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Junior Networking Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ... This position offers hands-on experience in networking, while working under Senior Network ...

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 ... This position offers hands-on experience in networking, while working under Senior Network ...

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 ... This position offers hands-on experience in networking, while working under Senior Network ...

paradigm

IT Network Engineer III

Lombard, IL · Hybrid

Remain current on networking, firewall, and security technologies and recommend improvements ... Provide guidance and mentorship to junior network engineers. * Collaborate closely with server ...

paradigm

IT Network Engineer III

Lombard, IL · Hybrid

Remain current on networking, firewall, and security technologies and recommend improvements ... Provide guidance and mentorship to junior network engineers. * Collaborate closely with server ...

Paradigm Corp.

IT Network Engineer III

Lombard, IL · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Remain current on networking, firewall, and security technologies and recommend improvements ... Provide guidance and mentorship to junior network engineers. * Collaborate closely with server ...

PROLIM Global Corporation

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... junior engineers. In depth knowledge and understanding of networking technologies, design principles, and the practical application of routers, switches, virtualization, storage, storage networking ...

Lurie Children's

IT Network Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $165/hr

Additionally, this position is expected to mentor more junior staff, i.e. the IT Network Engineer. This position performs tasks in association with IM Application and Infrastructure Teams. Duties may ...

New

TransMarket Group

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mentor junior engineers from a technical perspective Requirements * Seasoned engineer, ideally with ... Working knowledge of low latency networking concepts * Experience with firewall administration and ...

IPsoft Inc.

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL

You might be experienced in Networking, but if you're eager to learn more, IPsoft is the place for ... Mentor and provide guidance to junior team members. You will best represent IPsoft through every ...

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All JobsNetworking Engineer JobsJunior Networking Engineer JobsJunior Networking Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Junior Networking Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$32.5K

$69.6K

$106.1K

How much do junior networking engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior networking engineer in Illinois is $69,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a junior networking engineer?

A Junior Networking Engineer is responsible for assisting in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network systems. Their duties typically include configuring network hardware, monitoring network performance, resolving connectivity issues, and supporting senior engineers in larger projects. They may also help with documentation, network security tasks, and responding to user support requests. This role is often an entry-level position that provides foundational experience in network administration and engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior networking engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Networking Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, such as TCP/IP, routing, and switching, often supported by a relevant degree or entry-level certification like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA. Familiarity with network management tools, firewalls, and basic troubleshooting utilities is typically expected. Analytical thinking, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for maintaining reliable network performance, quickly resolving issues, and collaborating with team members in dynamic IT environments.

What types of projects or tasks can a junior networking engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As a Junior Networking Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on tasks such as configuring switches and routers, assisting with network troubleshooting, and performing routine maintenance. You'll often support senior engineers on larger projects like network upgrades or deployments, and may be tasked with monitoring network performance and documenting network changes. Collaborating closely with IT support and security teams is common, enabling you to develop a well-rounded understanding of the organization's infrastructure. This exposure helps you build practical skills and prepares you for more advanced responsibilities over time.

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

AspectJunior Networking EngineerNetwork Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+CCNA, CompTIA Network+
ResponsibilitiesDesign, configure, and troubleshoot network systems; assist in network planningInstall, maintain, and repair network hardware; perform routine troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentOffice, data centers, network labsOn-site client locations, server rooms, data centers
Industry UsageIT companies, telecom providers, large organizationsIT support firms, enterprise networks, service providers

The main difference between a Junior Networking Engineer and a Network Technician lies in their responsibilities. Junior Networking Engineers focus on designing and planning networks, while Network Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in related environments, but the Engineer role involves more planning and configuration tasks.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Junior Networking Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Junior Networking Engineer job openings:

Junior Networking Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Networking Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,575 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Junior Network Engineer

Trace Systems

Scott Air Force Base, IL • On-site

$60K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Overview
Job Title: Junior Network Engineer
Location: Scott AFB, Illinois
Job Responsibilities
Trace Systems is seeking a Junior Network Engineer to provide Tier I network operations, user coordination, monitoring, Active Directory support, ticket documentation, and troubleshooting assistance for EACN at Scott AFB. The project associated with this position is currently in the proposal stage.
  • Coordinate network requirements with users, site personnel, and higher-tier engineering support.
  • Perform system-administration tasks on Microsoft Active Directory networks.
  • Operate Government-furnished network monitoring tools, including SolarWinds, to provide real-time statistics and support troubleshooting.
  • Create, update, and verify incident tickets, including accurate descriptions, actions taken, and resolution details.
  • Support the Air Force Network Operations Center, Network Operations Division, 26th Network Operations Group Detachment 2, Network Security Division, and AFCERT requirements.
  • Assist with routine network checks, user coordination, documentation, escalation, and restoration of service.
  • Maintain technical publications and support accountability for assigned EACN equipment when designated.

In accordance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the following pay scale and benefits information is being provided as required for positions subject to Illinois pay transparency requirements.
Salary Minimum: $60,000
Salary Maximum: $78,000
The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the Trace salary range for this position. Actual salaries may vary above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. In addition, Trace provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, company holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Minimum Qualifications
  • Active, in-scope US Government issued Secret clearance (minimum); higher-level eligibility may be required based on assigned access.
  • Due to the nature of the work and contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.
  • Candidates must meet the applicable DoD 8140 qualification requirements for the assigned work role. DoD 8140 Work Role(s): 441 Network Operations Specialist, Proficiency Level: Basic; and may qualify through education, military training, certifications, or a combination thereof.
  • Qualifying credentials include a Bachelors degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity or Data Science or Information Systems or Information Technology or Software Engineering or completion of relevant military communications or network training.
  • Qualifying certifications may include CND, Network+, or other DoD 8140-approved certifications. Higher proficiency-level or equivalent DoD 8140-approved certifications applicable to the assigned work role may also be accepted.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel.
  • Ability to work in a secure DoD environment and comply with applicable Air Force, installation, and program security requirements.
  • 1+ year of IT support, network operations, system administration, or technical customer-support experience.
  • Current CompTIA Network+ certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of employment.
  • DoD-approved IA baseline certification commensurate with the position, or ability to obtain it within six months.
  • Working knowledge of TCP/IP, network monitoring, Microsoft Active Directory, ticketing, and troubleshooting.

Desired Qualification
  • Experience supporting Air Force users, classified networks, EACN, A2G2, SolarWinds, or ServiceNow.
  • Relevant military communications, help desk, network operations, or technical training.
  • Prior military service or experience supporting Department of Defense or U.S. Air Force customers.
  • Experience supporting mission-essential communications in distributed, multi-site environments.

Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or associate degree in information technology preferred.

Trace Systems
Trace Systems Inc. was founded to support and defend our nation's security interests at home and abroad-- whenever and wherever. We provide enterprise IT, engineering, full life-cycle communications, cybersecurity, cloud and virtualization services and solutions to the United States Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
To Apply: We invite you to put your talents to work by joining a growing team of dynamic professionals here at Trace Systems! Be part of a culture at our leading-edge company where you can achieve great things while fostering a satisfying and rewarding career progression. To learn more about our current openings, text 'tracejobs' to 97211 or apply directly through our website at: www.tracesystems.com. #jointracesystems
Trace Systems is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.

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