ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Core Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

IMC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

IMC is seeking experienced Network Engineers who are passionate about building and operating ... Core areas include low-latency networking, unicast and multicast routing, BGP, PIM-SM, performance ...

Saxon Global

Network Engineer

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

Network Engineer Job Duration: 6 Month Contract Interview Method: Phone then In Person Address ... core switches and routers and Cisco VoIP Unified Communications; assisting in LAN/WAN and Cisco ...

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 ... Reporting to the Network Manager, the Senior Network Engineer is seen as a technical expert in ...

IMC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

IMC is seeking experienced Network Engineers who are passionate about building and operating ... Core areas include low-latency networking, unicast and multicast routing, BGP, PIM-SM, performance ...

IMC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

IMC is seeking experienced Network Engineers who are passionate about building and operating ... Core areas include low-latency networking, unicast and multicast routing, BGP, PIM-SM, performance ...

NextRow Digital

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

NextRow is looking to hire a Network Engineer (contract role). Any experience in Hospitality industryis a big plus. This role has both operational and strategic responsibilities, along with ...

NextRow Digital

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL

NextRow is looking to hire a Network Engineer (contract role). Any experience in Hospitality industry is a big plus. This role has both operational and strategic responsibilities, along with ...

Barrow Wise Consulting

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $140K/yr

Responsibilities: The Network Engineer will support Barrow Wise's Chicago Board of Education ... Our employees stand behind Barrow Wise's core values of integrity, quality, innovation, and ...

TRG

Network Support Engineer

Niles, IL · On-site

Manage IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, and other core network services. * Create and maintain ... Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related ...

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Network Support Engineer

Niles, IL

Manage IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, and other core network services. * Create and maintain ... Minimum 5 years of experience in network engineering, administration, or a related role in a mid-to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Core Network Engineer JobsContract Core Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contract Core Network Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$112.3K

$162.8K

How much do contract core network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract core network engineer in Chicago, IL is $112,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Core Network Engineers?

Contract Core Network Engineers are specialized professionals who design, implement, and maintain the core infrastructure of telecommunications networks on a temporary or project-based basis. They focus on the core components of networks, such as routers, switches, and network protocols, to ensure seamless data transmission and connectivity. Working as contractors, they are typically hired for specific projects or to provide expertise during peak workloads, network upgrades, or transitions. Their work is crucial for the reliability, scalability, and security of large-scale telecom and enterprise networks.

What is the difference between Contract Core Network Engineer vs Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician?

AspectContract Core Network EngineerNetwork Operations Center (NOC) Technician
Required CredentialsNetworking certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP), relevant experienceNetworking certifications often preferred, focus on monitoring skills
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, troubleshoot core network infrastructureMonitor network performance, respond to alerts, perform basic troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom, ISPs, large enterprisesTelecom providers, data centers, managed service providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding core network roles, project-based workNetwork monitoring, incident response, operational support

While both roles involve networking, Contract Core Network Engineers focus on designing and maintaining core network infrastructure, often in project-based settings. NOC Technicians primarily monitor and respond to network issues in operational environments. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Contract Core Network Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of network protocols, IP routing, switching, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with network management tools, Cisco/Juniper certifications (such as CCNP, CCIE, or JNCIP), and hands-on experience with core network infrastructure are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure reliable network performance, efficient resolution of complex issues, and seamless integration within dynamic IT environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by Contract Core Network Engineers when joining a new client project?

Contract Core Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to unfamiliar network infrastructures, understanding client-specific protocols, and integrating with existing IT teams. Since contract roles require immediate impact, engineers must rapidly assess current systems, identify pain points, and implement solutions with minimal onboarding time. Building rapport with permanent staff and aligning with the organization's operational standards are also essential for a smooth transition and successful project delivery.
What are the most commonly searched types of Core Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Core Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Core Network Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Core Network Engineer job openings:
Contract Core Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Core Network Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,327 per year, or $54 per hour.

Network Engineer Lead Core Networks

Staffingine LLC

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Network Engineer Lead Core Networks 
Job Location: Rolling Meadows - Illinois 
Job Type: Contract 

Job Description:  

  • 10 years of experience in network engineering preferably in enterprise environments 

  • 5 years leading project teams Andor mentoring junior engineers 

  • In-depth knowledge of networking technologies design principles and practical application of 

  • Routers switch virtualization storage storage networkingvirtualizationzoning 

  • Load balancers and network security 

  • SDN solutions eg Cisco ACI VMware VNX 

  • Network security solutions firewalls VPNs IDSIPS web application firewalls 

  • Cisco Routing Switching spine leaf architecture 

  • F5 LTMGTM Cisco UCS Nexus Cisco ACI Cisco WAAS WCCP Cisco security solutions Cisco ISE 

  • Palo Alto Networks firewalls and security solutions 

  • QoS prioritization of voice and video 

  • Network automation segmentation isolation encryption architectures 

  • Strong documentation skills technical documents diagrams solution specs guidelines processes procedures Scripting 

  • Experience standardizing and automating network configuration and deployment 

  • Software hardware troubleshooting and system monitoring 

  • Collaborate with Infrastructure leadership IS teams and business units to engineer recommend and plan technical projects for network reliability performance and controls 

  • Analyse business needs gather requirements design install troubleshoot and support technical solutions in a worldclass infrastructure 

  • Develop and document models plans diagrams illustrations and procedures for engineering activities and network initiatives 

  • Participate in meetings and conference calls with customers and IT staff to qualify opportunities and technical solutions 

  • Create capital expenditure CAPEX requests and track hardware software orders 

  • Build deploys and support solutions in conjunction with engineering and operations resources 

  • Communicate key decisions and ensure IT solutions adhere to architecture standards 

Technical Skills Secondary Nice to have 

  • Cisco certifications in Routing and Switching preferred 

  • Experience with network automation and scripting 

  • Soft Skills 

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills verbal and written 

  • Ability to communicate professionally in a corporate global environment 

Work Conditions 

  • Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for implementations and escalations 

  • Technical Expertise Can you describe your experience with network automation and scripting How have you utilized these skills to improve network efficiency and reliability in your previous roles 1 

  • Leadership and Collaboration Can you provide an example of a challenging project you led and how you managed the team to achieve the project goals 2 

  • Problem Solving and Innovation In your role you will be required to analyze business needs gather requirements and design technical solutions Can you share a specific instance where you identified a critical network issue and implemented a solution that significantly improved network performance or reliability