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It Infrastructure Engineer

Introduction
Role and Responsibilities
Types
Difference Between
List Of Best IT
How can you hire yourself
Final Thoughts
FAQs
Explore Career Opportunities

Introduction

How to become an IT infrastructure engineer is a question many are asking in today’s world of rapidly changing technology. Organizations must rethink the way they do business to maintain competitiveness. Companies need to create new paradigms for an agile and flexible IT infrastructure through innovative solutions that focus on Cloud, containers, mobile platforms and even emerging AI initiatives to improve their time to market.

However, many organizations don’t have enough employees on staff with the right qualities of IT know-how to fully support their IT infrastructure. For both these reasons, IT infrastructure professionals are in high demand, and those interested in pursuing the Infrastructure Engineer career path can expect to enjoy highly rewarding careers if they develop the right skills and abilities.

In this guide or blog post, we address some common topics asked by those who wish to pursue a career and job of IT Infrastructure Engineer, such as:

What are IT infrastructure management services and its role in a business? The difference between IT operations vs IT infrastructure management List of best IT infrastructure management practices Why do organizations consider outsourcing IMS, are there any advantages? How can you hire yourself in a company as an infrastructure engineer? This is what we’ll look into in this article. So, let’s get started on how to become an IT infrastructure engineer.

Role and Responsibilities

Before we know about IT infrastructure management service (IMS), do you know what exactly IT infrastructure management is and what makes up a business infrastructure?

Well, to explain it simply, IT infrastructure is similar to building infrastructure in that it consists of physical components that support the activities and services that are required by users to support business functions. There are applications that support key functions, servers that host the applications and data centers that house the servers. There is also networking infrastructure that facilitates access to applications and servers for the business. 

The term IT infrastructure refers to all of the components and elements that support management and access functions for data and information, along with other services.

Today’s IT infrastructure is increasingly complex and ever-evolving, making it a difficult area to manage while juggling all your other and equally critical organizational responsibilities.

 All physical and non-physical assets that facilitate the business operation are the building blocks of the business infrastructure. These assets include all people, processes, and things. Your customers will rarely see much of the back-end operation that helps provide them with the services and products you offer. Unless, of course, there’s a problem with the smooth and stable functioning of those very backend operations.

Types of IT Infrastructure Engineer

The IT infrastructure, also sometimes called the organization’s information system, refers to all the cogs related to the IT machine’s functioning. The elements that make up the information system requiring on-going management and protection are:

Operating systems

Desktops and workstations will have operating systems (such as Windows) that allow other apps and programs to be executed and used.

Hardware Assets

These assets are all the physical workstations and desktops themselves; things like USBs, physical servers, data centers, hard drives, printers, etc.

Software Assets

These assets will include all the programs that run on your operating system:  apps, accounting programs, email solutions, etc.

Internet

This one is self-explanatory; however, here, it will be the network connectivity infrastructure of the business that is public-facing that is of importance to the efficient functioning of the business. A few examples are the company website, business-hosted forums, and social media groups.

IoT devices

 A more recent addition to the IT infrastructure, IoT devices are growing in popularity for business use. IoT wireless devices pose a serious security threat to IT infrastructure and must be appropriately secured.

Cloud Infrastructure

 Another increasingly popular asset for business is cloud storage, cloud computing, and cloud anything. Even today, it has become a significant asset for many enterprises’ IT infrastructure. Yet, companies often overlook that storage security in the assumption that the provider has optimized the protection.

Network and Telecommunication Connectivity

The physical assets that allow internet connectivity like phone lines, fiber optic cabling, routers, etc. These devices will make up the telecommunication part of the IT infrastructure.

Enterprise Systems

Enterprise systems nowadays are offered as software-as-a-service with cloud-based providers. However, many companies still use in-house developed methods to facilitate everyday business processes, like keycard systems, which will build part of their infrastructure. 

These are a few of the major components that form the building blocks of an organizational IT infrastructure.

Now that you know what is IT infrastructure management as well as components that make up a business infrastructure, let us learn the role of IT infrastructure management service and regarding itself.

