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Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Capgemini

Wi-Fi Infrastructure Test Engineer

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$88 - $117/hr

... Wi-Fi Infrastructure Test Engineer to join our team and support the validation, testing, and ... The successful candidate will play a critical role in designing, building, and maintaining wireless ...

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Siemens

IT/OT Systems Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

In this peer-support role, you will bridge remote infrastructure engineering and floor-level ... critical systems. • Lead site-level data, analytics, and digital enablement initiatives ...

EN Engineering LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Chicago, IL · Remote

$78K - $106K/yr

At ENTRUST Solutions Group, we're proud to be an industry leader in engineering and consulting services--helping modernize, protect, and strengthen critical infrastructure. This role is ideal for ...

EN Engineering LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Lisle, IL · Remote

$74K - $101K/yr

At ENTRUST Solutions Group, we're proud to be an industry leader in engineering and consulting services--helping modernize, protect, and strengthen critical infrastructure. This role is ideal for ...

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All JobsCritical Infrastructure Engineer JobsEntry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer JobsEntry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.9K

$130.9K

$187.5K

How much do entry level critical infrastructure engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level critical infrastructure engineer in Chicago, IL is $130,897.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,700.00 and $145,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level critical infrastructure engineer?

Entry level critical infrastructure engineers are professionals who help design, maintain, and improve essential systems such as power grids, water supply networks, transportation, and communication systems. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and are responsible for tasks like monitoring system performance, assisting in project planning, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Their work helps ensure that the basic services society relies on remain reliable and secure. Entry level roles also involve learning about risk management, regulatory requirements, and the latest technologies used in critical infrastructure.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level critical infrastructure engineer?

As an Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer, you will typically support senior engineers in designing, maintaining, and improving essential systems such as power grids, water supply networks, or transportation systems. Your daily tasks may include site assessments, assisting with technical documentation, performing system analyses, and troubleshooting operational issues. You'll also collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, project managers, and field technicians, to ensure solutions meet regulatory standards and safety requirements. This role often provides mentorship opportunities and a clear pathway for progression as you gain hands-on experience and professional certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level critical infrastructure engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, basic knowledge of infrastructure systems (such as power grids or water supply), and a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS tools, and common industry standards or certifications (such as FE/EIT) is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this position. These skills ensure safe, reliable infrastructure design and operation, supporting public safety and critical services.

What is the difference between Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer vs Entry Level Network Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Critical Infrastructure EngineerEntry Level Network Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA (basic)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA (basic)
Work EnvironmentUtilities, transportation, public infrastructureIT companies, telecom providers, corporate networks
Industry UsageCritical infrastructure sectorsIT and telecommunications sectors

Both roles involve networking fundamentals and certifications like Cisco CCNA. However, Critical Infrastructure Engineers focus on securing and maintaining essential public systems, while Network Engineers primarily work on corporate or private network infrastructure. The choice depends on whether you prefer working in public infrastructure or private sector networks.

How to become an entry level critical infrastructure engineer?

To become an entry-level critical infrastructure engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Gaining knowledge of infrastructure systems, cybersecurity, and network management, along with developing skills in relevant tools and obtaining certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA, can improve job prospects. Practical experience through internships or cooperative education programs is also valuable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Critical Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Critical Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $130,897 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

HPC Infrastructure Engineer - Travel role

Chicago, IL • On-site

PGTEK
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about PGTEKexternal

$90 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Infrastructure / High-Performance Computing (HPC) Support Engineer

We are seeking an Infrastructure / High-Performance Computing (HPC) Support Engineer to join our growing team. This is a hands-on deployment and support role focused on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure within enterprise and government data center environments.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in data centers, with preference given to individuals who have supported HPC environments or other large-scale compute infrastructure. This position requires 100% travel Monday through Friday to customer sites across the United States, with employees typically returning home on weekends.

Salary: $90,000-$100,000 (depending on experience)

Key Responsibilities
  • Deploy, install, and support HPC infrastructure at customer data centers nationwide
  • Install, position, level, and secure racks, cabinets, and associated hardware
  • Rack, stack, cable, and configure servers, storage, networking equipment, and HPC infrastructure
  • Perform top-of-rack and structured cabling according to deployment documentation and engineering standards
  • Perform hardware installation, break/fix, diagnostics, and component replacement across compute, storage, and networking platforms
  • Support Linux-based HPC environments, including system administration, operating system installation, patching, and upgrades
  • Assist with Linux systems integrated with Windows Server Active Directory environments
  • Troubleshoot hardware, operating systems, and infrastructure-related issues to restore service quickly
  • Validate system health and perform post-installation testing to ensure successful deployments
  • Support application installations, upgrades, and customer-specific requirements within secure environments
  • Maintain backup and recovery procedures while ensuring system availability and integrity
  • Document deployment activities, configurations, and technical findings
  • Safely operate lifts and material handling equipment while moving racks, servers, and infrastructure components
  • Lift up to 50 lbs independently and up to 90 lbs with assistance
  • Work on ladders and follow all customer and company safety requirements
  • 2-5 years of experience supporting enterprise data center infrastructure
  • Previous hands-on experience with rack and stack deployments, server installation, hardware break/fix, and structured cabling
  • Experience installing, placing, setting, and leveling server racks and cabinets
  • Experience connecting rack power to facility power or power whips is highly preferred
  • Experience supporting Linux operating systems such as RHEL, Rocky Linux, CentOS, or Ubuntu
  • Experience troubleshooting enterprise server hardware, storage, and networking components
  • Understanding of TCP/IP networking fundamentals and data center connectivity
  • Ability to read and follow deployment documentation, rack elevations, and cabling diagrams
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently at customer sites
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced deployment environments
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance (existing clearance preferred)
  • Willingness to travel 100% Monday-Friday throughout the United States
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI, GPU, or clustered compute environments
  • Experience with NVIDIA, Dell PowerEdge, Supermicro, HPE, Lenovo, or similar enterprise server platforms
  • Experience with InfiniBand or high-speed Ethernet networking
  • Familiarity with HPC cluster deployments and large-scale compute environments
  • Experience working in government, defense, or classified environments
  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance

Our comprehensive benefits package for full-time salaried employees is effective immediately upon the start date. Benefits include comprehensive PPO medical coverage with access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) option, a vision plan, and dental insurance with the base dental plan option paid for by PGTEK. Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term disability, and Critical Illness insurance have premiums covered. Additionally, PGTEK offers a matching 401(k) plan and a discount on pet insurance through ASPCA Pet Insurance. An Employee Assistance Program is available at no cost to all employees. PGTEK offers a generous amount of PTO and Holidays, and an Education Assistance Program is available after 12 months of employment.

ABOUT PGTEK:

PGTEK is a true consulting organization dedicated to helping clients achieve their business and technology objectives utilizing our decades of experience and business relationships. PGTEK invests in the educational advancement of our staff by providing the necessary resources to complete Professional and Business Certifications. Our company is our people, and we treat them like family.

EOE, including disability/veterans

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