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Network Engineer Contract Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sentinel

Manager of Network Engineering

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$80/hr

This is a contract-to-hire or full time/ direct hire position with our client which requires onsite ... Lead end-to-end network engineering initiatives, including planning, design, implementation, and ...

Deegit Inc

Network Architecture

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$65.75 - $88.25/hr

... contract 2 hire cisco network architecture/senior engineer (over 10 years' experience) - LAN/Data communications - Data Center/Storage/Virtualization - any additional systems engineering background ...

The LaSalle Group

Contract Recruiter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

LaSalle Network is hiring for a Contract Recruiter with a global leader in the confectionery space ... With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing ...

The LaSalle Group

Contract Recruiter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

LaSalle Network is hiring for a Contract Recruiter with a healthcare-leading company known for ... With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsNetwork Engineer Contract JobsNetwork Engineer Contract Jobs in Chicago, IL

Network Engineer Contract information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$112.3K

$162.8K

How much do network engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for network engineer contract in Chicago, IL is $112,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Network Engineer Contract vs Network Engineer Full-Time?

AspectNetwork Engineer ContractNetwork Engineer Full-Time
CredentialsCertifications like CCNA, CCNP often requiredSame certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentTemporary projects, flexible hours, remote or onsitePermanent employment, standard hours, onsite or hybrid
Employer UsageUsed by companies for short-term needs or specialized projectsUsed for ongoing network management and infrastructure
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in skills, focus on contract termsFocus on stability and benefits

In summary, Network Engineer Contract roles are temporary, project-based positions ideal for specialized tasks, while Network Engineer Full-Time roles offer stability, benefits, and ongoing responsibilities. Both require similar certifications and skills, but differ mainly in employment type and work environment.

What is a network engineer contract?

Network Engineer Contracts are temporary work arrangements in which a network engineer is hired for a specific period or project, rather than as a permanent employee. Contract network engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's computer networks, often focusing on tasks like troubleshooting, upgrades, or migrations. These roles can offer flexibility, higher hourly rates, and opportunities to work on diverse projects, but may not include benefits like health insurance or paid time off. Contract positions are common in IT, especially for specialized skills or short-term needs.

What are some common challenges faced by contract network engineers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Contract network engineers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new organizational environments, understanding unique network infrastructures, and integrating with existing IT teams. To manage these challenges effectively, it's crucial to be proactive in communicating with key stakeholders, thoroughly document any changes made, and stay current with industry-standard protocols and tools. Building rapport with permanent staff and leveraging onboarding resources can also help streamline the transition and ensure successful project delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network engineer contract?

To thrive as a Network Engineer Contract, you need a solid understanding of networking protocols, infrastructure design, and troubleshooting, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Cisco IOS, network monitoring software, and certifications such as CCNA or CCNP are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing dynamic IT environments and collaborating with diverse teams. These skills ensure reliable network performance, minimize downtime, and support organizational connectivity needs in contract-based settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Network Engineer Contract jobs in Chicago, IL? For Network Engineer Contract jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Network Engineer Contract jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Network Engineer Contract jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Network Engineer Contract jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Network Engineer Contract job openings:
Network Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Network Engineer Contract job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,327 per year, or $54 per hour.

Network Engineering Lead, Digital & Technology Services

Alvarez & Marsal

Chicago, IL • On-site

$104K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Alvarez & Marsal rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description

