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

Senior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Substitution Graduate study in the designated fields may be substituted for experience on a year ... Civil service status as a Network Engineer. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Our new graduate hires work alongside experienced engineers and learn advanced skills in C ... Interest in using knowledge from several areas -- such as hardware, networking, OS design -- to ...

New

Project Engineer

Munster, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

We will train an entry level graduate and/or hire an experienced industrial construction project ... To stay connected with our network, please follow us on LinkedIn

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Showing results 1-20

Graduate Network Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$112.3K

$162.8K

How much do graduate network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 is a graduate network engineer?

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.

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 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.

Are graduate network engineers still in demand?

Graduate network engineers are still in demand as organizations continue to expand and upgrade their network infrastructure. Skills in network configuration, security, and certifications like Cisco CCNA can enhance job prospects in this field.
Infographic showing various Graduate Network Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,327 per year, or $54 per hour.

Senior Network Engineer

MWRD

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Under direction, ensures network capacity and future network requirements; plans hardware and communications facilities; ensures compatibility of software and hardware products. Supervises the acquisition, installation and maintenance of remote hardware and software.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Supervises the planning, design, procurement, installation, and performance of the wide/local area network configuration and associated hardware and software.
  • Supervises the planning, design, procurement, installation, and performance of voice communication system hardware and software.
  • Troubleshoots and resolves wide/local area network and voice communication issues and anticipates and resolves potential future problems.
  • Analyzes technology risks and security risks and notifies supervisor if warranted.
  • Assists in the planning, design, procurement, installation, and performance of Windows client/server system hardware and software.
  • Develops and maintains budget for unit; assists in planning and administering section budget.
  • Supervises the maintenance and support to voice and data communication network hardware and software.
  • Reviews products and resolves problems with outside vendors and technical personnel.
  • Plans and implements wide area network configuration and associated hardware and software.
  • Supervises telecommunications support for all District locations.
  • Supervises the support of data network including the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and design of wide area network.
  • Provides maintenance support to voice communication network hardware.
  • Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with District policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion or discharge.
  • Monitors or tracks project milestones and deliverables.
Other Job Functions
  • Participates in research, evaluation and implementation of prototypes of new products and services.
  • Provides training to subordinates.
  • Provides after hours and weekend support when required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of computer architecture, operating systems and computer languages.
  • Extensive knowledge of local area networks, wide area networks and distributed database systems.
  • Extensive knowledge of communications equipment and associated operating systems.
  • Some knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures relating to project definition, task breakdown, scheduling, manpower loading, costing and project management.
  • Skill in technical writing, documentation and script writing.
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to perform technical studies and to coordinate activities relating to planning, developing, implementing, controlling and revising the District's networks.
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinate technical and administrative staff.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in information technology, computer science, or a closely related field and four years of experience in the design, installation and maintenance of network communications including LAN/WAN systems.

Substitution

Graduate study in the designated fields may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years. Additional professional experience in network design, installation and maintenance may be substituted for the required education of a year-for-year basis. A Cisco CCNA certification may be substituted for one year of the required education or experience.

Promotional Requirement
  • One year of service with the District as a Network Engineer.
  • Civil service status as a Network Engineer.
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Senior Network Engineer (#20004120)

General Statement Under direction, ensures network capacity and future network requirements; plans hardware and communications facilities; ensures compatibility of software and hardware products. Supervises the acquisition, installation and maintenance of remote hardware and software.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Supervises the planning, design, procurement, installation, and performance of the wide/local area network configuration and associated hardware and software.
  • Supervises the planning, design, procurement, installation, and performance of voice communication system hardware and software.
  • Troubleshoots and resolves wide/local area network and voice communication issues and anticipates and resolves potential future problems.
  • Analyzes technology risks and security risks and notifies supervisor if warranted.
  • Assists in the planning, design, procurement, installation, and performance of Windows client/server system hardware and software.
  • Develops and maintains budget for unit; assists in planning and administering section budget.
  • Supervises the maintenance and support to voice and data communication network hardware and software.
  • Reviews products and resolves problems with outside vendors and technical personnel.
  • Plans and implements wide area network configuration and associated hardware and software.
  • Supervises telecommunications support for all District locations.
  • Supervises the support of data network including the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and design of wide area network.
  • Provides maintenance support to voice communication network hardware.
  • Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with District policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion or discharge.
  • Monitors or tracks project milestones and deliverables.
Other Job Functions
  • Participates in research, evaluation and implementation of prototypes of new products and services.
  • Provides training to subordinates.
  • Provides after hours and weekend support when required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of computer architecture, operating systems and computer languages.
  • Extensive knowledge of local area networks, wide area networks and distributed database systems.
  • Extensive knowledge of communications equipment and associated operating systems.
  • Some knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures relating to project definition, task breakdown, scheduling, manpower loading, costing and project management.
  • Skill in technical writing, documentation and script writing.
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Active listening skills.
  • Ability to perform technical studies and to coordinate activities relating to planning, developing, implementing, controlling and revising the District's networks.
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinate technical and administrative staff.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in information technology, computer science, or a closely related field and four years of experience in the design, installation and maintenance of network communications including LAN/WAN systems.

Substitution

Graduate study in the designated fields may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years. Additional professional experience in network design, installation and maintenance may be substituted for the required education of a year-for-year basis. A Cisco CCNA certification may be substituted for one year of the required education or experience.

Promotional Requirement
  • One year of service with the District as a Network Engineer.
  • Civil service status as a Network Engineer.
CLASS: 20004120; EST: 1/1/2016; REV: 11/24/2025;
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