Network engineer resume examples and Markdown resume templates

A strong network engineer resume showcases your ability to design, secure, and maintain high-performance networks.

Whether you're a fresher learning subnetting, a mid-level engineer managing routing protocols, or a senior engineer designing a global WAN, your resume must quantify your contributions.

In a field that demands precision and reliability, a well-structured CV is critical. Hiring managers look for clear evidence of hands-on hardware experience, deep knowledge of network protocols, and expert troubleshooting skills.

These network engineer resume samples are designed to help you format your experience effectively and to help you build a CV that connects at every career stage.

0-2 years

Early Stage: Showcase Your Foundational Knowledge and Certifications

What Recruiters Look For

For a junior network engineer or network support engineer (0–2 years), recruiters are looking for a strong grasp of networking fundamentals and a proven desire to learn.

Core Networking Concepts

A solid understanding of the OSI model, TCP/IP, IP addressing, and subnetting is non-negotiable. You should be able to explain the fundamentals of routing and switching.

Hands-On Lab Experience

For a fresher resume, hands-on experience is key. This can come from home labs (using GNS3 or EVE-NG), university projects, or internships. Show that you can configure basic LANs, routers, and switches.

Foundational Certifications

A certification like the CompTIA Network+ or, even better, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is often a prerequisite. It validates your knowledge and shows your commitment to the field.

Resume Summary Example For Early Stage Network Engineer

Your resume objective or summary should highlight your key certification (like CCNA), your understanding of core protocols, and your enthusiasm for troubleshooting and maintaining network infrastructure.

CCNA-certified network engineer with hands-on experience in routing, switching, and troubleshooting. Skilled in network protocols and hardware configuration. Driven to ensure stable and high-performing networks in a junior network engineer role.

How to Customize This Template for Your Resume

Certifications Are Your Experience

For a fresher resume, a CCNA is your most valuable asset. Place it in your summary and a dedicated section.

Detail Your Lab Environment

Be specific about the virtual (GNS3, EVE-NG) or physical hardware you've worked on. This is your proof of hands-on skill.

Use the Right Terminology

Include keywords like "Routing protocols," "Subnetting," "LAN configuration," and "Packet analysis."

Write a Clear Objective

State your goal clearly. "Seeking a network engineer role where I can leverage my CCNA certification and troubleshooting skills."

Resume Checklist

Markdown Template for Early Stage Network Engineer

# Kevin Chen ||: Houston, TX ||: kevin.chen@email.com ||: [linkedin.com/in/kevinchennet](http://linkedin.com/in/kevinchennet) --- A recently certified CCNA network engineer with strong knowledge of LAN/WAN configuration, network protocols, and hardware troubleshooting. Gained hands-on experience configuring Cisco routers and switches through extensive home lab projects. --- ## Education ### Bachelor of Science in Information Systems University of Houston, Houston, TX -> *Graduation: May 2025* - Relevant Coursework: Data Communications, Network Infrastructure, Cybersecurity Fundamentals. --- ## Home Lab Projects ### Multi-Area OSPF Configuration -> Ongoing `GNS3`, `Cisco IOS`, `Wireshark` - Designed and implemented a three-router network topology using GNS3. - Configured OSPF routing protocol across multiple areas. - Used Wireshark for packet analysis to verify routing updates and troubleshoot connectivity issues. ### VLAN and Inter-VLAN Routing -> Feb 2024 `Cisco Catalyst Switches`, `Cisco Routers` - Configured multiple VLANs on Cisco switches to segment traffic. - Implemented "Router on a Stick" for Inter-VLAN routing. --- ## Skills - **Routing & Switching**: `OSPF`, `EIGRP` (basic), `VLANs`, `STP`, `EtherChannel` - **Protocols**: `TCP/IP`, `DNS`, `DHCP`, `HTTP/S`, `ICMP` - **Hardware**: `Cisco Routers` (2900 series), `Cisco Switches` (Catalyst 2960) - **Tools**: `Wireshark`, `GNS3`, `PuTTY`, `Packet Tracer` - **Concepts**: `IP Addressing & Subnetting`, `Network Security Fundamentals`, `Troubleshooting Methods` --- ## Certifications - Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - 200-301 - CompTIA Network+

3-10 years

Mid Career: Prove Your Impact on Network Reliability and Performance

What Recruiters Look For

For mid-level network engineers, recruiters expect proven experience in managing, optimizing, and securing enterprise-scale networks.