IT infrastructure management service (IMS) is about administering and managing technology, information and data in a proactive way. Its scope ranges from the desktop to networking, storage, data, security and cloud-based services – not forgetting the people employed to keep everything working.

The IT IMS is the sum total of all of these parts, closely allied to the overall goals of your business.

Having an IMS provides clear boundaries for how your business infrastructure is managed. The primary goal of IMS? To minimise downtime and to keep your business as productive as possible. In addition, an enterprise IT team delivering infrastructure management services is responsible for issues including asset lifecycle management, network and connectivity issues as well as monitoring mobile devices and device maintenance.

With that said, let’s get familiar with the common misunderstanding each and every one has between both IT infrastructure management and IT operations.

The Difference Between IT Operations VS IT Infrastructure Management

Do you know the difference between IT infrastructure management and IT operations management (ITOM)?

IT operations management focuses on managing the daily operational tasks that are necessary to maintain the infrastructure that is used to deliver IT services. The responsibilities of IT operations control can be broken down into six basic functions:

  • Running Solutions (Back-ups and configuration)
  • Managing Infrastructure
  • Managing Configurations
  • Evolving Infrastructure
  • Mitigating Disasters
  • Governing IT Operations

Based on this framework, IT infrastructure management can be understood as just one aspect of the overall functionalities supported by IT operations.

Having said that, now let’s find out few of the best practices with respect to IT infrastructure management.

List Of Best IT Infrastructure Management Practices

With IT infrastructure managers being responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance and retirement of each of the above IT infrastructure elements, it’s necessary to understand the best practices for managing them. These IT infrastructure management best practices include:

  • Knowledge Gathering
  • Creation of Standards
  • Implementation of Standards
  • Maintaining Consistency
  • Documentation
  • These are some of the best practices that you will need to learn and implement if you wish to be an IT infrastructure engineer. As you do that here’s what you should also know:

Why Do Organizations Consider Outsourcing IMS, Are There Any Advantages?

The smooth functioning of IT infrastructure is the key to successful business operations. That’s precisely why most businesses today focus on accomplishing 100% IT efficiency and require their infrastructure to be up and running 24×7. Hence, outsourcing Infrastructure Management services can help to “Keep the Lights On”.

  • In addition to simplifying making, reducing cost and improving reporting, an IMS can:
  • Provide a rapid response to any IT-related crisis
  • Proactively manage devices and networks in an agile and adaptable way
  • Monitor service performance, detecting when service dips below the required standard
  • Identify threats to your network, responding promptly to mitigate their impact
  • Streamline your business’ day-to-day functions and operations to free-up your in-house IT team to focus more on your business’ overall strategy
  • Reduce downtime by carrying out repairs more quickly
  • Contribute to increasing customer satisfaction and business performance

But there are risks involved in outsourcing, when businesses outsource their IT infrastructure especially to a third party, there are several risks involved. Some of them are

  • Complex IT functions are not easy to outsource
  • Confidentiality of data may be compromised
  • Risk of losing control
  • A proper business understanding between the organization and the vendor
  • Vendor Locking

So, what does it mean for an organization to externalise the IT Infrastructure? (In a gist)

  • Contracting all or part of IT functions to an external organization.
  • Managing IT infrastructure on-premise or from a remote location.
  • Best practices and consulting-led approach for effective delivery of IT services.
  • Outsourcing also includes SaaS and cloud-enabled services.

Outsourcing business IT environment (in reference to Data center infrastructure management, End-user computing, Application support, Technical support, etc), whether a portion or the whole operation, has plenty of advantages that can not only help the business now but help mitigate risks and issues as the business grows. Basically, it has enabled businesses to tap into new technologies, expand skills, respond to market demands and deliver services and products quickly.

How can you hire yourself in a Company as an Infrastructure Engineer?

To become certified as an IT Infrastructure Engineer in a top organization you’ll need to master the description, key duties, responsibilities, skills, and certifications that should be in an infrastructure engineer job description.

