Network Developer

Network Developer Job Description

Network developers are responsible for building, deploying, scaling, and automating data networks to allow the rapid exchange of data between different data centers. A network developer is a problem solver and project manager who is able to see the bigger picture and address data transfer challenges. For a large company, this means leveraging the company's resources and technologies to create solutions that are scalable, but also automated and updated when needed.    

Depending on the industry, some businesses need to have networks that are massively scalable and provide the most stable platform for hundreds or thousands of customers. This can require the network developer to thoroughly understand an organization's network needs, design a new network infrastructure to meet those needs, and test these solutions to ensure they are able to scale as the network grows. Network developers work with other development teams that may include network engineers and computer network architects to ensure new products and features work on a scale and can deliver the performance customers need.

Technical skills such as computer science, computer engineering, and computer programming are important for network developer jobs. Self-motivated individuals with good problem-solving skills and a strong knowledge of networking, network devices, and computer systems will excel in a network developer career path. The ability to work with programming languages such as C++ and Java is also important to be successful in the career path of a network developer. Other helpful skills may include network security experience, the ability to troubleshoot system problems, familiarity with disaster recovery operations, and up-to-date knowledge of new technologies used in developing and automating networks.

The position of network developer can be confused with other networking positions such as network designers who design the network, computer network architects who use their designs to construct the network, or network administrators who manage existing networks and monitor network performance. Like a network engineer or network development engineer, network developer jobs also involve creating and deploying networks. Verbal communication skills are also important as network developer jobs may include working with other team members such as a network engineer and a computer network architect to build networks and develop network automation solutions for companies or clients.