FIND THE RIGHT
CAREER
Computer Network & Systems Engineer
Design, build and maintain the digital infrastructure that keeps organisations connected
Computer Network and Systems Engineers plan, implement, and manage the networks and systems that allow organisations to communicate, share data, and operate securely. From configuring routers to troubleshooting outages, they are the backbone of every connected business.
Hard Skills
Tech & Tools
Network Architecture
Think of a network like the road system of a city — engineers decide where the highways go, how traffic is routed, and what happens when a road closes. They design both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) to keep data moving efficiently.
Hardware & Infrastructure
The job involves physical equipment too — routers, switches, servers, and firewalls. Engineers install, configure, and maintain these devices to keep systems running at full capacity
Protocols & Standards
Networks speak in protocols — the agreed rules for how data is sent and received.
- TCP/IP — the foundation of internet communication
- DNS & DHCP — how devices find each other on a network
- VPN & firewalls — securing data across connections
Soft Skills
People & Work Style
Analytical Thinking:
When a network goes down, every second costs money. Engineers need to diagnose faults fast — tracing problems through layers of hardware and software to find the root cause.
Communication:
You’ll translate complex technical issues into plain language for non-technical managers and clients. Clear reporting keeps stakeholders informed and decisions moving.
Methodical Work Style:
Network changes affect entire organisations. Engineers follow strict change management processes — documenting every configuration, testing before deploying, and rolling back if something breaks.
Continuous Learning:
The network landscape shifts constantly — cloud infrastructure, 5G, SD-WAN. Staying current with emerging technologies is part of the job, not an extra.
A Day in The Life
What this role looks like – real task from the field
Careers that can be unlocked
Growing Fast
ICT Security Specialist
Safeguarding Digitak Assets
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R25 000 – R75 000/pm
Growing Fast
Multimedia Specialist
Designs and produces digital content
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R15 000 – R45 000/pm
Stable
Data Scientist
Collects, analyses, and interprets data to support decision-making and solve business problems.
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R30 000 – R80 000/pm
Stable
ICT Sales Representative
Sells IT and communication solutions.
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R12 000 – R45 000/pm + commission
Growing Fast
Developer Programmer
Writes, tests, and debugs code.
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R18 000 – R70 000/pm
Stable
Telecommunications Technical Officer
Installs, maintains, and supports telecommunications systems and networks.
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R15 000 – R50 000/pm
Stable
Business Analyst
Bridge business needs and IT.
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R20 000 - R65 000/pm
Stable
ICT System Analyst
Analyzes and improves technical systems.
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R22 000 – R60 000/pm
Growing Fast
Network and System Engineer
Manages network and service infrastucture.
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R22 000 – R65 000/pm
Growing Fast
Software Developer
Designs and builds software solutions.
Core Subjects
Recommendation Subjects
Salary Range
R20 000 – R75 000/pm