Computer Network Architects

Software & Systems Engineering

Level 6656 of 1200 points

Job description

Computer Network Architects

Job purpose

To design, model and implement data communications networks — local and wide area networks, intranets and extranets — and to plan their capacity, security and resilience, so that the organisation's networks meet user requirements reliably and can be expanded as demand grows.

Skills

Specialist command of network and telecommunications technology: transmission, switching and control, platforms, interfaces, bandwidths and routing schemas, network hardware and server operating systems, and security instruments such as firewalls and security audits. Supported by engineering and technology, network design software and applied mathematics for capacity modelling. A bachelor's degree is the norm, with post-secondary certificates and associate's degrees each held by a further sixth of incumbents, together with several years of related experience and on-the-job training.
Prepares and presents design proposals and specifications to staff and customers, explains them to integration and test engineers, and delivers skills transfer and education sessions for staff and suppliers. Communicates with vendors to gather product information, alert them to future needs and resolve problems, and with customers, sales and marketing staff to establish what is required. Deals with system users to set up accounts and diagnose operational problems, and coordinates with the designers of adjoining networks.
Develops conceptual, logical and physical network designs and evaluates whether they meet requirements efficiently; analyses network performance to detect problems, identify inefficient use of resources and carry out capacity planning; and develops solutions to network problems. Tests new or modified hardware and software, and builds configuration prototypes. Problems are technical but open-ended, resolved by weighing capacity, cost, interoperability and security against requirements, and error carries consequences for co-workers and company results.
Plans network upgrade and expansion projects, estimates time and materials, prepares and monitors project schedules, budgets and cost control systems, and coordinates network operations, maintenance, repairs, upgrades and equipment installation. Sets own tasks and priorities to a large degree, within project commitments and under time pressure.
Desk-based design and analysis at a workstation using network design software, with prolonged sitting. No manual handling or lifting demands.

Responsibilities

Supervises engineers and other staff in the design and implementation of network solutions and leads others in accomplishing activities; the results of other workers depend on the designs and procedures issued.
Develops plans and budgets for network equipment replacement, prepares and monitors project budgets and cost control systems, and recommends hardware and software for purchase. Monitors and controls resources against those budgets but holds none of them; commitments rest above the role.
Responsible for the network infrastructure in service — hardware, servers and server operating systems, configuration prototypes and peripherals such as printers. Coordinates installation, maintenance and repair of network equipment, and adjusts network sizes to meet volume and capacity demands.
Owns network documentation, specifications and configurations, disaster recovery plans, and the procedures written for installation, use and troubleshooting of communications hardware and software. Maintains networks through file addition, deletion and backup, and recommends and implements the security measures protecting the data the network carries.

Effort required

Detailed design and analytical work in which exactness is central — bandwidth, routing and configuration decisions must be right — alongside capacity modelling and the diagnosis of faults in a running network. Decisions are made frequently, under time pressure, and their effects reach co-workers and company results.
Personal accountability for the reliability and security of networks that colleagues and customers depend on. Technical currency must be maintained in a competitive field, and part of the work is repetitive in character.
Predominantly seated indoor work; no standing, walking, handling or exertion demands appear in the survey data. Some of the work is done in close physical proximity to others.

Working conditions

Indoor, environmentally controlled premises throughout, with no exposure to weather, noise or hazardous conditions. A substantial volume of contact by e-mail, telephone, written memoranda and face-to-face discussion with colleagues, vendors and customers.
Four-fifths of incumbents work a regular established schedule, the remainder an irregular one varying with production or contract demands; the working week exceeds forty hours for the majority. No shift, rota, on-call or out-of-hours obligation appears in the data. Considerable freedom to make decisions and to determine own tasks, priorities and goals, exercised within project budgets and schedules and against agreed requirements.

Skills

40% · 301 points▾

KnowledgeLevel 6 of 8
108 of 144 points
Advanced knowledge of a field of work with a deep understanding of theories and principles. The job requires high-level knowledge, showing expertise and practical knowledge, to solve complex and unexpected problems within a specialised area.
Interpersonal and communication skillsLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Effective communication and interpersonal relationships. The job holder is required to adapt communication to different audiences and foster trust, cooperation and positive working relationships.
Problem-solving skillsLevel 4 of 5
77 of 96 points
Non-standard problems. The job involves solving complex, non-standard problems involving multiple factors to consider. Solutions often require careful analysis and the adaptation of current methods.
Planning and organisational skillsLevel 4 of 5
58 of 72 points
Advanced organisational skills required. The job requires planning and managing complex, often overlapping tasks or schedules. The job requires a degree of autonomy and joint planning, and managing interdependencies across teams or departments.
Physical skillsLevel 0 of 5
0 of 72 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any particular physical skills (although there is likely to be some physical activity).

Responsibility

35% · 235 points▾

PeopleLevel 3 of 5
86 of 144 points
Moderate responsibility for people. The job includes overseeing or coordinating the work and well-being of others. This may involve supervising, providing regular support, managing conflicts, responding to an individual's needs and ensuring the personal and professional development of individuals.
Goods and equipmentLevel 2 of 5
34 of 84 points
Some responsibility for goods or equipment. The job involves the use and maintenance of equipment or stock, and the job holder is responsible for ensuring resources are used appropriately and safely.
InformationLevel 4 of 5
77 of 96 points
Considerable responsibility for information. The job manages large amounts of valuable or sensitive information, deciding what is needed and how it is used and ensuring it is protected.
Financial resourcesLevel 2 of 5
38 of 96 points
Limited responsibility for financial resources. The job involves handling limited financial resources, such as managing small budgets, processing invoices or participating in financial planning discussions.

Effort

15% · 79 points▾

Mental effortLevel 3 of 5
36 of 60 points
High level of mental effort. The job involves frequent concentration on complex tasks that require considerable mental effort, such as interpreting complex data.
Psychosocial and emotional effortLevel 3 of 5
43 of 72 points
Moderate psychosocial and emotional effort. The job requires the regular management of emotional responses, such as dealing with sensitive or challenging individuals or situations.
Physical effortLevel 0 of 5
0 of 48 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any physical effort.

Working Conditions

10% · 41 points▾

Environment (physical, psychological or emotional)Level 2 of 5
34 of 84 points
Occasional exposure to hazards or stress. The job involves occasional exposure to mild physical risks (e.g. working with light machinery, occasional noise) or psychosocial risks (e.g. occasional interpersonal conflict or minor repetitive tasks). Exposure occurs two to three times a year.
Organisational environmentLevel 1 of 5
7 of 36 points
Minimal organisational demands. The job requires standard working hours with no night shifts or irregular schedules. There is little or no need for travel or digital connectivity beyond typical working hours.