How to hire computer network architects
A job description you can copy, interview questions tied to the real work, and what to pay. Free.
Job description template
Copy it, fill in the brackets, and remove anything that does not fit your job. Keep only must-haves you would really turn someone away for.
[Job title] at [Company name] [City, State] · [Full-time / Part-time] · [Pay range] About the role [Two or three sentences about your team, the work and why it matters.] What you will do • Coordinate installation of new equipment. • Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. • Develop and implement solutions for network problems. • Develop disaster recovery plans. • Develop network-related documentation. • Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes. • Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup. • Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning. What you bring • [Required license, certification or years of experience, if any] • [Education, only if you truly need it. Typical to start in this job: Bachelor's degree] • Strong critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, writing, speaking and active learning skills • Working knowledge of telecommunications, computers and electronics, engineering and technology and English Language • [Anything else you would really turn someone away for] Pay and benefits [Pay range]. For reference, the U.S. median for this job is $64.45 an hour ($134,050 a year). [Benefits, schedule and anything else candidates should know.] How to apply [Apply on JAI Bot. Every applicant hears back.]
Interview questions for computer network architects
Ask every candidate the same questions, in the same order, and write down what they say. Questions about past work show what someone has actually done.
- Tell me about a time you had to coordinate installation of new equipment. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to develop and implement solutions for network problems. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to develop disaster recovery plans. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Describe a decision at work where the obvious answer was wrong. How did you work out the better choice?
- Tell me about written instructions, a policy or a manual you had to follow closely. How did you make sure you followed it correctly?
- Tell me about a time you had to understand a request or problem that was explained poorly. How did you make sure you got it right?
- Why this job, and why now? What would make you stay here for the long term?
Good answers name a real situation, what the person did themselves and what happened. Avoid questions about age, family plans, religion, health, national origin or anything else unrelated to the job.
What computer network architects do
- Coordinate installation of new equipment.
- Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
- Develop disaster recovery plans.
- Develop network-related documentation.
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
- Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
- Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
Skills that matter most
Education, experience and outlook for computer network architects
- Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
- Experience usually needed to start: 5 years or more (BLS)
- Job outlook: +7.7% over ten years, faster than average · about 9,600 openings a year (BLS)
What to pay computer network architects
Pay depends a lot on where the job is. Highest and lowest median yearly pay by state:
| State | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Washington | $168,070 |
| New Jersey | $162,350 |
| Maryland | $159,460 |
| California | $158,870 |
| Massachusetts | $155,060 |
| Missouri | $103,130 |
| Iowa | $103,050 |
| Kansas | $100,610 |
See computer network architects pay in every state
Related hiring guides
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Information Security Analysts
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Database Administrators
- Database Architects
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Computer Programmers
- Software Developers
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Post a job freePay by areaJob duties and skills: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2025. Interview questions and the job description template: JAI Bot, based on the duties and skills above.