1

Junior Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Jr./Mid Level Intune Engineer Pay Range: $29/hour to $31/hour A growing organization is seeking a hands-on Endpoint Engineer to support modern endpoint management initiatives focused on Microsoft ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107.60K - $147.30K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer, Chicago IL This Senior Systems Engineer position is fully onsite ... Lead/mentor junior team members. - Take ownership of and leading projects from start to finish ...

Senior Trading Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107.60K - $147.30K/yr

Senior Trading Systems Engineer, Chicago, IL This Senior Trading Systems Engineer position is 100 ... Lead/mentor junior team members. - Take ownership of and leading projects from start to finish ...

This is more of a junior devops role. Need someone with Certified Dynatrace associate Open to non local who will relocate day one and be able to do over night shift. Role: Systems Engineer Duration ...

Responsible for developing complex information technology systems and applications, applying ... Requirements Secret Clearance Bachelors degree Experience depending upon Job Level Junior - 0-3 ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107.70K - $147.40K/yr

Lead/mentor junior team members * Taking ownership of and leading projects from start to finish ... unix systems engineering-oriented tasks * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107.70K - $147.40K/yr

Lead/mentor junior team members * Taking ownership of and leading projects from start to finish ... unix systems engineering-oriented tasks * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Junior Systems Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$23.3K

$82.8K

$142.9K

How much do junior systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior systems 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 Systems Engineer Do?

A junior systems engineer helps develop and maintain all computer systems for a business. As a junior systems engineer, your typical job duties involve installing, monitoring, and troubleshooting operating systems, software, hardware, and other computer infrastructure. For this career, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Additional qualifications include system administrative experience, excellent technical skills, and familiarity with common programming languages. A junior systems engineer is an entry-level position that often serves as a stepping stone for this career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Systems Engineer, you need a solid understanding of computer systems, networking fundamentals, and troubleshooting, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with operating systems (such as Windows and Linux), scripting languages, and common IT certifications like CompTIA or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in problem-solving and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring system reliability, timely issue resolution, and smooth technical operations in an organization.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Systems Engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex IT environments, learning new tools and technologies quickly, and understanding existing system architectures. They may also need to develop effective troubleshooting skills while balancing multiple tasks and deadlines. Collaborating with senior engineers and cross-functional teams is key, as it helps build technical knowledge and confidence in problem-solving within real-time production environments.

What are Junior Systems Engineers?

Junior Systems Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems and networks. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to troubleshoot issues, configure hardware and software, and ensure system reliability. Their role often includes monitoring system performance, supporting IT projects, and learning industry best practices. This position is ideal for recent graduates or those new to the field, providing valuable hands-on experience and opportunities for growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Junior Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Junior Systems Engineer job openings:
Junior Trading Systems Engineer

Junior Trading Systems Engineer

Hudson River Trading

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Hudson River Trading (HRT) is seeking a Junior Trading Systems Engineer to join our growing Trading Systems Infrastructure team. This team designs, builds, and maintains the infrastructure that powers our global trading, and is responsible for ensuring optimal performance and uptime of the ultra low-latency operating systems, automation software, and development tools that allow our trading strategies to run worldwide 24/7.
As a Junior Trading Systems Engineer, you'll work on projects focusing on our real-time production trading environment and tackle problems that require high availability, high throughput, and ultra low-latency solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for coding and automation, is eager to learn new skills to help build an elegant stack, and has the ability to handle challenging technical issues within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. 
Responsibilities

  • Manage worldwide Linux-based trading infrastructure by contributing to the planning and execution of complex technical projects and tasks
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software issues across the stack 
  • Plan and implement system installations and upgrades 
  • Deploy, configure, and test internal and external applications 
  • Improve documentation and reduce technical debt
  • Benchmark the performance of the trading stack, working with subject matter experts across the organization
  • Join an on-call rotation schedule to cover trading hours and weekend shifts, as needed

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of relevant experience managing Linux systems: you can install packages, manage users, control services, and know where to look for system logs, and you understand TCP/IP networking, default gateways, and how to debug connectivity problems
  • Familiarity installing and configuring Linux systems, from hardware and networking to kernel to applications 
  • Knowledge of Debian/Ubuntu is desirable
  • Basic familiarity with configuration management tools, particularly SaltStack - some knowledge of Puppet, Ansible, Chef, or CFEngine is also desirable
  • Proven programming experience: you don't just know what big-O notation is, you've also built working software and can explain and defend your design
  • Basic shell (bash) scripting experience
  • Experience using JIRA
  • Strong cross-functional communication and organization skills
  • Experience with production systems, as well as some cloud experience in AWS or GCP, is desirable but not required

The estimated base salary range for this position is 120,000 to 160,000 USD per year (or local equivalent). The base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This role will also be eligible for discretionary performance-based bonuses and a competitive benefits package.