Job title: Networking Specialist
Job title: Networking Specialist
I'm not sure what role I should aim for and the search isn't giving clear results. I'd love to talk to someone in the field, but I don't have any contacts. My goal is to work in a data center and keep the servers running physically. Are these positions Network Engineer, Network Administrator, or Network Architect? Also, what does a similar job involve?
They don't handle the hardware directly. Instead, they purchase server equipment, install it in racks, and avoid physical contact until failure occurs or the product reaches end-of-life. Upkeep is done remotely via RDP, console access, or virtual machines. A network architect plans large-scale networks like WANs and SANs, while a network engineer configures servers and ensures connectivity between devices. A network administrator manages software on servers to keep operations running smoothly.
For server-focused roles, seek Systems Administrator and Systems Engineer positions.
If networking equipment is your priority, consider Network Administrator, Network Technician, and Network Architect opportunities.
For an ISP these roles have distinct meanings. An architect focuses on expansion, peering, and transport. Primarily working with core and edge engineers, they handle distribution and access layers, equipment administration supports the access layer, and some distribution tasks—often addressing issues first. These responsibilities can vary across locations. IT titles generally don’t adhere to rigid definitions.
In large data centers, there are individuals inside the facility who keep the servers running. These roles are referred to as drifttekniker and translating to operating technicians. Essentially the same thing I did, but from a consulting perspective. When local staff lacked guidance, they would reach out to me.
It seems like the role is generally described as system administrator or system engineer. In this area, positions can range from basic service desk duties to more technical responsibilities such as consulting. A network administrator tends to have broader experience and may work on both the physical and operational aspects, sometimes including consulting roles. A network architect usually focuses on designing network infrastructure for new data centers, often working within larger consulting firms and possibly handling project management tasks rather than hands-on implementation.