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Cisco Network Engineer Contract Jobs in Illinois

Swoon Staffing

WLAN Network Engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$27 - $28.97/hr

2 year contract for a WLAN Network Engineer role with a leading client in Peoria/Mossville, IL ... Cisco certifications [CCNA, CCNP, CCDA] highly preferred * Experience performing LAN/WLAN ...

TriOptus LLC

Network Engineer

Morton, IL · On-site

Administer and support Cisco network management platforms (Cisco Prime LMS, WCS, Radius, Tacacs ... Familiarity with the programming and monitoring of Cisco network equipment . * Ability to plan ...

NextRow Digital

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

NextRow is looking to hire a Network Engineer (contract role). Any experience in Hospitality ... Advanced knowledge of switches, firewalls ( Cisco ASA/FTD/Fortinet) and security concepts (IOS ...

NextRow Digital

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

NextRow is looking to hire a Network Engineer (contract role). Any experience in Hospitality ... Cisco, Arista, F5, HPE/SilverPeak and Dell. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and have ...

1 point system

Network Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

This position requires strong hands-on Cisco networking experience, familiarity with change request ... Collaborate with engineers, project stakeholders, and real estate teams to deliver on customer ...

Request Technology, LLC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

This role is focused on Cisco network engineering, operational support, routing/switching, configuration, Ansible/Terraform/AWS/Jenkins, etc. Responsibilities * Network policy, governance, and ...

Apex Informatics

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Contract Work authorization: Cannot work with OPT or CPT Rate: 50/hr W2 Focus is on data and ... and Cisco Local to Chicago Must be onsite (3 days a week, could be 5 at times) Senior Network ...

Levi Ray & Shoup Inc

Network Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

... Contract Apply ( For additional information on how we handle your data, seewww.LRS.com/privacy What ... This role focuses on Cisco networking technologies, SolarWinds monitoring, and core IP networking ...

Merge IT LLC

Senior Network Engineer - Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107.20K - $146.90K/yr

Please see below for full details- Job Notes: -3+ month contract / extendable and perm possible ... Hands on and command level knowledge and experience of Cisco Network Products * Should have at ...

LRS

Network Engineer

Decatur, IL

$25 - $40/hr

This role focuses on Cisco networking technologies, SolarWinds monitoring, and core IP networking ... this contract position is $25 - $40 per hour, depending on experience. Our pay ranges are ...

Levi, Ray and Shoup

Network Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

This role focuses on Cisco networking technologies, SolarWinds monitoring, and core IP networking ... this contract position is $25 - $40 per hour, depending on experience. Our pay ranges are ...

pepperconstruction

Senior Network Engineer

Barrington, IL · Hybrid

$103.40K - $141.70K/yr

We are seeking a skilled Sr. Network Engineer with proven experience in Cisco networking technologies and a strong background in network security. This role is responsible for the design ...

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Cisco Network Engineer Contract information

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$24

$51

$77

How much do cisco network engineer contract jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cisco network engineer contract in Illinois is $51.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.64 and $59.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Contract Cisco Network Engineer Do?

A contract Cisco network engineer configures, designs, and tests networks on a freelance basis. Your responsibilities in this career include ensuring that the system that your client uses is secure and has limited downtime. As a network engineer, you work within the Cisco network environment to design and develop customized network solutions for your clients. You install and configure the necessary network systems and applications. Your duties also include troubleshooting when connectivity or security issues arise. Some clients hire freelance engineers to work on a specific project to improve, update, or streamline their existing Cisco network.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cisco Network Engineer Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cisco Network Engineer Contractor, you need a deep understanding of networking protocols, routing and switching, and typically hold certifications such as CCNA or CCNP. Proficiency with Cisco hardware, IOS software, and network management tools like Cisco Prime or SolarWinds is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and adaptability set outstanding contractors apart. These skills and qualifications ensure robust network performance, rapid troubleshooting, and successful project delivery in dynamic IT environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Cisco Network Engineers working on a contract basis?

As a contract Cisco Network Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new network environments, understanding existing infrastructure, and integrating with established teams. Contract roles often require you to hit the ground running with minimal onboarding, so strong troubleshooting skills and familiarity with Cisco platforms are essential. Additionally, you may work on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring effective time management and communication with both technical staff and non-technical stakeholders. Building rapport with permanent team members and demonstrating your expertise can help you succeed and potentially extend your contract or open doors to future opportunities.

