Freelance Python Network Programming Jobs in Des Plaines, IL

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Network Engineer to join our Global Infrastructure team based in Chicago. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-growing environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and wants to play a key role in shaping the future of a global enterprise network. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, supporting, and continuously improving our global network infrastructure across North America, Europe, and Asia. This position requires both strong technical expertise and the ability to collaborate effectively with business stakeholders, project teams, security teams, cloud engineers, and support organizations. This is a hands-on engineering role with opportunities to influence architecture, drive standardization, and support strategic infrastructure initiatives.
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - 3 days per week in office)
What You'll Do
Network Engineering & Operations
Design, deploy, and support enterprise network solutions across global sites.
Troubleshoot complex network issues across LAN, WAN, Wireless, Internet, VPN, and Cloud environments.
Provide Tier 3 escalation support for critical production incidents.
Participate in on-call rotation and major incident response activities.
Support network lifecycle management, upgrades, and refresh projects.
Enterprise Networking
Configure and support:
Cisco Switching
Cisco Wireless
Meraki Wireless
Palo Alto Firewalls
VPN technologies
Routing and Switching platforms
Manage:
BGP
OSPF
Static Routing
VLANs
QoS
High Availability solutions
Security & Identity
Work closely with cybersecurity teams to maintain secure network architectures.
Support:
802.1X
Network Access Control
DHCP Snooping
Segmentation initiatives
Firewall policies
Zero Trust initiatives
Cloud Networking
Support cloud connectivity and networking solutions across:
Microsoft Azure
AWS
Assist with:
VPN connectivity
Hybrid networking
Cloud routing
Security integration
Wireless & User Experience
Improve wireless performance and end-user experience globally.
Support wireless standardization initiatives.
Troubleshoot roaming, authentication, and connectivity issues.
Work with endpoint and infrastructure teams to deliver reliable connectivity for Windows and macOS users.
Projects & Continuous Improvement
Lead network-related infrastructure projects.
Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and automate operations.
Develop technical standards and best practices.
Participate in global network transformation initiatives.
Required Experience7+ years of enterprise networking experience.
Experience supporting medium to large global environments.
Strong troubleshooting skills across multiple technologies.
Experience supporting production environments with high availability requirements.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong experience with:
Cisco Catalyst Switching
Cisco Wireless
Meraki Wireless
Palo Alto Firewalls
BGP
OSPF
VPN Technologies
DHCP
DNS
TCP/IP
Network Security
Enterprise Wireless Design
SD-WAN concepts
Network Monitoring platforms
Cloud Experience
Experience with:Microsoft Azure Networking
AWS Networking
Hybrid Cloud Connectivity
Preferred Qualifications
Palo Alto Certifications
CCNP Enterprise
PCNSE
Azure Network Engineer Associate
Experience with Prisma Access
Experience with SASE architectures
Experience with automation and scripting (PowerShell, Python, Terraform)
Soft Skills
We're looking for someone who:Takes ownership and drives issues to resolution.
Is comfortable working independently.
Communicates effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Can explain complex technical concepts in simple terms.
Is proactive and continuously looks for improvement opportunities.
Enjoys mentoring junior engineers.
Works well in a collaborative global environment.
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing global organization while working alongside experienced infrastructure, security, and cloud professionals.