1

Network Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Experience network engineering and operation with an enterprise organization preferred. 5+ years of experience leading project teams and/or mentoring junior engineers. In depth knowledge and ...

Partner with a remote network engineering team to support ongoing initiatives * Assist with cloud networking and integrations within Azure and AWS environments * Diagnose and resolve network-related ...

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

This role operates at the intersection of network engineering, cybersecurity vulnerability remediation, and automation - building and maintaining enterprise-grade infrastructure while advancing GGP ...

Requirements: * 8+ years of dedicated network engineering experience * Exceptional troubleshooting capabilities across Ethernet LAN, unicast/multicast routing, switching, packet analysis * Experience ...

Proven experience in network engineering roles supporting enterprise environments * Strong hands-on experience with: * Cisco Routing and switching * Network access points / wireless technologies

New

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Requirements: * 8+ years of dedicated network engineering experience * Exceptional troubleshooting capabilities across Ethernet LAN, unicast/multicast routing, switching, packet analysis * Experience ...

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Requirements: * 8+ years of dedicated network engineering experience * Exceptional troubleshooting capabilities across Ethernet LAN, unicast/multicast routing, switching, packet analysis * Experience ...

Network Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$104K - $144K/yr

Experience network engineering and operation with an enterprise organization preferred. * 5+ years of experience leading project teams and/or mentoring junior engineers. * In depth knowledge and ...

Showing results 21-40

Network Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$105.7K

$153.1K

How much do network engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for network engineering in Illinois is $105,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,200.00 and $129,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges network engineers face when managing large-scale enterprise networks?

Network engineers in large-scale enterprise environments often encounter challenges such as maintaining network security across multiple sites, ensuring minimal downtime during upgrades or outages, and troubleshooting complex connectivity issues. Balancing the need for high performance with scalability and cost efficiency can also be demanding. Collaboration with cybersecurity, systems administration, and support teams is essential to address these challenges effectively and to keep the network resilient and efficient.

What is the work of a network engineer?

A network engineer designs, implements, manages, and maintains computer networks such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. They troubleshoot network issues, configure hardware and software, and ensure network security using tools like firewalls and VPNs. Certifications like Cisco's CCNA or CompTIA Network+ are often required for this role.

Are network engineers still in demand?

Network engineers are currently in demand due to ongoing growth in IT infrastructure, cloud computing, and cybersecurity needs. They typically require skills in network design, troubleshooting, and certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+ to stay competitive in the job market.

What is the difference between Network Engineering vs Network Administration?

AspectNetwork EngineeringNetwork Administration
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco Certified Network ProfessionalCCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesigning, planning, and implementing network solutionsManaging, maintaining, and troubleshooting existing networks
ResponsibilitiesBuilding new networks, optimizing performance, and scaling infrastructureMonitoring network health, configuring devices, and resolving issues

Network engineering focuses on designing and developing network systems, while network administration involves managing and maintaining those networks. Both roles require similar certifications and often work closely within the same industry, but their core functions differ in scope and focus.

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

To thrive as a Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking protocols, network design, troubleshooting, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with routers, switches, firewalls, and certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP or CompTIA Network+ are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help network engineers excel in diagnosing issues and collaborating across teams. These skills are critical to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient network operations within an organization.

What is network engineering?

Network engineering is a field of information technology focused on designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining computer networks. Network engineers ensure that data can move efficiently and securely between devices and locations, whether within a single office or across the globe. They work with hardware like routers, switches, and firewalls, as well as software to optimize performance and troubleshoot issues. Network engineers play a critical role in keeping organizations connected and their communications secure.
What are the most commonly searched types of Network Engineering jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Network Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Network Engineering jobs in Illinois? For Network Engineering jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Network Engineering jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Network Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Network Engineering job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,662 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Contractor

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Location: ONSITE- Chicago or Remote
Duration: 6 months
Role: Network Engineer
Descriptions:
Will work with Infrastructure leadership, other IS teams and business units to engineer, recommend, plan technical projects to meet network reliability, tactical, performance, or controls needs.
Analyzes business needs; gather requirements, designs, installs, troubleshoots, and supports technical solutions in a world-class infrastructure.
Develops and documents models, plans, diagrams, illustrations, and procedures in support of engineering activities and network related business initiatives.
Participates in regular meetings and conference calls with customers and IT staff to help qualify opportunities and technical solutions.
Creates capital expenditure (CAPEX) requests and tracks the progress of hardware & software orders.
10+ year's experience in network engineering. Experience network engineering and operation with an enterprise organization preferred.
5+ years of experience leading project teams and/or mentoring junior engineers.
In depth knowledge and understanding of networking technologies, design principles, and the practical application of routers, switches, virtualization, storage, storage networking virtualization/zoning, load-balancers and network security.
Experience working with SDN solutions such as Cisco ACI, VMware VNX Knowledge of network security solutions such as firewalls, VPNs, Intrusion detection/prevention, and web application firewalls.
Strong technical knowledge and experience in several of the following (certification a plus):
Cisco Routing/Switching, spine/leaf architecture
F5 LTM/GTM
Cisco UCS & Nexus
Cisco ACI
Cisco WAAS, WCCP
Cisco security solutions
Cisco ISE
Palo Alto Networks firewalls and security solutions QoS, prioritization of voice and video Network automation Proven understanding of network segmentation/isolation, encryption architectures Strong documentation skills and experience generating technical documents, diagrams, solutions specifications, guidelines, processes, and procedures.
Scripting skills are a plus
Excellent communications and customer service skills with proven ability to communicate professionally in a corporate environment.
Experience in standardizing and automating network configuration and deployment Experience with software and hardware troubleshooting and system monitoring.
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for implementations and being a point of escalation
Keyword:
Skills: Palo Alto~Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure(ACI)~CNS_Network Security_Cisco Experience Required: 6-8