What is a Cisco Network Engineer Contract position?

A Cisco Network Engineer Contract position is a temporary or project-based role in which a network engineer specializes in the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks using Cisco technologies. Contractors are typically hired to complete specific projects, provide expertise, or fill short-term gaps in staffing. Responsibilities often include configuring routers and switches, troubleshooting network issues, ensuring network security, and supporting network upgrades. This role requires strong knowledge of Cisco products and certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE. Contract lengths can vary, and compensation is usually based on experience and project complexity.

What is the difference between Cisco Network Engineer Contract vs Cisco Network Administrator?

AspectCisco Network Engineer ContractCisco Network Administrator
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco certificationsCCNA, Cisco certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary contracts, consulting firmsFull-time, in-house or managed service providers
ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, troubleshoot Cisco networksMaintain, monitor, support existing Cisco networks
Industry UsageConsulting, project-specific rolesCorporate IT departments, service providers

The main difference between a Cisco Network Engineer Contract and a Cisco Network Administrator lies in their roles and employment types. Contract engineers focus on project-based work, designing and implementing Cisco networks, often working temporarily for various clients. In contrast, network administrators typically hold full-time positions, maintaining and supporting existing networks within organizations. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope, responsibilities, and work environment.

More about Cisco Network Engineer Contract jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cisco Network Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Cisco Network Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Cisco Network Engineer Contract jobs in Illinois? For Cisco Network Engineer Contract jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cisco Network Engineer Contract jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Cisco Network Engineer Contract jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cisco Network Engineer Contract jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Cisco Network Engineer Contract job openings:
Cisco Network Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cisco Network Engineer Contract job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,640 per year, or $51.8 per hour.
Cisco Network Engineer

Cisco Network Engineer

Request Technology, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

***We are unable to sponsor for this permanent full-time role***

***Position is bonus eligible***

Prestigious Global Firm is currently seeking a Network Engineer with strong Cisco experience. Candidate will oversee the full lifecycle of network infrastructure, including the design, deployment, support, compliance and documentation of routing, switching, firewalls and cloud-base solutions.

Responsibilities:

Lead and coordinate network changes, ensuring security, performance and compliance with governance framework (NIST-CSF, COBIT).

Collaborate with vendors, carriers, and engineering teams to resolve complex issues and drive large-scale project to completion.

Provide strategic direction for network planning, maintaining up-to-date documentation and deliver on-call operational support to ensure reliability and business continuity.

Lead and coordinate the development, implementation and management of policies, procedures and controls.

Create and manage Risk Intakes/Acceptance(s) when required.

Lead and support Vulnerability Management efforts.

Proactively maintain awareness of policy and procedure changes that could affect networks compliance.

Work with and manage requests for documentation from Auditors or Exams.

Maintain an accurate inventory of Business Applications and Devices in Service-now.

Create, update, and validate Configuration Baselines for Network applications and equipment.

Perform consistent compliance Audit/validations throughout the network.

Lead remediation efforts related to findings and observations in areas of responsibility. Ensure remediation addresses root cause, improves OCC s residual risk and is completed in a timely manner

Qualifications:

[Preferred] Experience working in and developing solutions for a highly regulated environment or organization that leverages a security framework (such as NIST, COBIT, etc)

[Required] Experience directing use of tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Jenkins, Python, and Github (or industry equivalent)

[Required] Experience delivering Infrastructure as code

[Required] Experience building cloud infrastructure in environments such as AWS (Preferred), Azure, or Google Cloud, or similar service

[Preferred] Knowledge of Controls, Risk Ranking/mapping, Remediation items and general IT audit

[Preferred] Understanding of NIST Special Publication 800-53 (Rev. 4) and COBIT framework

[Required] Advanced experience with architecting, designing, deploying, and operating network elements such as DNS/IPAM; Firewalls; Network Access Control Solutions (NAC); load balancing; DDoS mitigation, tapping/sniffing infrastructures; and NTP

[Preferred] Experience with Cisco IOS/NX-OS configurations

[Preferred] Experience with GRC Technologies such as Archer

[Preferred] Experience with CIS Benchmarks

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