IT Infrastructure Engineer Job Description

IT infrastructure engineers build and maintain the hardware and software components of their employer’s IT network. When servers, routers, PCs, and other equipment need to be set up or fixed, an IT infrastructure engineer is usually the point person for the job. With the increasing ubiquity of computer and internet technology in all facets of the economy, these professionals can be found in any company as well as government and non-profit entities. 

They typically work regular business hours in an office environment; however, roles focused on technical support may require more travel and on-call time, as well as rotating shifts.

IT Infrastructure Engineer Roles And Responsibilities

  • Design solutions from mission needs and evaluate current systems to secure best practices and balance with government policy and procedure.
  • Analyze and suggest changes to test, mission and mobile computing environments.
  • Collaborate and involve in activities to assure knowledge development, sharing plus integration within as well as across entire work programs as suitable and lead projects.
  • Participate to develop customer project activities like position papers, assessments and special studies.
  • Manage plus coordinate all outside support suppliers.
  • Manage entire corporate Citrix systems, active directory, file and print.
  • Manage to host environment inclusive of web servers, VMWare, Citrix, database servers, Cisco, SAN, Blades etc to ensure apt tuning plus capacity.
  • Manage security of system and inter-application information transfers.
  • Ensure utmost uptime for entire network services and servers.
  • Enhance, plan capacity and design related to infrastructure engineering projects.
  • Establish standards to establish and configure entire desktop plus mobile computers.
  • Manage and maintain broad area VPN network.
  • Ensure sufficient networks redundancy to warehouses or satellites.
  • Ensure on time network or desktop resolution and phone system issues.
  • Administer and manage all corporate network assets.

IT Infrastructure Engineer Skills

An IT infrastructure engineer relies on a deep body of knowledge and a wide variety of hard and soft skills to go about their work. Depending on our research, we determined the subsequent core skills one should own to acquire a job as a Certified IT Infrastructure Engineer. These include:

  • Strong ability to troubleshoot Microsoft Office 365, Exchange Online email deliverability issues, anti-spam solutions
  • Ability to maintain DNS records, MX records, TXT records, Domain Registrar duties
  • Knowledge of and preferred support of SSO and Password Management Applications as well as MFA concepts and FIDO
  • Ability to support and resolve a wide range of daily technical issues; eagerness to investigate and learn new technologies
  • Scripting knowledge via PowerShell
  • Strong ability and emphasis on automation where applicable; provisioning and patching of endpoints
  • Extremely well-developed organizational, time management, and analytical skills
  • Dependable and reliable with strong improvement focus
  • A thoughtful team player who can work independently
  • Strong attention to detail, documentation, communication skills and follow-through
  • Ability to work off-hours as needed for IT projects
  • Ability to keep up to date with the latest tech innovations
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure
  • Capable of training Help Desk staff on new technologies implemented
  • Personable and professional client service to staff

Required Education Qualification, Training and Work Experience

  • In order to acquire the Infrastructure Engineer Role, one should first earn:
  • A bachelor’s degrees in computer engineering or computer science, 3 years technical Diploma or any UG Degree Master's Degree in Science/Technology/Computers
  • Strong grasp of Microsoft Active Directory administration
  • Familiarity to working knowledge of Cisco iOS, Dell Force 10, SonicWall, Cisco ASA, network troubleshooting tools like Wire Shark and Putty, strong grasp of TCP/IP concepts, VLANs, Wireless Networking technologies and security, VPN, Identity Access Management, VOIP concepts
  • Strong grasp of Windows Server 2008R2 Standard – Windows 2019 Datacenter, VMWare vCenter, Dell VXRail, EMC, PowerEdge server, or other forms of Hyperconverged environments and understanding of Hypervisors
  • Understanding of NAS and NAS to Cloud configurations
  • Expert grasp of supporting Windows 7-10, Mac OS, Android and iOS, PC and Mac hardware troubleshooting
  • Understanding of virtual and bare metal backup as well as High Availability solutions
  • Experience with endpoint, MDM & MAM packaged solutions such as Microsoft InTune and VMWare Workspace ONE
  • Experience with end-point management solutions such as Quest KACE, WSUS, Microsoft SCCM
  • Experience supporting conferencing and video conferencing solutions; Skype for Business, Zoom, Cisco WebEx

As for the required training, a candidate should complete Certifications/courses in Infrastructure standards, ITIL etc. Relevant certifications in one or more of the following areas: Storage, Server, Database, etc.

