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Network Engineer Dod Contractor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contractor' Role: Reporting to the Network Manager, the Senior Network Engineer is seen as a technical expert in Network Engineering infrastructure. This is a technical and hands on role, with a ...

The engineer will analyze and resolve network hardware, software problems and incidents escalated ... Will be tasked with supervising vendors, contractors or other individuals for maintenance or on a ...

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Network Engineer Dod Contractor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$112.3K

$162.8K

How much do network engineer dod contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for network engineer dod contractor 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network engineer DoD contractor?

To thrive as a Network Engineer DoD Contractor, you need a solid background in networking principles, security protocols, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field along with DoD 8570-compliant certifications like Security+ or CISSP. Familiarity with Cisco devices, network monitoring tools, and secure enclave systems such as SIPRNet and NIPRNet is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for maintaining secure, reliable communications that support national defense and mission-critical operations.

What is a network engineer DoD contractor?

Network Engineer DoD Contractors are professionals who design, implement, and maintain computer networks for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) as external contractors. They ensure secure and reliable communication systems, often working with classified information and following strict security protocols. These engineers collaborate with military personnel and other contractors to support mission-critical operations, troubleshoot network issues, and enhance cybersecurity measures. Their role is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of defense communication networks.

What is the difference between Network Engineer Dod Contractor vs Network Administrator?

AspectNetwork Engineer Dod ContractorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCCNA, CISSP, Security+CCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-focused, often on military or government sitesIn-house, ongoing network management within organizations
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agencies, militaryPrivate companies, IT departments, organizations

While both roles involve network management, Network Engineer Dod Contractors focus on designing and implementing complex networks for defense and government projects, often on a contractual basis. Network Administrators handle daily network operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting within organizations. The roles differ mainly in scope, environment, and contractual nature.

What are some unique challenges network engineers face when working as DoD contractors, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Network Engineers working as DoD contractors often encounter strict security protocols, compliance requirements, and the need for active security clearances. These roles require a strong understanding of government standards such as DISA STIGs and familiarity with classified network environments. To prepare, candidates should gain experience with military-grade equipment, stay updated on DoD cybersecurity policies, and be comfortable working within highly regulated and sometimes rapidly changing project scopes. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including military personnel and other contractors, is also a key part of the role.
What are popular job titles related to Network Engineer Dod Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Network Engineer Dod Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Network Engineer Dod Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Network Engineer Dod Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Network Engineer Dod Contractor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Network Engineer Dod Contractor job openings:

