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Junior Networking Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

SDI Presence

Junior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$33 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

ENIN SYSTEMS INC

Senior Network Engineer

Illinois City, IL · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Support cloud networking environments such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud . * Implement ... Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior network engineers. * Evaluate new networking ...

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 ...

TEKsystems

Network Software Engineer

Scott Air Force Base, IL

$35 - $55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... in IP networking. The successful candidate will lead the design, development, testing, and ... Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and subject matter expertise to junior and mid-level ...

TransMarket Group

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL

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 · On-site

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 ...

USM

Fulltime : SR. Network Security Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$57.50 - $75/hr

Provide guidance/training to more junior staff Engineers and implements solutions on wide variety of data network and data security elements Manage project tasks in all geographical locations by ...

Paradigm

IT Network Engineer III

Lombard, IL · On-site

$92K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

$145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

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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 18, 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.

Jr. Cisco Network /Security Engineer (L1)[Onsite]

SmartIPlace

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position: Jr. Cisco Network /Security Engineer (L1)
Location: Chicago, IL - Hyde Park (On-Site)
Duration: 6-month C0ntract W/Contact to Hire option
Visa Status: GC/GC-EAD/USC
 
Job Description:
 
*** Strongly prefer someone with Consulting or PS experience "
 
Overview:
The JR. Cisco Network Security Engineer is an some experienced technical networking & security experience for  end-to-end solutions to complex business networking and communications problems for new and existing clients.   The jr. Network Security Engineer is responsible for supporting the current engagement (planning to close) to which they have been assigned. They will participate in evaluation, testing, selection, and deployment of network elements for a network buildout that ensures that solutions adhere to defined security standards and best practices and/or assist in the development of these standards and best practices.  The Jr. Network Engineer will staging network & security hardware.  
 
Requirements:
Must have 2-4 yr min of hands-on experience providing assistance to managed service customers within the agreed upon SLAs in our managed service contracts; inclusive of Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting security/network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers on Cisco routers, switches, wireless devices and firewalls inclusive of:
  • Cisco ACI;
  • Cisco ISE. (802.1x,MAB,Guest,BYOD
  • PaloAlto
  • Cisco Firepower Next-Generation firewalls
  • Cisco
  • Cisco TrustSec
  • Cisco SD-Access
  • DNA Center
  • Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC)
  • Cisco AnyConnect Security Mobility Client
 
Must have 2-4 years assisting perimeter and data security solutions including firewalls, intrusion detection / prevention, VPN’s, remote access and monitoring tools and be well-versed around Cisco and/or Palo Alto’s security portfolio. 
Expertise around the specific product list is preferred: Cisco ASA, Cisco FirePower (SourceFire), Cisco ISE, Palo Alto specially:
 
  • Experience designing and implementing policy-based (access control) for next-generation firewalls
  • Experience designing and implementing VPN (site-to-site, remote access, etc.)
  • Experience designing and implementing intrusion detection and intrusion prevention (SNORT rules)
 
3. Solid Experience with routing/switching protocols (EIGRP, BGP, HSRP, STP, LACP etc.), IP addressing and protocols (TCP/UDP)
4. Solid Experience with Cisco Nexus 5K, Fabric Extenders (2K) and NX-OS
5. Solid Experience with Site-to-Site VPNs, Remote Access VPNs and DMVPN
6. Solid Experience with Cisco ASA firewalls (site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN)
7. Solid Experience with Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC), FlexConnect, high-availability and antennas.
8. Experience with WAN deployments including design, implementation and troubleshooting of various types of circuits (T-1, DS-3, MPLS, ELAN, DIA etc.).
9. Strong understanding TCP/IP, SNMPv2c/v3, NTP, AAA, TACACS, SSHv2, RADIUS, DNS, DHCP, LDAP and other standard protocols.
10. Professional networking certifications a plus (i.e. CCNA, CCNP, ACCP, or equivalent)
 
  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
  • Communication Skills
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Time Management and Prioritization
  • Attention to Detail Logistics and Accuracy
  • Customer Service and Support
  • Troubleshooting and Debugging
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About Smart-iPlace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

SMART-iPLACE provides innovative staffing and consulting solutions that help our clients achieve their business objectives. We can understand and support all areas of your IT systems from back-end infrastructure to front-end personal productivity. Our goal is create innovative IT solutions that enable your business to be more agile and competitive.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

2021

Social media

Facebook

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