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Junior System Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

359557 Trivail LLC

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Provide leadership, support, and supplementation to Junior Systems Administrators and Helpdesk ... Resolve system performance and connectivity issues * Available to manage occasional escalations ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Gotion is seeking a motivated Junior Controls Engineer to join our team at our state-of-the-art ... Support the development and maintenance of control systems, including PLC programs, HMIs, and ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Process Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Junior Process Engineer Location: Manteno, Illinois Company Overview Gotion Inc. is based in ... related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Gotion is seeking a motivated Junior Controls Engineer to join our team at our state-of-the-art ... Support the development and maintenance of control systems, including PLC programs, HMIs, and ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Equipment Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Junior Equipment Engineer Location: Manteno, Illinois Company Overview Gotion Inc. is based in ... related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Process Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

... related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable ... Junior Process Engineer Location: Manteno, Illinois Company Overview Gotion Inc. is based in ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Equipment Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

... related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable ... Junior Equipment Engineer Location: Manteno, Illinois Company Overview Gotion Inc. is based in ...

Woodward

Staff/Senior Staff Systems Engineer

Niles, IL

$181K - $218K/yr

... junior engineers to ensure the delivery of robust and scalable solutions that meet business objectives. Key Responsibilities: * Electronic System Architecture Design: Develop and implement robust ...

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All JobsSystem Engineer JobsJunior System Engineer JobsJunior System Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Junior System Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$23.3K

$82.8K

$142.9K

How much do junior system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior system engineer in Illinois is $82,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $84,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior system engineer do?

A Junior System Engineer assists in maintaining and supporting an organization’s IT infrastructure. Their responsibilities typically include installing and configuring hardware and software, monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and providing technical support to users. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure systems run efficiently and securely. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals looking to build foundational skills in systems administration and engineering.

What are some common challenges faced by junior system engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior System Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex IT infrastructures, learning to troubleshoot unfamiliar hardware and software issues, and balancing multiple support requests from different teams. It can take time to become proficient with proprietary systems and tools used by the organization. Collaboration with senior engineers and continuous learning through documentation and hands-on experience are key to overcoming these hurdles and building confidence in the role.

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

To excel as a Junior System Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of computer systems, networking, and operating systems, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with system administration tools, virtualization platforms, and basic scripting languages, as well as certifications like CompTIA or Microsoft MCSA, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and address technical challenges efficiently. These competencies ensure reliable system operation, quick troubleshooting, and seamless support for business technology needs.

What is the difference between Junior System Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectJunior System EngineerNetwork Administrator
Required CertificationsCompTIA A+, Network+, Cisco CCNA (preferred)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or equivalent
Work EnvironmentIT departments, tech companies, supporting system infrastructureNetwork operations centers, corporate IT teams, managing network hardware
Employer & Industry UsageTechnology, finance, healthcare, and other sectors with IT infrastructureOrganizations with complex network systems, ISPs, large enterprises
Common Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, supporting system setup and maintenanceNetwork management, troubleshooting, and security

The Junior System Engineer and Network Administrator roles share overlapping skills in IT support and certifications but focus on different areas. The Junior System Engineer primarily supports overall system infrastructure, while the Network Administrator specializes in managing and securing network systems. Both roles are essential in maintaining organizational IT health and often work closely together in tech environments.

Is a junior system engineer a stressful job?

A junior system engineer role can be stressful due to the need to troubleshoot technical issues, meet project deadlines, and learn new systems quickly. However, stress levels vary depending on the work environment, workload, and support from team members. Developing strong problem-solving skills and gaining certifications can help manage job-related stress.

Is a junior system engineer an entry-level job?

Yes, a junior system engineer is typically an entry-level position that requires basic knowledge of operating systems, networking, and scripting. It often serves as a starting point for those gaining experience in system administration and IT infrastructure, with opportunities to develop skills and certifications such as CompTIA or Microsoft certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of System Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior System Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Junior System Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior System Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior System Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

Junior System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior System Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,763 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer

359557 Trivail LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support and oversee support queue requests to meet SLAs and resolve system issues.

  • Configure, deploy, and manage servers, services, and infrastructure components.

  • Monitor system performance, enforce security best practices, and maintain project documentation.

Job description

Description:

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Systems Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of systems engineering principles and be proficient in designing, implementing, and managing complex IT infrastructures. This role requires expertise in service-oriented architecture, system performance, and security.

Requirements:

Client & Team Support

  • Provide leadership, support, and supplementation to Junior Systems Administrators and Helpdesk Technicians
  • Oversee and complete support queue requests to ensure SLAs are being met
  • Serve as a client's highest point of contact for technical matters and service thereof
  • Resolve system performance and connectivity issues
  • Available to manage occasional escalations outside standard business hours; such instances are rare but should be expected as part of the role 

Infrastructure & Systems Management

  • Configure and deploy new servers and services and perform upgrades as needed
  • Participate in the design, deployment, and management of diverse server infrastructure deployments
  • Advanced technical knowledge of current network protocols and standards, including Windows 10/11 (desktop/laptop)
  • Advanced technical knowledge of Windows Server 2012 R2 through Server 2022
  • Advanced technical knowledge of Mac OS X environments
  • Advanced understanding of Microsoft-specific technologies including Active Directory, DFS, Exchange, MSSQL, and Hyper-V
  • Managing Microsoft cloud and on-prem technologies including Office 365 (Intune, Exchange, OneDrive/SharePoint, Teams, Defender), Azure services (Entra ID, DNS, VPN, VM, Backups)
  • Familiarity with Synology devices and backup/retention solutions such as Veeam and Backblaze B2
  • Familiarity with the configuration/management of Juniper network equipment
  • Exposure to WSL/Linux is a plus
  • Write PowerShell scripts for information gathering, management, and deployment of systems

Security & Documentation

  • Monitor system performance and enforce security best practices
  • Research and propose technical solutions, offerings and strategy to management
  • Lead project documentation, status reporting, and internal/external communication
  • Maintain project plans and provide escalation to management as needed

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus.
  • Proven experience in systems engineering with a strong focus on system architecture design.
  • Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure is essential.
  • Strong understanding of computer networking concepts, including DNS, VPNs, firewalls, and general networking techniques.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to debug complex systems effectively.
  • 5+ years of experience in systems engineering or administration
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Emphasis on ethics, accountability, and documentation discipline
  • Desire to pursue ongoing certifications and technical development

Job Type: 

  • Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k) Retirement plan
  • 401(k) matching 
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account 
  • Life insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Paid time off

Work Location: 

This is a home-based Hybrid role — we do not maintain a company office. Candidates must reside in the Chicagoland Area, as the role requires travel to Hodgkins, IL and nearby client sites. Chicagoland Area — with travel to Hodgkins, IL and nearby client sites