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Graduate Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

IDEX Corporation

Network Operations Lead

Northbrook, IL · On-site

Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX ... With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ...

IDEX

Network Operations Lead

Northbrook, IL · On-site

Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX ... With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ...

Deegit Inc

Network Architecture

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$65.75 - $88.25/hr

... graduate-level coursework 2. Minimum of eight plus years of network support and systems-level programming 3. Cisco Certified Engineer strongly preferred 4. Experience with EMC storage arrays ...

Quantiq

Hardware Developer- New Graduate

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Hardware Developer-New Graduate, you will work in our Chicago office, both independently and ... Your scope of responsibilities will span the entire network stack, from packet processing in FPGA ...

Chicago

Fall Programming Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

Network in cooperation with the Fox Television Stations, the Start TV Network and the Dabl Network ... or graduate degree program · Enthusiastic about pursuing a career in the media/entertainment ...

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All JobsGraduate Network Engineer JobsGraduate Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Graduate Network Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32K

$112.4K

$162.9K

How much do graduate network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate network engineer in Chicago, IL is $112,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,800.00 and $137,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Network Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking concepts, troubleshooting skills, and a relevant degree such as computer science, information technology, or network engineering. Familiarity with networking hardware, operating systems (Windows, Linux), and certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+ are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities help you adapt and solve problems effectively in collaborative environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring reliable network performance, supporting colleagues, and advancing within rapidly evolving IT infrastructures.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Graduate Network Engineer?

As a Graduate Network Engineer, your daily tasks often include monitoring network performance, assisting with troubleshooting connectivity issues, configuring new hardware devices, and supporting senior engineers on larger projects such as network upgrades or migrations. You may also be involved in documenting network changes, responding to support tickets, and learning about emerging technologies relevant to the organization. Working closely with IT teams, you’ll collaborate to maintain overall system security and efficiency. The role provides ongoing learning opportunities and helps you build a strong foundation for future specialization or advancement in the field.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior network engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like cybersecurity or cloud infrastructure, and relevant certifications such as CCIE or CISSP can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often involve managing large-scale networks, leading teams, or working in high-demand industries, typically with long hours and advanced technical expertise.

What does a graduate network engineer do?

A graduate network engineer assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks within an organization. They troubleshoot network issues, configure hardware and software, and often work with network protocols and tools like Cisco or Juniper devices, typically under supervision as they gain experience.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, especially in high-demand sectors like technology or finance.

What is a Graduate Network Engineer job?

A Graduate Network Engineer is an entry-level role focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining network systems. They assist senior engineers with troubleshooting, configuring network devices, and ensuring network security and efficiency. Typically, they work with routers, switches, firewalls, and various networking protocols. This role provides hands-on experience and builds a foundation for career growth in networking and IT infrastructure.

Are network engineers still in demand?

Network engineers are still in demand due to ongoing growth in IT infrastructure, cloud computing, and cybersecurity needs. They are required to design, implement, and maintain network systems, often with certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+ to enhance employability.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Graduate Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Graduate Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Network Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,415 per year, or $54 per hour.
5G/LTE Network Engineer I

5G/LTE Network Engineer I

Parallel Wireless

Mundelein, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Parallel Wireless is reimagining mobile networks with innovative, energy-efficient Open RAN solutions. Join us as we lead the future of telecommunications, driving innovation through green and sustainable networks. Learn more about our mission, vision and values.  
Job Summary

You will work across the full lifecycle of mobile network infrastructure from lab integration and commissioning through live deployment, performance monitoring, and ongoing optimization. One day you're tracing a signaling failure at the protocol level; the next you're investigating why a cluster of cells is underperforming against their KPI targets. This is a hands-on, technically demanding role with no shortage of variety. You'll be expected to think independently, dig hard when you're stuck, and grow quickly. If you're the kind of person who reads beyond the syllabus and finds mobile networks genuinely fascinating rather than just academically interesting, you'll fit right in. This role is based out of our Head Quarters office in Nashua, NH, 45 miles north of Boston.

Key Responsibilities
  • Deploy, configure, and commission LTE eNodeBs to work with 3 party EPC components (MME, SGW, PGW), and 5G NR/Core elements in lab and live customer environments
  • Perform end-to-end system integration and interface testing across S1, X2, N1, N2, and N3 reference points
  • Analyze protocol traces (S1AP, NGAP, X2AP, E2AP, GTP-U, DIAMETER, SCTP) to diagnose signaling failures, handover issues, and connectivity anomalies
  • Monitor and troubleshoot RAN and core KPIs for accessibility, retainability, mobility, availability and performance and own root-cause analysis when they degrade
  • Operate and maintain network performance management systems, identifying trends and anomalies across multi-vendor environments before they become customer-impacting events
  • Support customer-facing lab trials and network acceptance testing, including direct engagement with operator engineering teams
  • Develop scripts and tooling in Python and Bash to automate data collection, processing, and reporting workflows
  • Write and maintain technically rigorous documentation: network topology diagrams, test plans, commissioning procedures, and incident post-mortems
  • Contribute to the integration of next-generation monitoring capabilities, including AI/ML-driven anomaly detection and intelligent alerting, into operational platforms
  • Stay current on 3GPP specifications, GSMA guidelines, and evolving 5G standards; you'll be expected to read specs, not just summaries of them
Requirements
  • A Bachelor’s or Masters’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Networks, or a related field, recent graduate or up to 1 year of experience
  • Be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
  • Theoretical foundation in LTE/5G RAN and core network architecture
  • Comfort working in Linux environments from the command line
  • Basic scripting ability in Python or Bash
  • Ability to read and interpret packet captures even if you're still building that skill
  • Analytical mindset: you approach a problem by forming a hypothesis and testing it systematically
  • An appetite for data: you find patterns in large datasets interesting, not overwhelming
  • Clear written and verbal communication: your analysis is only as good as your ability to explain it
  • Ability to travel internationally as needed
Parallel Wireless is expanding the ecosystem for Open RAN with the GreenRAN™ energy-efficient Hardware-Agnostic technology. Deployed worldwide, our comprehensive 2G/3G/4G/5G Macro RAN solutions enhance network security while reducing operating expenses. As pioneers of Open RAN, we prioritize innovation, flexibility, and sustainability to help build a more connected, and green networks. Headquartered in the USA with global R&D centers, we are proud to serve over 60 customers worldwide and have been recognized with over 100 industry awards. Our mission is to accelerate GSMA’s Mobile Net Zero initiative by reducing TCO and driving innovation across the telecom ecosystem.Learn more at www.parallelwireless.com.
Parallel Wireless embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building inclusive and diverse teams representing all backgrounds, with a wide range of perspectives, and empowering industry-leading skills. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.Parallel Wireless does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies or individuals. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Parallel Wireless employees, or any other company location. Parallel Wireless is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.