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Junior Level Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

CruiTek

Mid-Level Network Engineer-Onsite

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mid-Level Network Engineer-Onsite No 3rd PARTIES or Sponsorships Location Chicago, IL 60622 Great Company Unlimited Growth *6 Months-Contract to Hire-100K Range when perm. *Very Specific Skill Set ...

New

Cruitek

Mid-Level Network Engineer-Onsite

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mid-Level Network Engineer-Onsite No 3rd PARTIES or Sponsorships Location Chicago, IL 60622 Great Company Unlimited Growth *6 Months-Contract to Hire-100K Range when perm. *Very Specific Skill Set ...

City Of Gary

JR. Network Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

$56K/yr

Chief Innovation Officer Status: Full-Time The Jr. Network Engineer reporting to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is responsible for the provisioning, installation, configuration, operation, and ...

1 point system

Network Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

We are seeking a Sr-Level Network Engineer to support Exelon's network refresh programs across multiple projects, including branch refreshes and real estate/customer initiatives (e.g., new site ...

SDI Presence

Junior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$33 - $38/hr

Summary The Junior Network Engineer Junior is an entry level role focused on supporting the installation and maintenance of our client's network infrastructure. This position offers hands-on ...

SDI Presence

Junior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $38/hr

Summary The Junior Network Engineer Junior is an entry level role focused on supporting the installation and maintenance of our client's network infrastructure. This position offers hands-on ...

SDI Presence

Junior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Summary The Junior Network Engineer Junior is an entry level role focused on supporting the installation and maintenance of our client's network infrastructure. This position offers hands-on ...

SDI Presence

Junior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$33 - $38/hr

Summary The Junior Network Engineer Junior is an entry level role focused on supporting the installation and maintenance of our client's network infrastructure. This position offers hands-on ...

RXinsider LTD.

Network Engineer Advanced

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$109 - $163/hr

... junior engineers to reach their full potential, we want you on our team. What You Will Do ... Level 3 Escalation: Respond to complex Network Security and Operations incidents, providing ...

New

IPsoft Inc.

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Our large portfolio of clients allows engineers to gain exposure to a wide variety of network ... higher level. Ability to mentor and train junior team members is strongly desired. Rockstar ...

Calsoft Systems

Junior Network Engineer

Countryside, IL · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Network monitoring and issue resolution for WAN and LAN connectivity, routers, firewalls, and other security products. * Perform tasks detailed in support tickets assigned, and document actions taken ...

New

TransMarket Group

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Design network solutions for TMG's automated trading infrastructure * Implement and maintain a high ... Mentor junior engineers from a technical perspective Requirements * Seasoned engineer, ideally with ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLevel Network Engineer JobsJunior Level Network Engineer JobsJunior Level Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Junior Level Network Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$67.1K

$95.8K

How much do junior level network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior level network engineer in Chicago, IL is $67,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior level network engineer?

Junior Level Network Engineers are entry-level professionals responsible for assisting in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware and software. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to troubleshoot connectivity issues, monitor network performance, and ensure the security and reliability of network systems. These roles are ideal for those starting their careers in networking, as they provide foundational experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and various networking protocols. Junior engineers may also assist with documentation, user support, and the implementation of network upgrades as directed by senior staff.

What are some common challenges faced by junior level network engineers in their first year on the job?

Junior Level Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unfamiliar network issues, adapting to rapidly changing technologies, and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. They may also need to quickly learn how to document network changes accurately and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical team members. Gaining hands-on experience with complex equipment and navigating enterprise-level networks can be daunting initially, but these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and help build a strong foundation for career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior level network engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Level Network Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of networking concepts, troubleshooting, and basic security principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with network hardware, Cisco IOS, and certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and clear communication help you effectively resolve issues and support users. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining network reliability, ensuring security, and enabling seamless connectivity within an organization.

What is the difference between Junior Level Network Engineer vs Network Technician?

AspectJunior Level Network EngineerNetwork Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA (preferred)
ResponsibilitiesDesign, configure, troubleshoot network systems, assist in planningInstall, maintain, and repair network hardware and connections
Work EnvironmentOffice, data centers, network labsOn-site, hardware installation sites, support centers
Industry UsageIT companies, telecom providers, enterprise networksTelecom, IT support, hardware vendors

The main difference is that Junior Level Network Engineers focus on designing and troubleshooting network systems, often requiring some planning and configuration skills, while Network Technicians primarily handle hardware installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Are junior level network engineers still in demand?

Junior level network engineers are still in demand as organizations continue to expand their IT infrastructure and require support for network setup, maintenance, and security. Entry-level roles often seek candidates with foundational knowledge of networking protocols, certifications like CompTIA Network+, and familiarity with tools such as Cisco or Juniper devices.

How to get into junior level network engineering with no experience?

To start as a junior level network engineer with no experience, focus on gaining foundational knowledge through online courses or certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA. Practical skills can be developed by setting up home labs, volunteering for IT tasks, or participating in internships to build hands-on experience and demonstrate your interest in networking.

What are popular job titles related to Junior Level Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Junior Level Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Junior Level Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Level Network Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,100 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Mid - Level Network Engineer

LaSalle Network

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Key responsibilities

  • Deploy, configure, and support enterprise networking infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless solutions.

  • Provide Tier 1-3 support for client and internal network environments, troubleshooting and resolving network issues.

  • Serve as a technical resource during implementations and support engagements, communicating updates and technical recommendations to stakeholders.

