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Independent Contractor Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Wolverine Worldwide

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Network Engineer will be part of a team that works with Wolverine's software engineers and ... Strong cross-functional collaboration and the ability to work independently within a team structure

Early Warning Services

Sr. Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$107K - $146K/yr

Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the ... The Senior Network Engineer designs, builds, implements, automates, and supports complex network ...

Cedar Cares, Inc

Principal Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$163.62 - $240.62/hr

... independently and own complex problems end‑to‑end. The individual partners closely with Network Engineering leadership and cross‑functional architecture teams to lead high‑complexity ...

Addison Group

VOIP Senior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$125K - $140K/yr

We need an engineer who understands enterprise voice AND the network behind it and can independently troubleshoot difficult problems. What You'll Work With: * Enterprise VoIP / Voice infrastructure

New

Addison Group

VOIP Senior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

We need an engineer who understands enterprise voice AND the network behind it and can independently troubleshoot difficult problems. What You'll Work With: * Enterprise VoIP / Voice infrastructure

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Network Engineer JobsIndependent Contractor Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Independent Contractor Network Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$112.3K

$162.8K

How much do independent contractor network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor 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 an independent contractor network engineer?

An Independent Contractor Network Engineer is a professional who designs, implements, and manages computer networks on a contract basis, rather than as a full-time employee. They typically work with various clients or organizations to ensure network reliability, security, and performance. These engineers may handle tasks such as network troubleshooting, configuration, upgrades, and security assessments. As independent contractors, they are responsible for managing their own business operations, client relationships, and project timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor network engineer?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of network architecture, protocols, and troubleshooting, typically backed by a degree in computer science or related certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP. Familiarity with network management tools, firewalls, VPNs, and cloud networking platforms is also essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and effective client communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies ensure reliable network performance, client satisfaction, and successful project completion in a dynamic, client-driven environment.

How do independent contractor network engineers typically manage multiple client projects and deadlines?

Independent Contractor Network Engineers often juggle several projects at once, each with unique requirements and timelines. Successful contractors rely on strong organizational skills, clear communication, and effective use of project management tools to prioritize tasks and set realistic expectations with clients. It’s common to work remotely or on-site, depending on client needs, and proactive status updates help maintain transparency and client satisfaction. Building a reputation for reliability and flexibility is key to securing ongoing work and referrals in this role.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Network Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectIndependent Contractor Network EngineerNetwork Administrator
CredentialsCertifications like Cisco CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+Similar certifications often required, such as Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-specific, often remote or client sitesFull-time, in-house or office-based
Employer/Industry UsageFreelance or consulting firms, multiple clientsOrganizations, companies, or institutions
Search/Comparison IntentProject-based, freelance, or contract networking rolesIn-house network management roles

The main difference is that Independent Contractor Network Engineers work on a contract basis, often with multiple clients and project-specific tasks, while Network Administrators typically hold full-time positions managing internal networks within an organization. Both roles require similar certifications and technical skills, but their work environments and employment structures differ.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Independent Contractor Network Engineer job openings:

Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs near you

Network Engineer

Wolverine Worldwide

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The network team designs, implements, and supports the network infrastructure for Wolverine's proprietary real-time trading systems, including proprietary hardware platforms, with a focus on low latency. Network performance and redundancy are critical to the global trading operation. The Network Engineer will be part of a team that works with Wolverine's software engineers and traders to support the high availability of the electronic trading infrastructure.
This is a hybrid position, with a mixture of working from home and working in our Chicago office. The candidate is expected to be local to the Metropolitan Chicago area and will periodically travel to Chicago and New Jersey area data centers.
  • Design, engineer, and implement low-latency network solutions based on requirements from business stakeholders
  • Own and manage strategic projects to implement and optimize low-latency, high-performance network solutions at and between data center locations
  • Work with financial exchanges, brokers, and banks to implement network connectivity in shared colocation facilities
  • Carry out high-level analysis and troubleshooting of the network infrastructure
  • Respond to network requests and troubleshoot network failures to diagnose, isolate, and resolve complex problems, ensuring timely results and minimal disruption to operations
  • Perform network maintenance and system upgrades, including patches and hotfixes to address vendor bugs and vulnerabilities
  • Monitor system resource utilization and historical trends, and perform capacity planning
  • Provide the technical knowledge needed to ensure safe, effective, and efficient changes to the network infrastructure
  • Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation
  • Participate in the team's on-call rotation
  • Minimum of 6 years in a technical networking environment as a network engineer
  • Deep, hands-on experience with complex network designs and principles, including L2 switching and dynamic routing (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP) in complex environments, with advanced traffic steering, filtering, and route redistribution
  • Strong network security fundamentals: firewalling (ASA, Palo Alto), security zones and DMZ design, network ACLs, NAT, and site-to-site IPSec VPN
  • Solid knowledge of multicast (PIM, IGMP) and best practices for deploying it, including the delivery of real-time market data feeds
  • Extensive knowledge of network operating systems (IOS / NX-OS / EOS / PANOS based network devices)
  • Ability to troubleshoot network latency and packet-drop issues using monitoring, diagnostic, and packet analysis tools (e.g., tcpdump, Wireshark)
  • Meticulous attention to detail, with a proven ability to prioritize competing workloads and manage implementation schedules
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and the ability to work independently within a team structure
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to distill complex technical issues into clear, concise terms
  • Strategic thinking balanced with sharp day-to-day execution, and a commitment to continuous improvement

Preferred:
  • CCIE certification
  • Knowledge of exchange connectivity in financial trading environments
  • Experience working with financial exchanges, brokers, and banks
  • Experience with network automation; understanding of Python and Ansible
  • Experience with physical planning, implementing, and supporting space, power, and structured cabling within a data center environment
  • Experience troubleshooting fiber optic connectivity within and between data center locations

Bonus Points:
  • Hands-on experience with cloud services (AWS, GCP)
  • Understanding of network time synchronization protocols
  • Experience with databases and big data tools (e.g., MySQL, Splunk, InfluxDB, Grafana)
  • Experience with Linux shell utilities

We strive to be the experts of our own network, and this role is expected to operate with that mindset - including the willingness to invest the time needed to learn our environment in depth, and the humility to own and learn from mistakes.
We are currently only considering candidates who are presently authorized to work in the US for this position and who do not require visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Our flat organizational structure promotes teamwork across the Firm and offers easy access to senior staff. While we work exceptionally well as a team in the office, our bonds are further strengthened through company events, activities and giving back. Volleyball, soccer, hockey, 5K runs, picnic, parties, and trivia nights provide friendly competition and build better relationships. By getting out of our usual environment and doing out-of-the-ordinary things together, we foster creativity and broaden our imaginations to accomplish new challenges.
 
Benefits:
  • Highly competitive salary & bonus opportunity
  • Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling
  • 100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits for single coverage
  • Generous Paid Parental Leave
  • Retirement Plans: 401K and Roth 401K
  • Profit sharing plan
  • Long- and short-term disability 
Additional Perks:
  • Free breakfast and lunch from our in-house kitchen with rotating menus (including snacks!)
  • On-site gym with a subsidized membership
  • Frequent company outings
  • Opportunity to give back to organizations that help individuals in need in the Chicagoland area
Professional Development:
  • In-house education team - classes and resources are offered for continuous learning opportunities
  • Mentorship Program through your first six months of employment
The base compensation range for this role is approximately $150,000-$200,000 contingent on experience. Wolverine Trading's total compensation model includes base salary and an annual discretionary bonus.

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