ICT network engineer
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by how networks connect the world? As an ICT network engineer, you'll be at the heart of ensuring seamless communication and data flow for organizations, designing and maintaining the infrastructure that powers modern business.
ICT network engineers are vital for organizations of all sizes. Your days will involve a blend of hands-on technical work and strategic planning. You’ll troubleshoot network issues, implement new technologies, and ensure the security and reliability of computer networks. This role requires a strong understanding of networking principles and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- • Implementing and maintaining computer networks, including hardware and software.
- • Performing network modelling, analysis, and planning to optimize performance and scalability.
- • Designing and implementing network and computer security measures to protect data and systems.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Information and communications technology professionals — 75 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland and 3 more.
Longest-running shortage: Austria, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could ICT network engineer fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Cooperation?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Future Outlook for ICT network engineer
The outlook for ICT network engineer reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could ICT network engineer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could ICT network engineer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply information security policies
- develop automated migration methods
- define technology strategy
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- forecast future ICT network needs
- use an application-specific interface
- debug software
Tasks most exposed to automation
- collect customer feedback on applications
- migrate existing data
- analyse network configuration and performance
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Digital Technology
A typical day as a ICT network engineer
09 09:00 · Morning analyse software specifications
10 10:30 · Mid-morning define technology strategy
12 12:00 · Midday design computer network
14 14:00 · Afternoon analyse network configuration and performance
15 15:30 · Late afternoon apply information security policies
17 17:00 · Wrap-up debug software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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cloud technologies
The technologies which enable access to hardware, software, data and services through remote servers and software networks irrespective of their location and architecture.
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ICT debugging tools
The ICT tools used to test and debug programs and software code, such as GNU Debugger (GDB), Intel Debugger (IDB), Microsoft Visual Studio Debugger, Valgrind and WinDbg.
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ICT network routing
The processes and techniques for choosing the best paths within an ICT network through which a packet can travel.
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ICT performance analysis methods
The methods used to analyse software, ICT system and network performance which provide guidance to root causes of issues within information systems. The methods can analyse resource bottlenecks, application times, wait latencies and benchmarking results.
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information security strategy
The plan defined by a company which sets the information security objectives and measures to mitigate risks, define control objectives, establish metrics and benchmarks while complying with legal, internal and contractual requirements.
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mobile operating systems
The features, restrictions, architectures and other characteristics of operating systems designed to run on mobile devices, such as Android or iOS.
- computer programming
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design computer network
Develop and plan ICT networks, such as wide area network and local area network, that connect computers using cable or wireless connections and allow them to exchange data and assess their capacity requirements.
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use software design patterns
Utilise reusable solutions, formalised best practices, to solve common ICT development tasks in software development and design.
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debug software
Repair computer code by analysing testing results, locating the defects causing the software to output an incorrect or unexpected result and remove these faults.
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analyse software specifications
Assess the specifications of a software product or system to be developed by identifying functional and non-functional requirements, constraints and possible sets of use cases which illustrate interactions between the software and its users.
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migrate existing data
Apply migration and conversion methods for existing data, in order to transfer or convert data between formats, storage or computer systems.
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use an application-specific interface
Understand and use interfaces particular to an application or use case.
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develop automated migration methods
Create automated transfer of ICT information between storage types, formats and systems to save human resources from performing the task manually.
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define technology strategy
Create an overall plan of objectives, practices, principles and tactics related to the use of technologies within an organisation and describe the means to reach the objectives, taking into account analyses and relevant regulations.
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analyse network configuration and performance
Analyse essential network data (e.g., router configuration files, routing protocols), network traffic capacity and performance characteristics of ICT networks, such as wide area network and local area network, that connect computers using cable or wireless connections and allow them to exchange data.
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collect customer feedback on applications
Gather a response and analyse data from customers to identify requests or problems in order to improve applications and overall customer satisfaction.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does ICT network engineer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What skills are most important for an ICT network engineer?
- Beyond technical knowledge of networking protocols and hardware, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot complex problems are essential. The ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences is also highly valued.
- Is this role typically office-based, or does it involve on-site work?
- While many ICT network engineers work primarily in an office environment, some roles may require occasional on-site visits to network hardware locations or client sites for installation, maintenance, or troubleshooting. The specific requirements will vary depending on the employer and the complexity of the network.
- I'm considering a career change – is it possible to become an ICT network engineer without a traditional computer science degree?
- Yes, it is! While a relevant degree can be beneficial, many ICT network engineers enter the field through vocational training, certifications (like those focusing on specific vendor technologies), or by gaining experience in related IT roles. Demonstrating practical skills and a strong understanding of networking concepts is key.
- ICT Network Engineer — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 7 of the 8 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece and 3 more. Austria has reported one for 3 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- ICT Network Engineer — what does it pay in the United States?
- $130,390 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $78,200 to $168,070. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.