Server Engineer
A Server Engineer takes the lead in maintaining the server and desktop infrastructure across various locations of an organization to ensure that its users can easily access mission-critical applications. The individual troubleshoots issues at both the server and PC levels.
A server is computer software that serves other computer programs and its end users in other computers, which are known as clients. The server is the place where files and data are stored, recovered, and transmitted to clients.
Organizations make use of local computer networks to connect to several computers simultaneously. It is known as a computer network when two or more computers are connected physically or wirelessly so that they can share information and services. One has to be a server and the others’ clients.
Enterprises use servers because they have more memory, storage, and, importantly, processing power, than their clients. Websites and email services, to name a few, use a client-server networking mechanism. Hardware requirements of a server differ, as they depend on the number of clients and server applications and. As servers function for lengthy durations uninterruptedly, hardware needs to be durable and reliable.
Servers make a lot of noise, as they need power supply continuously, enhanced security, and excellent Internet access. They, therefore, need to be stored in isolated server centers.
On the other hand, server virtualization is a process that involves partitioning physical servers into many smaller virtual servers. This process helps servers to optimally use their resources when they are hidden from other users in the virtual infrastructure. A hypervisor is a software that is used to partition servers.
Because of the crucial role played by servers, they must be supported and updated for an organization’s network to operate seamlessly. Server maintenance is thus vital for any setup. It involves monitoring of servers on a regular basis to see to it that all of their parts are working at their best.
A freelance server engineer suggests improvements to technology and implements them. This individual is responsible for maintaining the environment. As the candidates for this position will coordinate with clients and partners, besides with technical as well as non-technical people in the organization, they will need to have brilliant verbal and written communication skills.
Engineers must possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
They must be ready to work flexible hours and adhere to deadlines without fail to complete projects of clients.
Job Description
A server engineer’s job role requires configuring and managing servers of different operating systems, such as Windows, macOS or Linux, including installing, fixing issues, and upgrading while implementing enhancements to them to improve performance and reliability. They also design, implement, and manage enterprise system technologies.
These engineers support technologies, such as Active Directory, DFS, Terminal Servers, Hyper V, Internet Information Server, System Center Operations Manager (SCOM), and file server migrations.
To manage computers and other related devices on networks, Active Directory (AD), created by Microsoft, is utilized. It is the main feature of Windows Server, an operating system, which runs both Internet-based and local servers.
Active Directory enables network administrators to design and manage domains, objects, and users within a network. When networks grow, it makes available an avenue to categorize numerous users into logical groups and subgroups where it is possible to provide access control at each level.
Engineers should be familiar with Cloud Solutions, virtualization software, such as VMware and Hyper-V, scripting with PowerShell and Ansible, and Citrix XenDesktop and VDI Solutions.
In addition to providing support for implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of IT systems, they oversee and resolve problems of the server, network devices, storage, and client devices, support IT systems of all end users on a daily basis by monitoring, and troubleshooting. Moreover, engineers diagnose, detect, and resolve other issues.
Engineers need to have a thorough understanding of patching tools and security vulnerability scanning. They should be able to interpret information in generated reports and come up with strategies to get rid of unearthed vulnerabilities. They should create project plans for all system deployment and modifications and document them.
A server engineer has to take care of server environment, which includes installing new servers, taking out servers, and fixing issues with existing servers. They also have to help other IT departments in tackling specific server related assignments.
Engineers research new hardware and software technologies to understand and learn them so that they can train and guide their team members from other departments. They use best practices and keep in touch with internal and external business matters to enhance products and services of their organization.
Prospects for Server Engineers
Server Engineers will have to keep learning new technologies to be useful to enterprises. If they obtain a master’s degree in computer science, engineering or a related discipline, they will be at an advantage. Job opportunities for the network and computer systems administrators are expected to grow six percent during 2016- 2026, which is the average for all occupations, according to BLS. In the future, Server Engineer will be in even higher demand because organizations will continue to invest in newer, emerging technologies.
Educational Qualifications and Other Requirements
Server Engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering or a related discipline.
They need to be good team players and must have expertise in automation solutions and diagnostics and troubleshooting.
A Server Engineer must have more than three years of experience in designing and supporting servers. If they have experience in configuring network and SAN in a blade server environment, it would be a bonus. Engineers must be adept at antivirus administration and should efficiently administer DNS and DHCP.
Server Engineer Salary
The average yearly salary of a Server Engineer is $74,340 in the United States. If they freelance, they can charge up to $30 per hour, according to Payscale.
Find out how Field Engineer Helps
If you are looking forward to being placed as a freelance Server Engineer in the Top Freelance Marketplace, visit Fieldengineer.com. It helps you to connect with employers who are looking out for candidates with the appropriate skill sets. More than 40,000 engineers belonging to different fields in 180 countries have registered on this platform, which will help employers select candidates of their choice.