Description
About Alvarez & Marsal
Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm with over 10,000 entrepreneurial, action and results-oriented professionals in over 40 countries. We take a hands-on approach to solving our clients' problems and assisting them in reaching their potential. Our culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work-guided by A&M's core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity-are why our people love working at A&M.
The Team
Alvarez & Marsal's Corporate Performance Improvement practice is looking for a Network Engineering leader to drive large-scale network assessment, consolidation, and network transformation for clients operating complex, globally distributed infrastructure environments. This role requires someone who has redesigned enterprise network architectures at scale - not just operating existing networks.
Experience Should Include
  • Wide-area network (WAN) and local-area network (LAN) architecture, software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) design and implementation, and SASE deployment
  • Legacy circuit optimization, bandwidth/latency analysis, and network cost modeling
  • Network security architecture - micro-segmentation, Zero Trust networking, perimeter modernization
  • Multi-classification network environments and cross-domain solution architectures
  • SATCOM, wireless integration, and tactical/edge network design
  • Government telecommunications policy and compliance - direct experience with federal network environments is a strong advantage and preferred for this role
  • AI-driven network monitoring, anomaly detection, and optimization tooling - baseline competency with AI-assisted tools expected; candidates should articulate how AI accelerates network analysis and operations
  • Negotiating with carriers and general understanding of commercial models and contracts available.
  • Design and architecting 99.99% uptime hybrid network infrastructure with zero single points of failure. Proven experience with active-active failover across on-premises and cloud environments, sub-second recovery mechanisms, and multi-region/multi-availability-zone redundancy.
How you will contribute
  • Lead network architecture and engineering assessments - topology analysis, bandwidth/latency optimization, cost modeling, and roadmaps
  • Design SD-WAN/SASE target architectures that support hybrid and multi-cloud workloads across classification levels
  • Assess Zero Trust network readiness and develop implementation roadmaps aligned to compliance timelines
  • Evaluate dependencies between network modernization and cloud migration sequencing
  • Define and Integrate findings into A&M's broader engagement scope and deliverables
  • Support practice development through internal training, content creation, and people development
Qualifications
  • 8-12+ years of professional experience in network architecture for complex, large enterprises, with consulting or advisory delivery
  • Demonstrated experience leading network consolidation, efficiency, performance improvement or transformation programs
  • Federal network environment experience preferred - deep transformation experience in regulated industries (financial services, healthcare) can substitute
  • Bachelor's degree required; CCIE, CCNP, or equivalent certifications strongly preferred
  • Comfortable with travel up to 80%
  • Full-time, contract, and project-based engagements available
What Distinguishes a Great Candidate
Has designed and implemented large scale, highly complex Network transformations at scale - not just operated existing networks. Understands the dependency between network readiness and cloud migration success. Can work across telecom procurement, security, and infrastructure teams. Brings AI-assisted network analysis into the delivery toolkit as standard practice.
Your journey at A&M
We recognize that our people are the driving force behind our success, which is why we prioritize an employee experience that fosters each person's unique professional and personal development. Our robust performance development process promotes continuous learning, rewards your contributions, and fosters a culture of meritocracy. With top-notch training and on-the-job learning opportunities, you can acquire new skills and advance your career.
We prioritize your well-being, providing benefits and resources to support you on your personal journey. Our people consistently highlight the growth opportunities, our unique, entrepreneurial culture, and the fun we have together as their favorite aspects of working at A&M. The possibilities are endless for high-performing and passionate professionals.
Regular employees working 30 or more hours per week are also entitled to participate in Alvarez & Marsal Holdings' fringe benefits consisting of healthcare plans, flexible spending and savings accounts, life, AD&D, and disability coverages at rates determined periodically as well as a 401(k) retirement savings plan. Provided the eligibility requirements are met, employees will also receive an annual discretionary contribution to their 401(k) retirement savings plan from Alvarez & Marsal. Additionally, employees are eligible for paid time off including vacation, personal days, seventy-two (72) hours of sick time (prorated for part time employees), ten federal holidays, one floating holiday, and parental leave. The amount of vacation and personal days available varies based on tenure and role type. Click here for more information regarding A&M's benefits programs.
The salary range for Manager is $135,000 - $160,000 annually and Director is $150,000 - $210,000 annually, dependent on several variables including but not limited to education, experience, skills, and geography. In addition, A&M offers a discretionary bonus program which is based on a number of factors, including individual and firm performance. Please ask your recruiter for details.
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