Advanced Routing and Switching Expertise

You must have deep, hands-on experience with advanced routing protocols (especially BGP and OSPF) and complex switching environments. Show your ability to design and manage a robust network architecture.

Firewall and Security Management

Proficiency with next-generation firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, Fortinet) is critical. Your resume should detail your experience with firewall configuration, policy management, and VPNs (site-to-site, remote access).

Performance Tuning and Monitoring

Show how you've used network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, PRTG) to proactively identify issues, analyze traffic, and optimize network performance. Quantifiable improvements are key.

Resume Summary Example For Mid Career Network Engineer

Your summary should immediately state your years of experience, your key areas of expertise (e.g., BGP, firewall management), and a significant achievement related to uptime, performance, or cost savings.

CCNP-certified Network Engineer with 7 years of experience designing and managing high-availability enterprise networks. Proven ability to improve network performance by 30% through traffic analysis and QoS implementation. Expert in BGP, Palo Alto firewalls, and Cisco Nexus data center solutions.

How to Customize This Template for Your Resume

Quantify Your Network's Health

Use metrics to demonstrate your impact.

Reduced network downtime by 40% by implementing a redundant firewall pair.

Improved application response time by 20% by implementing QoS policies.

Be Specific About Hardware and Software

Name the specific models of routers, switches, and firewalls you've worked with (e.g., Cisco Nexus 9K, Palo Alto PA-5200).

Highlight Your Automation Skills

This is a key differentiator. Detail how you've used Python or Ansible to manage the network.

Showcase Security Expertise

If you're targeting a "Network Security Engineer" role, ensure your firewall, VPN, and IDS/IPS experience is prominent.

Resume Checklist

Markdown Template for Mid Career Network Engineer

# Maria Rodriguez ||: Chicago, IL ||: maria.rodriguez@email.com ||: [linkedin.com/in/mariarodrigueznet](http://linkedin.com/in/mariarodrigueznet) --- A results-driven and CCNP-certified Senior Network Engineer with 8 years of experience in enterprise network design, implementation, and administration. Specializes in data center networking, network security, and automation. Passionate about building resilient, scalable, and secure network infrastructure. --- ## Professional Experience ### Senior Network Engineer Global Tech Inc., Chicago, IL -> 2020 - Present - Designed and implemented a new data center network using Cisco Nexus switches with VPC technology, achieving 99.999% uptime. - Managed and configured Palo Alto firewalls, including creating security policies, NAT rules, and site-to-site VPN tunnels, which secured traffic for 5,000+ users. - Optimized BGP routing policies with multiple ISPs for improved performance and redundancy, reducing latency for critical applications by 25%. - Wrote Python and Ansible scripts to automate network device backups and health checks, saving 10+ hours of manual work per week. ### Network Engineer Midwest Solutions, Chicago, IL -> 2017 - 2020 - Managed a multi-site WAN utilizing OSPF and EIGRP. - Deployed and maintained a Cisco wireless network across three corporate offices. - Used SolarWinds for network monitoring, proactively resolving 90% of issues before they impacted users. --- ## Skills - **Routing & Switching**: `BGP`, `OSPF`, `EIGRP`, `MPLS`, `Cisco Nexus` (VPC, VXLAN) - **Network Security**: `Palo Alto Firewalls`, `Cisco ASA`, `Fortinet`, `ACLs`, `Site-to-Site VPNs`, `IDS/IPS` - **Load Balancing**: `F5 BIG-IP` (LTM) - **Monitoring**: `SolarWinds NPM`, `Wireshark`, `NetFlow`, `PRTG` - **Automation**: `Python`, `Ansible` - **Cloud**: `AWS` (VPC, Direct Connect), `Azure` (VNet) --- ## Certifications - Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise - Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

10+ years

Senior: Architecting Global Networks and Leading Strategy

What Recruiters Look For

For a senior or principal network engineer, recruiters are looking for a strategic architect who can design the future of the company's network, lead complex projects, and mentor the team.

