Junior Level Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer’s and partner’s needs and solve their challenges.

Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.

You’ll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about – locally and globally.

Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

As an Advanced Network Engineer at Zebra Technologies, you will be a vital leader within our Global IT Network Team. In this role, you won’t just keep things running – you will serve as the technical spearhead for complex, global network implementations. You will help shape the future of Zebra’s infrastructure by establishing network architecture standards and directing the deployment of innovative solutions.

If you are passionate about driving enterprise‑level IT infrastructure forward, collaborating seamlessly across a global IT landscape, and mentoring junior engineers to reach their full potential, we want you on our team.

• Architect the Future: Lead the research, design, and planning of our enterprise network and network security architecture.
• Evaluate & Innovate: Perform advanced technology evaluations and Proof of Concept (PoC) testing. Develop network security solutions, including financial analysis of alternatives, to meet evolving business needs.
• Set the Standard: Develop, review, and approve installation requirements across LAN, WAN, VPN, firewalls, routers, and related network devices.
• M&A Integration: Lead network assessments for Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). Analyze pre‑built environments and develop project timelines to establish standardization.

• Ensure Business Continuity: Design and implement robust network infrastructure to support critical Disaster Recovery and Cyber Recovery exercises.
• Strengthen Posture: Continuously review system network security measures and implement necessary enhancements while strictly adhering to change control processes.
• Maintain Compliance: Ensure all network operations comply with applicable policies, procedures, and industry best practices, while providing Level 3 validation of network security changes.

• Act as the Expert: Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and provide strategic consulting support to business stakeholders.
• Level 3 Escalation: Respond to complex Network Security and Operations incidents, providing advanced troubleshooting, thorough post‑event analysis, and participating in an on‑call rotation.
• Drive Project Delivery: Independently manage projects, deliverables, and timelines for ongoing system upgrades.
• Empower the Team: Champion “shift‑left” opportunities by producing detailed High‑Level Designs (HLD), Low‑Level Designs (LLD), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and knowledge base articles.

• Deep Networking Knowledge: Master‑level understanding of data networking theory, advanced routing (BGP, OSPF), TCP/IP fundamentals, directory services, and complex LAN/WAN switching topologies.
• WAN & Cloud Infrastructure: Proven hands‑on experience manipulating routing metrics for WAN protocols. Thorough understanding of cloud networks (AWS/Azure/GCP), specifically designing intra‑ and inter‑cloud secure routing utilizing native cloud technologies alongside enterprise firewalls.
• Advanced Security Foundation: Deep knowledge of security protocols, cryptography, and zero‑trust concepts. Strong understanding of how systems are compromised based on known vulnerabilities to proactively secure the network.

• Technical Mentorship: A natural leader who provides clear direction, guides cross‑functional teams on standardized technology integration, and leads junior technical staff by example.
• Global & Customer‑Centric Mindset: Demonstrates strong empathy for global cultural differences and a highly customer‑centric approach to IT support.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Top‑tier troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills under pressure, paired with excellent communication skills to consult with cross‑functional stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive, proven experience in enterprise‑level network engineering, network security, and infrastructure architecture.
• Demonstrated experience operating within a large, complex, global IT environment.
• Zscaler Zero‑Trust Ecosystem: Deep familiarity with Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA), Zscaler Private Access (ZPA), Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX), and Zscaler Branch Connectors (ZTB).
• Data Center Automation & Visibility: Hands‑on experience utilizing Cisco Nexus Dashboard for centralized fabric management, proactive network monitoring, and operational automation across complex data center environments.
• Enterprise Wireless & Edge: Proficiency in HPE Mist Wireless, Cisco Meraki, and Cisco Enterprise Wireless technologies.
• Next‑Generation Firewalls: Extensive experience with Palo Alto Firewalls, supported by an active Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) or Administrator (PCNSA) certification to validate deep expertise in designing, deploying, and managing enterprise firewall.
• Travel Requirements: Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% globally or domestically as needed for major project implementations or M&A integrations.

• CCNP/CCIE (Enterprise and/or Data Center)
• JNCIP‑MistAI
• Zscaler Digital Transformation Engineer (ZDTE)
• CISSP or PCNSE

Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at workplace.accommodations@zebra.com.

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$108,960.00 – $163,440.00 Annual

In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance‑based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 12% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive – including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work.

Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job‑related skills, knowledge, and experience.

Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long‑term incentive equity awards.

We understand the importance of work‑life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual company‑wide well‑being day to promote revitalization and success.

To protect candidates from falling victim to online fraudulent activity involving fake job postings and employment offers, please be aware our recruiters will always connect with you via @zebra.com email accounts. Applications are only accepted through our applicant tracking system and only accept personal identifying information through that system. Our Talent Acquisition team will not ask for you to provide personal identifying information via e‑mail or outside of the system. If you are a victim of identity theft contact your local police department.

Zebra Technologies leverages AI technology to evaluate job applications using objective, job‑relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and promotes fairness in the hiring process. However, every decision regarding interviews and hiring is made by our dedicated team, because we believe people make the best decisions about people. For more on how we use technology in hiring and how we process applicant data, see Zebra Privacy Policy.