Network Engineer

Apex Informatics

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Client: Northern Trust Bank
Location: Hybrid onsite in Chicago (local only)
Interview Mode: Virtual Interview
Type: Contract
Work authorization: Cannot work with OPT or CPT
Rate: 50/hr W2
Focus is on data and network, Layer Systems and Cisco
Local to Chicago
Must be onsite (3 days a week, could be 5 at times)
Senior Network Engineer-
-focus on data and network, Layer Systems and Cisco
Project Overview: The Contractor will have experience of working in high impact, mission critical environments where service matters and exceeding expectations is the norm.
Contractor' Role: Reporting to the Network Manager, the Senior Network Engineer is seen as a technical expert in Network Engineering infrastructure. This is a technical and hands on role, with a primary focus on design, implementation and support of network engineering changes; you will be expected as well to provide support to the network management and performance operations team with complex troubleshooting of issues as required.
Key responsibilities
The Senior Network Engineer's primary areas of responsibility include ensuring there are defined standards in place, manage the technical lifecycle of products and services and deliver change/transformation against created designs; always ensuring a smooth transition/handover to Network Operations.
Qualifications:
โ€ข 10+ years hands on experience as a network engineering lead within a global enterprise scale organization (5,000-50,000 users) with both traditional Datacenter and Cloud (Azure/AWS).
โ€ข You will have considerable first-hand experience of design engineering and building resilient and scalable engineering solutions, ideally within finance or investment banking.
โ€ข Strong background in Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Aruba, SDWAN, routing switching, datacentre infrastructure and technologies.
โ€ข Solid knowledge of configuration automation tools such as Ansible, Yaml, Chef, Puppet, Terraform.
โ€ข In depth knowledge of Layer 2, Layer 3, TCP/IP, and network protocols such as Ether-Channel (LACP,MC-LAG), Virtual Chassis, STP and SNMP.
โ€ข Solid understanding of routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, MBGP, VXLAN, TCP/IP and IPv6.
โ€ข Solid understanding of Datacenter Spine/leaf architectures using Cisco ACI or Arista spine/leaf, or others.
โ€ข Familiarity with SDWAN infrastructure such as Silverpeak.
โ€ข Familiarity with Layer 3, 4 and 7 load balancing methodologies and protocols as well as experience with highly available network and system architectures.
โ€ข Knowledge of 801.11a/g/n/ac Cisco WLC, WLAN, CAPWAP,LWAPP and other Wireless technologies.
โ€ข Experience with Cisco IOS/NX-OS/ASA-OS, JunOS, ArubaOS and/or Arista
โ€ข Solid knowledge in the use of various monitoring tools and packet capture tools such as Solarwinds Orion NCM/NPM, Wireshark, Gigamon, Netscout, Cisco DNA, etc.
โ€ข Good in software development lifecycle, ITIL, Agile, Kanban process
โ€ข You will be familiar with a variety of testing tools, networking technologies and techniques to accurately troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems associated with the service, application and network hardware and software.
โ€ข Cisco Routing & Switching. Juniper, Arista, Aruba, Silverpeak.
โ€ข BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, Layer2/Layer 3, STP, SNMP.
โ€ข Solarwinds Orion NCM/NPM, Netscout, Gigamon and Wireshark.
โ€ข Cloud automation Azure/AWS
โ€ข Ansible and/or Puppet automation tools. Python scripting.
โ€ข Workflow automation
โ€ข Layer 2 and Layer 3 and Layer 4-7 protocols
โ€ข WAN Optimization
โ€ข DNS, IPAM and DHCP
Personal Attributes
โ€ข You will be highly organized and have proven ability to operate well under pressure, working to tight deadlines
โ€ข You will have good problem management and customer service skills.
โ€ข You will have a positive attitude and be capable of remaining positive even when under immense pressure.
โ€ข You will be able to work with global teams to deliver projects, often at pace and under challenging circumstances.
โ€ข You are someone with high professional standards, who never accepts the status-quo; who challenges why things are done the way they are.
โ€ข You will be a strong communicator, both written and verbal
โ€ข You discourage hero culture and ensure the team always comes before the individual, although always ensuring for the welfare of staff at all times.
โ€ข You will always act with integrity and embrace the philosophy of treating our customers fairly (compulsory)
โ€ข You will work effectively as one IT community across the regions and the business
โ€ข You will embrace the philosophy and principles of group IT
โ€ข You understand and apply Northern Trust's working practices, policies and procedures
Nice to haves:
โ€ข Cisco ACI
โ€ข CCIE
โ€ข Wireshark and high skilled troubleshooting tools.
โ€ข JNCIA-Junos
โ€ข CWNA
โ€ข ITILv3 foundation or higher
โ€ข Cisco CCNP Networks
Tasks & Responsibilities
โ€ข Responsible for defining and documenting Network Engineering Standards
โ€ข Responsible for the creation of Low Level Design documents to meet requirements outlined in the High Level Design
โ€ข Responsible for the creation of detailed Implementation Plans for all engineering related activity
โ€ข Responsible for Procurement activities relating to build and delivery of new services (Project)
โ€ข Responsible for ensuring the smooth Transition/Handover to Operations in line with agreed Operational Acceptance Process
โ€ข Responsible for managing Technical Lifecycle Management for all Network & Communications services
โ€ข Responsible for supporting Architecture in creation and upkeep of a Delivery Roadmap for Network Engineering
โ€ข Responsible for supporting the Architecture in scoping activities required to produce the High Level Design
โ€ข Responsible for supporting Architecture in undertaking Proof of Concept activities
โ€ข Responsible for ensuring skillsets are relevant and up to date in order to deliver change and provide a high level of support
โ€ข Responsible for providing escalation support to Operations with complex troubleshooting of Major Incidents as required
โ€ข Provide on call escalation support (rota basis) and work extended hours as and when required