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Junior Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Junior Systems Administrator supports account and access management, patching, backups, and system documentation, and partners with senior administrators and engineers to build technical ...

The Junior Systems Administrator supports account and access management, patching, backups, and system documentation, and partners with senior administrators and engineers to build technical ...

The Junior Systems Administrator supports account and access management, patching, backups, and system documentation, and partners with senior administrators and engineers to build technical ...

The Junior Systems Administrator supports account and access management, patching, backups, and system documentation, and partners with senior administrators and engineers to build technical ...

The Junior Systems Administrator supports account and access management, patching, backups, and system documentation, and partners with senior administrators and engineers to build technical ...

The Junior Systems Administrator supports account and access management, patching, backups, and system documentation, and partners with senior administrators and engineers to build technical ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Provide leadership, support, and supplementation to Junior Systems Administrators and Helpdesk ... Proven experience in systems engineering with a strong focus on system architecture design.

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/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

$107K - $147K/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 ...

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Junior Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$24.7K

$88.1K

$152.1K

How much do junior systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $88,051.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $90,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior systems engineer?

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Junior Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,051 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Junior Systems Administrator

SDI Presence

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$46 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Company

SDI Presence LLC is a leading IT services firm that leverages its strong team presence to advance clients toward a secure digital enterprise. With a 30-year corporate resume, SDI delivers multi and hybrid cloud infrastructure managed services, consulting and advisory solutions, work and asset management solutions, and application modernization and managed services. SDI serves major airports, utilities, commercial real estate portfolios, and government agencies across the U.S. Visit us at www.sdipresence.com  and connect with us on X  and LINKEDIN .

Summary

The Junior Systems Administrator supports the customer’s day-to-day IT operations, assisting with the maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of server, storage, and end-user computing environments to meet SLRs/SLAs for system availability and performance. The Junior Systems Administrator supports account and access management, patching, backups, and system documentation, and partners with senior administrators and engineers to build technical proficiency across the environment.

SDI Presence Offers:

•    An hourly range: $46.00 - $48.00/hour 
•    Base salary may vary based on factors such as location, skills, and relevant experience. Some positions may include additional compensation in the form of bonuses or commissions.  
•    Medical, Dental, Vision, company-provided Life Insurance, Short and long-term disability.  Matched Retirement Savings, Wellness Program, Paid time off and much more!

Responsibilities

  • Respond to, triage, and resolve or escalate incidents and service requests within SLA, in accordance with ITIL best practices using ServiceNow
  • Perform routine administration of Windows Server and/or Linux systems, including account provisioning, group policy, and file/print services
  • Support Active Directory administration, including user and group account management, password resets, and access provisioning/deprovisioning
  • Monitor system health, capacity, and performance using enterprise monitoring tools, and escalate anomalies to senior staff
  • Apply security patches, updates, and hotfixes in accordance with the customer’s maintenance and change management schedules
  • Assist with imaging, deployment, and configuration of desktops, laptops, and virtual machines, including onboarding/offboarding support
  • Collaborate with senior systems administrators and engineers on infrastructure projects, upgrades, and change implementations

Requirements

  • High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field preferred
  • 3-5 years of experience in systems administration, help desk, or desktop support, ideally within a multi-site environment
  • CompTIA A+, Network+, or Server+ certification preferred; Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Administration Associate or similar credential a plus
  • Working knowledge of Windows Server administration (Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy)
  • Exposure to Linux server administration and virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) a plus
  • Familiarity with cloud environments (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS) and enterprise backup solutions (e.g., Veeam)
  • Basic understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, VPN) and patch/endpoint management tools (e.g., SCCM, Intune, SolarWinds)
  • Well versed in ITIL concepts and experience using ticketing systems such as ServiceNow for incident, request, and change management
  • Self-starting attitude with strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills, and a willingness to take on increasing levels of responsibility
  • Must be willing to work 3 days onsite at O’Hare International Airport and 2 days remote
  • Must be willing to work occasionally after hours/on call
  • Must be willing to submit to Airport Security Screening

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

SDI Presence is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SDI Presence makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Staffing Firms 
SDI Presence does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or any other payment related to unsolicited resumes or CVs except as required in a written contract between SDI Presence and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.