A server engineer configures and troubleshoots server hardware, operating systems, applications, and network equipment, and requires a bachelor’s degree in computers or engineering, networking, server operating systems, programming, and security, as well as 3+ years of experience. Additional training may be required for new technologies.
A server engineer configures and troubleshoots a company’s server hardware, operating systems, applications, and network equipment. It can also build applications, manage a database, secure the company’s network, recommend improvements to current infrastructure, back up data, and provide technical support to users. You typically need a bachelor’s degree in computers or engineering and a solid background in networking, server operating systems, programming, and security to become a server engineer. Additional training is also required to learn new technologies, in addition to three or more years of technology experience.
A computer or engineering-related bachelor’s degree is usually required to become a server engineer, although it may not always be necessary if you have extensive work experience or certifications. The degree should cover beginners through advanced courses in network administration and design, computer architecture, operating systems, software engineering, and security. Some prominent examples include computer science, computer engineering, information technology, and management information systems. Some jobs also require technical certifications in server operating systems, networking, database management, or virtualization technologies. Your college may offer courses that can help prepare you for the various certification exams.
To become a server engineer, you will need to have knowledge in several areas of information technology. You will need to be proficient in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting the server operating system and know how to secure servers and their operating systems and applications. While most server engineer positions require some knowledge of computer programming, other positions require proficiency in multiple languages for desktop, mobile, and web applications. Other areas in which to gain proficiency include backup and recovery procedures, application debugging, project management, and database management. It is also important to have excellent customer service skills to deal with people inside and outside the organization and to be able to work well in a team.
Typically, it takes three to seven years of extensive information technology experience to become a server engineer. Employers often set additional experience requirements for each skill and may require three or more years of experience in programming, networking, desktop support, and server operating systems. Before becoming a server engineer, you’ll likely spend time in other technical roles as a helpdesk specialist, network administrator, application programmer, or operating system specialist. You may also need to take additional training courses to learn future technologies that server engineers must understand and be able to support. Some employers offer financial assistance to conduct these courses or provide on-site training.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
