Entry Level Critical Infrastructure Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position Title: Network Infrastructure Engineer
Location: On-premises
Type of Employment: Full-time

Job Description:
The Network Infrastructure Engineer is responsible for supporting and maintaining critical client and internal Net56 network systems, ensuring uptime, resiliency, and seamless functionality of infrastructure services. This role involves hands-on troubleshooting, site visits, proactive monitoring, and effective communication with clients and internal teams. As a key member of the Network Operations team, the engineer works closely with other departments to address service-impacting issues, support hardware upgrades, and maintain documentation across environments. The engineer is expected to provide highly responsive support, including 24/7 availability for urgent network issues or outages.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Infrastructure Support and Troubleshooting:
   • Act as the first point of contact for client network infrastructure issues.
   • Respond to urgent outages or service disruptions, including traveling on-site when necessary.
   • Deploy, troubleshoot and support a wide array of systems including firewalls, routing, switching, VoIP, access points, and servers’ hardware and operation systems, UPS systems.
2. Network Monitoring and Maintenance:
   • Utilize monitoring and other monitoring platforms to track network performance and detect anomalies.
   • Maintain network infrastructure inventory, vendor services agreements, , documentation of firmware/software versions and track end-of-life/service hardware across client networks.
   • Create and maintain detailed network topology maps and diagrams including APs, switches, servers, UPS, etc.
3. Hardware and Software Configuration:
   • Configure and maintain Cisco switches, routers, and other business-critical equipment.
   • Configure / Assist with server infrastructure tasks, including servers, MS Hyper-V / VMware hypervisors, security patches, hardware expansion, and storage upgrades.
   • Manage device credentials and password storage via internal password management systems.
4. Project Support and Flexibility:
   • Support implementation, upgrade, and network migration projects alongside the broader NOC team.
   • Be prepared for schedule changes or urgent task assignments depending on priority or business impact.
   • Maintain responsiveness and adaptability for after-hours or weekend service needs as required.
5. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Document service processes and changes thoroughly in ConnectWise.
   • Communicate effectively with coworkers, project leads, and client stakeholders to ensure clarity and consistency.
   • Coordinate with internal teams such as the Service Desk and Applications group on cross-functional technical issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification. Candidate must maintain active CCNA certification.
• Strong skills with Cisco , HP switches
• Strong skills of VMware vCenter and vSphere.
• Understanding MS Windows , Hyper-V , Linux platform
• Basic Understanding VoIP and Speakers
• Strong understanding wireless platform Cisco Wireless Controllers, Meraki, Juniper Mist.
• Experience with Cisco and FortiGate firewalls.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Familiarity with physical and logical network layouts and best practices for documentation and change tracking.
• Previous experience in a client-facing technical support or network engineering environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage travel-based support tasks, and prioritize critical service tickets

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• This role requires regular driving (up to 50%) to and from client sites for troubleshooting, maintenance, and hardware deployment.
• Must be able to lift, transport, and install network equipment such as switches, routers, and server components, etc.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• This role requires On-Call work, after work hours and/or during weekends.

Salary range based on experience and level.

Must currently live within 30 minute driving distance from Deer Park, IL.

Employment Type:
• Full-Time (On-Call Rotation as Needed)
• Part-Time (Evenings, Nights & Weekends)