Whereas, the job experience to apply for the position mandates a candidate to have 0-2 years of work experience/internship in IT infrastructure engineering.

10 Best Online Courses & Certifications For Infrastructure Engineer In 2021

Looking to start a career as an infrastructure engineer? One of these online infrastructure engineering courses and certifications will work best to put you on the right track to mastering IT infrastructure engineering.

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V)
  • Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect (AWS CSA)
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
  • Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Cisco Certified Professional Network Professional (CCNP)

Infrastructure Engineer Salary (Expected Earnings)

  • The average salary for Infrastructure Engineer Job according to different job experience is as follows:
  • An entry-level Systems Engineer, Infrastructure with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of ₹280,000 based on 5 salaries.
  • An early career Systems Engineer, Infrastructure with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹449,234 based on 31 salaries.
  • A mid-career Systems Engineer, Infrastructure with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹610,572 based on 25 salaries.
  • An experienced Systems Engineer, Infrastructure with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹900,000 based on 10 salaries.
  • Higher earnings are possible, however, salaries vary significantly - based on the industry, size of the business, and depending on the different skills you possess, it can affect your salary.
  • [Income figures are intended as a guide only.]

Final Thoughts

Infrastructure engineer is a mid-level career position. Most people in this role have extensive practical experience in a hands-on environment, and they may progress to become system architects, infrastructure consultants or even chief information officers. If this career track interests you, some positions that can help you gain the experience you need include: Systems administrator, Network administrator, Tech support specialist, Computer operator, Windows administrator and Virtualization technician.

One way to gain experience in these roles is by working as an interim project professional where you are exposed to many different areas as you rotate from client to client. Remember, not all experience needs to be enterprise level. You can challenge yourself to complete projects for fun or participate in local hackathons, which are also a great way to network and find out about infrastructure engineer job opportunities in your area.

Are you planning to apply for the Infrastructure Engineer Role? Well, if you still have doubts regarding the best way to become an infrastructure engineer, start with a FREE ONLINE CAREER COUNSELLING.

The team of Counsellors and Mentors at MyCareerGurukul can help you choose a career path by building a proper career action plan that’s well suited for you to reach your goals. 

Hope that this blog post has helped you learn the key insights needed to become a Certified Infrastructure Engineer.

Good Luck in your Job Efforts!

FAQs

Q1: What is IT infrastructure management and its role in a business?

A1: IT infrastructure management involves administering and managing technology, data, and information proactively. It includes managing everything from desktops, networking, storage, data, security, to cloud-based services.

Q2: What is the difference between IT operations and IT infrastructure management?

A2: IT operations focus on managing daily tasks necessary to maintain the infrastructure delivering IT services. IT infrastructure management is one aspect of the functionalities supported by IT operations.

Q3: What are some best practices for IT infrastructure management?

A3: Best practices include knowledge gathering, creation of standards, implementation of standards, maintaining consistency, and documentation.

Q3: What are some best practices for IT infrastructure management?

A3: Best practices include knowledge gathering, creation of standards, implementation of standards, maintaining consistency, and documentation.

Q4: Why do organizations consider outsourcing IT infrastructure management services (IMS)?

A4: Outsourcing IMS can help minimize downtime, manage devices and networks proactively, monitor service performance, identify network threats, streamline business operations, and reduce repair times.

Q5: How can one become an Infrastructure Engineer in a company?

A5: One needs to master the key duties, responsibilities, skills, and certifications outlined in the job description of an Infrastructure Engineer. This includes a relevant educational background, certain technical skills, and relevant work experience or internship.

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