Google Network Engineer Salary & Other Perks

The salary of a Google network engineer ranges between $70,000 – $220,000, but the average salary is around $130,000 plus bonus and benefits. Of course, just like any tech company, the higher the salary grade, the higher the compensation.

At Google, salary will be based on your background and experience. Still, this is higher than most, as average network engineer salaries range from 74,000 to 95,000 a year. Even at Cisco, the network engineer salary is $102,746 as of June 2021.

Google engineers are also granted stock options, cash bonuses, and other non-cash benefits such as Insurance and Wellness benefits.

What does a Google Network Engineer do?

In general terms, a network is like a web where data and transactions can move smoothly across platforms. This is done through the use of network infrastructures. A network engineer is responsible for designing, creating, maintaining, and improving these networks for optimal performance.

While Junior Network Engineers are responsible for ensuring that these networks are optimized and working properly, Senior Network Engineers are responsible for creating and designing network topography to ensure the best data flow possible.

At Google, network engineers support Google’s scale, availability, and performance needs, for both Cloud and on-site users.

Google Network Engineers typically work in or is assigned to the following areas. Responsibilities can vary greatly between divisions, departments, and roles.

• Network Deployment
• Network Security (top emerging jobs in the US in 2020 according to linked in)
• Network Operations
• Wireless Network
• Social Media (i.e., Youtube TV Products/Linear TV Operations)
• Global Networking – design, build, and maintain networks for optimal performance (including Google Cloud)

Qualifications

Degree

Depending on the position applied, the requirement can be either a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Network Operations, or any related field.

Years of / Work experience

Google is not specific about this criterion for certain job roles. However, some job postings will specifically identify their required years of experience.

One fact remains – Google requires extensive knowledge, which can be obtained only by being in the industry for a few years.

Technical Skills

It goes without saying that a network engineer needs to have a good grasp of the ins and outs of Networking. Therefore it is always helpful and encouraged to know and have experience in the following:

• Enterprise Network
• IP Networking
• LAN/WAN/Wireless Network Operations
• OpenFlow, FORCES, Software Defined Networking
• Networking Application Protocols (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, HTTP/S)
• PYTHON, JAVA, C++, or other scripting/programming languages
• Network Equipment, topology, and testing tools
• Linux/Unix system
• Internet-based applications and web servers
• Content distribution network

Soft Skills

A network engineer, especially one working for Google, also needs to have strong soft skills.

Roles in Networking require engineers to talk to customers and collaborate with different teams to explain the issues and corrections that need to be done.

Network engineers also need to be able to manage time and projects efficiently.

As such, employers also look for the following skill-set:

• Communication (written and oral)
• Teamwork and People Management
• Time Management
• Critical Thinking

Are Career Certifications Required?

Certifications are not specifically required since Google has its own network system. However, because of its partnership with CISCO, it can be beneficial to have experience or certifications with CISCO networks. In addition, these certifications can also help you with your career.

• CompTIA A+ Certification
• CompTIA Network+ Certification
• VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization
• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Routing and Switching
• Cisco Certified Network Professional Level (CCNP) – Routing and Switching

Benefits of working as a Google Network Engineer

Google has offices in North and Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The main job of a Google Network Engineer is to ensure that the connection between these offices and end-users is uninterrupted. The goal is to reduce downtime to zero.

On top of Google’s very competitive salary pay. Google employees enjoy the following perks:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Free (gourmet!) meals. Coffee and drink stations are stationed across the campus, which makes it accessible to its employees.
• Shuttle Services (for their Mountain View Campus)
• Flexible Working Hours
• Challenging but fun working environment.
• Free Massage Credits!

Googleplex to keep employees fit and healthy: Credits:Flickr

In addition, another popular company benefit given by Google is their death benefit.

According to one Google employee, should a Googler pass away, “all their stock vests immediately” and the surviving spouse or domestic partner will be entitled to 50% of the deceased’s salary and an additional $1,000/child every year for the next ten years.

But the best benefit one can get from working at Google is the knowledge and experienced that will be gained and the connections that will be made.

More Common Interview Questions

Since the role of a Network Engineer depends on the department or division, questions can also vary.

According to similar network engineers in the field, the interviewer will ask technical questions (coding, routing, switching, network, etc.) and give scenarios to test the applicant’s problem identification, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

The employer or hiring manager (or panel interviewers) may also ask the applicant to reverse engineer a certain code (for security and malware analysis), do whiteboard scripting (usually for entry-level applicants), and explain data services and other technicalities required of the job.

One thing is for sure, the hiring manager will ask the applicant to explain and elaborate work experiences written on the resume.

Employers will also ask if the applicant is a team player or not. According to one hiring manager, neither is good nor bad, and it is more for proper job placement and team synergy.

One quick tip: Interviewers will appreciate and understand if network engineer applicants do not know everything.

What the interviewers search for is how a problem is identified, the methodology used, and how the problem is or will be solved. They look at the methodology and thought process.

Other Job Opportunities

Having a career in Network Engineering can open different opportunities and can give different areas of specialty.

The following are some specialized fields a network engineer can take.

• Network/Cyber Security Specialist
• Networking/Cloud Networking Architect
• Software Engineer
• Wireless Networking Engineer
• VoIP Engineer
• Networking Consultant

In Summary

Google Network Engineers are offered good salary/compensation packages. From the basic pay to additional benefits, Google is indeed one of the top tech companies to work for.

If you are looking for equally good opportunities in the IT-Tech field Let Capital Recruiting help. We have helped a lot of applicants land their dream jobs. We have mentors from the same industry to coach you through your career choices and opportunities. Submit your resume today and we can match you with the best companies.