Wondering, “What is IT Engineering? An information technology (IT) engineer manages computer hardware, software, network, and other applications that are related to computer systems of an organization. IT engineers’ job role varies depending on the organization they work for. They, however, configure, install, troubleshoot, and manage their workplace’s technology and software programs. Engineers will have to work with LANs/WANs/MANs to ensure that these networks meet the requirements of an organization.
An IT engineer generally reports to the IT manager. The individual has strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Within the broad umbrella of IT Engineers, there are various fields, such as hardware engineering, software engineering, network engineering, and telecom engineering, among others, one can specialize in. They can also work as cloud architects, web developers, mobile application developers, etc.
IT engineers may have to travel frequently to the workplaces of the clients to diagnose, maintain or troubleshoot problems. They need to have excellent communication skills, as they have to coordinate with team members and interact with clients. Now that your question of, “What is It Engineering?” has been answered, we’ll take a deep dive into the job responsibilities of IT engineers.
Job Responsibilities
IT engineers help in meeting their organization's requirements for software, hardware, and networking tools. They work to develop, test, install, configure, troubleshoot, and upgrade computer hardware and software.
They contribute to creating proper documentation, diagrams and other detailed instructions to help employees in their organization or of their clients to make the best use of new technologies.
They should have sufficient adequate technical knowledge to overcome various technological challenges. They design new technologies and software programs.
In IT Engineer’s overall responsibilities include participating in the day-to-day maintenance of the computer systems, such as extending support for hardware, software, and other areas falling under the purview of information technology. The job responsibility of IT Engineers include the following:
- Assisting customers with software and technical problems and resolving them promptly.
- Participating in system administration, including managing, configuring, fixing issues, taking backups, and monitoring the network.
- Resolving issues that are hampering physical and network connectivity.
- Monitoring installation, supporting hardware and sorting out issues of software applications.
- Testing systems, repairing routers and switches, configuring computer’s hardware and software, and upgrading the network.
Educational Qualifications and Other Requirements
A graduate degree specialized in computer science, software engineering, IT engineering or equivalent qualification is required to pursue an ideal career as an IT engineer. Some organization considers candidates who may not be from a technical background but have industry-specific certification and experience. They should have a thorough understanding of computer hardware, software, operating systems, and servers.
Graduates with the top certification courses have an edge over those who don’t. As per the industry benchmark, CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), Juniper Networks' Certification Program (JNCP) and Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT) are few of the certification programs for skilled IT Engineers.
Prospects for IT Engineers
Job opportunities for IT Engineers like software developers, computer hardware engineers, and network and computer system administrators are expected to grow 24 percent, five percent, and six percent, respectively, during the period 2016-2026, according to the US Labor of Statistics (BLS).
In other words, all those who are referred to as IT Engineers have a bright future to look forward to.
IT Engineer’s Salary
According to payscale.com, the average salary of an IT Engineer per year in the United States is $68,303. Those wanting to freelance can earn $21.84 per hour.
How Field Engineer Helps Candidates and Employers
Take it a step further now that you can answer “What is IT Engineering?” Ask yourself if you want to work as a freelance IT engineer for the top global marketplace for engineers. Field Engineer helps job seekers connect with employers seeking qualified candidates. It has over 40,000 engineers in various fields in more than 170 countries, allowing employers to hire candidates with appropriate skill sets.
