolutionize the work of network professionals. There is also a push to automate business processes. Technology trends include the increased use of cloud computing, the push for greater automation, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), software-defined networking (SDN), SDWAN/Internet of Things), secure access service edges(SASE), edge computing (edge Computing). Jeff Weber (executive Director, Technology Practice, Talent Solutions Provider Robert Half) states that traditional roles such as network administrator, manager, or architect, are still highly sought after. Weber said that there are many opportunities for newer roles such as cloud administration, site reliability, and cloud architecture.
Weber claims that cloud adoption and edge computing are on the rise. While titles and functional roles do not necessarily reflect the trend, they can change the skills needed for the role.
Cloud services have a huge impact on networking jobs. Gartner reported in February that by 2025, enterprises will spend more on cloud computing than traditional IT. The firm estimates that almost two-thirds of IT spending will go to application software by 2025.
Edge computing is a growing area that affects the design, management, and maintenance of networks. IDC reported in January, that global spending for edge computing would increase by 15% from 2021.
IDC predicts that enterprises and service providers will continue to invest in hardware, software, and services to edge computing at the same pace until 2025 when it will surpass $274 Billion.
Weber believes that network technology will become more popular as digital transformations are made possible by organizations. Weber believes that both are necessary to secure and maintain networks and to develop and implement them. “The need for improved network capabilities increases with the growth of presumably permanent adoption hybrid and work from anywhere models.”
He claims that the edge computing trend drives security changes, which is then driving changes in network architectures.
Titles may remain the same but need to change
Joe Clarke is Cisco’s distinguished customer-experience engineer. He says that skills like network engineer are constantly evolving.
Clarke says that there are many factors that drive innovation, including SDN and SASE. Clarke stated, “These architectures permeate networking engineering jobs, and they can be seen in terms of modern network engineer position titles.”
Clarke said, “Sometimes you have to dig in the requirement section of the position description and see the employer’s needs.” Companies are looking for people who can use Python to automate tasks, data analysis, and visualization. Ansible can also be used to deploy applications and IT automation configuration management. Terraform is the infrastructure and lifecycle management.
Clarke believes that network professionals must be well-versed in networking in many aspects. Employers are searching for people who can add value to their business. These people need “scalability agility and competitiveness.” All this must occur while protecting customer data and internal information.
He stated that today’s network professionals can also be Automator, cloud connectors, and software mavens. Clarke discovered that many network professionals today can identify with titles such as network defender or hybrid engineer, chief Chaos Officer, chief Chaos architect, chief chaos manager, chief chaos operator, chief chaos officer, and chief chaos architect. Clarke stated that these self-identifiers show the responsibility that networking engineers have in maintaining their businesses and protecting them from any disruption.
It is unrealistic to expect a flood of jobs in this sector. However, there are new roles that reflect current trends.
Automation Advisor
Automation is becoming more popular in IT environments. There will be an increase in the demand for automation-related professionals.
This role requires individuals to plan, design, and implement cloud solutions for enterprise customers. Charles Pritzl from Experis Practices, a division of ManpowerGroup, stated that they should have knowledge of automation tools for provisioning and configuration management.
As a project manager, you will also be responsible to design and deploy container platform-based applications.
It is possible that you will need experience in system development and implementation. Some of the skills required are vendor security management, vendor security management (or application security), vendor risk analysis, risk management, risk management, and vendor risk management. Understanding cloud platforms and IT operations are important skills.
Cloud Automation Engineer
Candidates interested in this job need to be able to use automation tools for configuration management, and provisioning, as well as basic knowledge about network and communication technology like TCP/IP, UWB, Bluetooth, and Ethernet.
Experience in Linux development environment, cloud computing transition, cloud computing private, publicly, and hybrid, virtualization, storage systems, containers, software-defined networking, and orchestration instruments are also important.
Experis reported that cloud automation engineers can make salaries between $90,000.000 and $150,000.
Cyber Defense Network Engineer
This is just one role in the growing network industry that has cyber security as a focus.
This job requires the creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures documents that are used to protect security devices.
Experis claims that salaries can vary from $80,000 to $1215,000
Engineer for Hyperconvergence
In this role, you will need to be capable of troubleshooting hyper-converged networks, server hardware, and virtualization technologies. You will need to be able to work with VMWare ESXi Linux as well as storage administration and network administration technologies.
Also, you’ll need to be able to understand Kubernetes/Docker. Cisco Certified Network Associate certification (CCNA), and VMware Certified Professional certification (VCP) are required.
IoT/Edge Data Engineer
All jobs in IoT/edge computing will be in high demand as more companies get involved in this area.
This position requires a good understanding of IoT wireless technologies, legal IoT information gathering, and IoT governance.
Experis states that salaries can vary from $60,000 to $180,000.
Network Intelligence Engineer
Experis claims that this position requires hands-on experience and knowledge in security. This includes the design, configuration, and implementation of security systems, as well as operations and maintenance of various security technologies.
Professionals can earn between $60,000 to $215,000 for this job. However, they must be able and able to create network visualizations (diagrams. maps., and reports). You should be familiar with the basics of network security products and IT-based attack methodologies and tools. Also, you need to know about security operations and incident response technology.
Other requirements include the ability to think ahead and be able to analyze and research effectively, as well as strong organizational and attention skills.
Zero Trust Network Access security specialist
Given the importance of Zero Trust in today’s world, it is not surprising there will be new roles that are specifically related to cybersecurity architecture.
These professionals must have knowledge of enterprise security. They will need to be knowledgeable in identity management and data architecture.
They will need to have experience in Zero Trust network access delivery and delivery as well as an advanced understanding of application concepts. According to Experis salaries can range between $95,000 and $1163,000