High-Level Network Architecture and Design

You must demonstrate experience in designing large-scale, global, or data center networks from the ground up. This includes making strategic decisions on vendors, protocols, and topology to meet business needs for scalability and high availability.

Cloud and Hybrid Networking Strategy

Expertise in designing and managing cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure VNet, Google Cloud VPC) and hybrid connectivity (Direct Connect, ExpressRoute) is essential. You should be able to architect a seamless multi-cloud or hybrid network.

Leadership, Governance, and Budgeting

Experience leading a network team, developing network standards and policies, managing vendor relationships, and contributing to budget planning is expected. You translate business requirements into technical strategy.

Resume Summary Example For Senior Network Engineer

Your summary should position you as a strategic technology leader. Focus on your experience in network architecture, your leadership capabilities, and your ability to align network infrastructure with business goals.

Principal Network Architect with 15 years of experience designing and leading the implementation of secure, scalable global networks. Expert in data center architecture, cloud networking, and zero-trust security principles. A proven leader in developing network strategy, managing multi-million dollar budgets, and mentoring engineering teams.

How to Customize This Template for Your Resume

Focus on Architecture and Strategy

Emphasize your role in designing large-scale networks and defining the long-term technology roadmap, not just configuring devices.

Architected a new global WAN strategy using SD-WAN, reducing costs by 30%.

Quantify Business and Financial Impact

Your achievements should be tied to major business outcomes like multi-million dollar savings, enabling global expansion, or ensuring 99.999% uptime for critical services.

Led a data center consolidation project that resulted in $5M in operational savings over 3 years.

Highlight Leadership and Vendor Management

Detail your experience leading teams, mentoring senior engineers, and managing multi-million dollar contracts with carriers and hardware vendors.

Managed a team of 10 network engineers and a $10M annual budget for network circuits and hardware.

Showcase Your Vision

Describe how you've introduced new technologies or paradigms, like zero-trust security or network automation, to the organization.

Championed and led the network automation initiative, developing a full CI/CD pipeline for network changes.

Resume Checklist

Markdown Template for Senior Network Engineer

# Jennifer Lewis San Jose, CA | jennifer.lewis@email.com | [linkedin.com/in/jenniferlewisnetarch](http://linkedin.com/in/jenniferlewisnetarch) --- A CCIE-certified Principal Network Architect with 18 years of experience defining and executing the network strategy for global enterprises. A strategic leader with deep expertise in designing complex data center, WAN, and hybrid-cloud networks. Proven ability to lead large-scale infrastructure projects, manage vendor relationships, and align network architecture with business innovation. --- ## Career Highlights ### Principal Network Architect | Tech Giant Inc. -> 2016–Present San Jose, CA - Architected the company's next-generation global backbone network, connecting 20 offices and 3 data centers, which improved application performance by 40% and reduced circuit costs by $2M annually. - Led the design and implementation of a hybrid-cloud networking strategy with AWS and Azure, utilizing Direct Connect and ExpressRoute for high-speed, redundant connectivity. - Developed the corporate network's zero-trust security framework, making key architectural decisions on segmentation and access control. - Led a team of 12 network engineers, responsible for their mentorship, project assignments, and career development. ### Lead Network Engineer | Finance Corp -> 2010–2016 San Jose, CA - Led the technical design for a data center migration project, involving over 1,000 network devices, with zero unplanned downtime. - Managed the BGP peering relationships with dozens of external partners. - Developed network automation standards using Python and Ansible. ## Areas of Expertise - **Architecture**: `Network Architecture & Design`, `Data Center Networking`, `Cloud Networking` (AWS, Azure), `WAN Optimization`, `Zero Trust Security` - **Leadership**: `Technical Strategy`, `Project Leadership`, `Team Mentorship`, `Budgeting & Vendor Management` - **Technology**: `BGP`, `MPLS`, `VXLAN`, `SD-WAN`, `Advanced Network Security` - **Protocols**: `Deep understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP/2` ## Certifications - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Infrastructure - AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty