ICT Network and Systems Engineer

Designs, implements, and maintains enterprise computer networks and systems infrastructure in Australian organisations. Plans network architectures, manages server deployments, configures security protocols, and troubleshoots complex connectivity issues to ensure optimal system performance and uptime. Works across government, corporate, and institutional environments to align ICT infrastructure with business requirements and regulatory compliance.

Design network topologies and system architectures using industry-standard tools such as Cisco, Juniper, or equivalent platforms. Configure and deploy enterprise routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers in on-premises or hybrid environments. Establish and manage virtual private networks (VPNs), security zones, and network segmentation to meet Australian information security standards. Implement systems management solutions including monitoring, patch management, and vulnerability scanning across server estates. Deploy and configure cloud infrastructure on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, aligning with Australian Data Breach Notification Laws and IRAP requirements. Conduct network capacity planning and performance tuning to optimise bandwidth utilisation and system response times. Document network configurations, system designs, and architecture diagrams using standards such as UML or network-specific notation. Troubleshoot network outages, latency issues, and system failures using packet analysis tools such as Wireshark and system logs.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need multiple vendor certifications (Cisco, AWS, Azure) that cost thousands and require constant renewal as tech changes. Career changers often struggle with the steep learning curve in your first 2 to 3 years. You're also on call for network outages at 2am, and one mistake can take down an entire organisation's systems, which means high stress and accountability.

Regional areas have fewer opportunities unless you work remotely for metro companies. Most positions are in-office or hybrid rather than fully remote, though some cloud-focused roles offer more flexibility.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2631, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Cloud technologiescore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Digital Literacycore
• Incident Reportingcore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Documentationcore
• Report Writingcore
• Risk Identificationcore
• ServiceNow IT Service Managementcore
• SLA and KPI Adherencecore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Escalation Management
• Microsoft Teams Collaboration
• Policy and Procedure Adherence
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboards
• Process Improvement Identification
• Quality Assurance and Checking
• Reporting and Analytics
• Research and Analysis
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Workload Self-Management

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

What ICT Network and Systems Engineer workers move into, from ten years of tax records.

Last updated: 30 October 2026