Job description


Mid-Level Network Engineer

Our client is seeking a Mid-Level Network Engineer to join their growing infrastructure team in a client-facing, hands-on role supporting both customer environments and internal systems. This position is ideal for a networking professional with approximately 3-5 years of experience who enjoys a blend of project-based implementations, troubleshooting, and ongoing customer support.


The ideal candidate possesses strong networking fundamentals, excellent communication skills, and the ability to independently execute network deployments while serving as a trusted advisor to clients.


Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Rate: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour

Compensation will be determined based on experience, technical qualifications, certifications, and overall fit for the position. Candidates with strong networking experience, client-facing abilities, and relevant certifications may be considered at the higher end of the range.

Benefits: LaSalle Network consultants are eligible to enroll in benefits. For details, visit ;/div>

What You'll Do

Network Implementations & Deployments



  • Deploy, configure, and support enterprise networking infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless solutions.



  • Independently install and configure switch stacks of up to five switches, including:




    • Physical installation and cabling



    • Stack configuration and validation



    • VLAN creation and assignment



    • Trunk and access port configuration



    • Uplink configuration



    • Firmware verification and updates



    • Connectivity testing and deployment validation




  • Participate in network refreshes, migrations, and infrastructure expansion projects.



  • Create and maintain implementation documentation, network diagrams, and technical runbooks.



  • Assist with network assessments and recommend improvements to network performance, scalability, and reliability.



Network Operations & Support



  • Provide Tier 1-3 support for client and internal network environments.



  • Troubleshoot and resolve routing, switching, wireless, VPN, firewall, and connectivity issues.



  • Monitor network performance and identify opportunities for optimization.



  • Respond to escalated incidents and assist with root cause analysis (RCA).



  • Participate in a manageable on-call rotation supporting production environments.



  • Maintain network documentation, inventory, and change management records.



Client Engagement



  • Serve as a technical resource during implementations and support engagements.



  • Communicate project updates, technical recommendations, and issue resolutions to stakeholders.



  • Build strong relationships with clients through responsiveness, professionalism, and technical expertise.



  • Collaborate with end users, IT leadership, and third-party vendors to ensure successful outcomes.



  • Participate in client meetings and provide technical guidance on infrastructure best practices.



Vendor & Technical Collaboration



  • Work directly with vendors and OEMs to troubleshoot issues and coordinate support cases.



  • Assist with technology evaluations, solution recommendations, and best practice adoption.



  • Collaborate with senior engineers on complex infrastructure projects and escalations.



  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiencies.




Qualifications

Required



  • 3+ years of network engineering, network administration, or infrastructure support experience.



  • Strong knowledge of:




    • TCP/IP



    • Routing & Switching



    • VLANs



    • Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)



    • DNS & DHCP



    • Wireless Networking



    • Network Security Fundamentals




  • Experience deploying and supporting Cisco, Meraki, Aruba, Fortinet, or comparable enterprise networking technologies.



  • Ability to independently deploy and configure a 5-switch stack in a production environment while validating connectivity and performance.



  • Experience working across multiple technology disciplines such as networking, cloud, security, or systems infrastructure.



  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.



  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a customer-first mindset.



  • Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.



Preferred



  • Experience with Azure or AWS cloud environments.



  • Exposure to VMware and server infrastructure technologies.



  • Previous MSP, consulting, or client-facing IT experience.



  • Additional certifications such as Fortinet NSE, Security+, Azure certifications, or CCNP.




Why Join?



  • Growth-driven addition to an expanding engineering team.



  • Contract-to-hire opportunity with long-term career potential.



  • Exposure to diverse technologies and client environments.



  • Collaborative team culture with shared knowledge and mentorship.



  • Hands-on project work with significant client interaction and ownership.



  • Opportunity to expand technical expertise across networking, security, and cloud technologies.



  • Minimal travel requirements.



  • Manageable on-call rotation.




Work Environment



  • Hybrid workload consisting of client implementations and ongoing support activities.



  • Client-facing role with a steady flow of project work and occasional high-priority escalations.



  • Collaborative engineering team that encourages knowledge sharing and professional development.



  • Hands-on manager who provides support while empowering engineers to own projects and client relationships.




Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a well-rounded network professional who combines strong technical capabilities with excellent client-facing communication skills. The right candidate can confidently manage deployments, troubleshoot complex networking issues, collaborate across teams, and independently execute projects such as deploying and configuring a multi-switch stack while maintaining exceptional customer service.


#LI-LY1

#LNTS

#Dice

LaSalle Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v.


LaSalle Network is the leading provider of direct hire and temporary staffing services. For over two decades, LaSalle has helped organizations hire faster and connect top talent with opportunities, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Revenue Cycle, Call Center, Human Resources and Executive Search. LaSalle offers staffing and recruiting solutions to companies of all sizes and across all industries.


LaSalle Network is the premier staffing and recruiting firm, earning over 100 culture, revenue and industry-based awards from major publications and having its company experts regularly contribute insights on retention strategies, hiring trends and hiring challenges, and more to national news outlets. LaSalle Network offers temporary Field Employees benefit plans including medical, dental and vision coverage. Family Medical Leave, Worker's compensation, Paid Leave and Sick Leave are also provided.


View a full list of our benefits here:


All assignments are at-will and their duration is subject to change.

LaSalle Network logo

About LaSalle Network

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

LaSalle Network is the leading provider of professional staffing and recruiting services. LaSalle has worked with more than 10,000 companies, ranging from Fortune 500s to start ups. With units specializing in accounting and finance, administrative, marketing, executive search, technology, supply chain, healthcare revenue cycle, call center, and human resources, LaSalle serves companies of all sizes and across all industries.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1998

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