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Network Infrastructure Engineer Jobs in Illinois

TriOptus LLC

Infrastructure Engineer II

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$90/hr

... network and client technologies. Infrastructure engineers love to solve difficult problems and ... embrace curiosity in the pursuit to exceed customer expectations. They pursue the physical design ...

SAIC

IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

BA/BS and 4+ years of experience in network engineering or infrastructure operations. * Active DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI. * IAT Level II certification, such as: Security ...

TransMarket Group

Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Working with network engineers to reliably upgrade and replace old network equipment * Developing ... Experience with infrastructure management tools (Ansible, Puppet) * Good management skills with ...

EMPIST

Infrastructure Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

The Networking-Focused ISG Engineer is responsible for supporting, optimizing, and securing client network environments across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid infrastructures. Responsibilities : • ...

Empist

Infrastructure Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

ISG Engineer I Chicago, IL - Onsite (Mon-Fri) Overview The Networking-Focused ISG Engineer is ... Work with Infrastructure and Cloud engineers to ensure alignment between network configurations and ...

CIBC US

Senior Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$140K - $150K/yr

As a Senior Infrastructure Engineer within CIBC's US Infrastructure Planning and Engineering team ... Network Insight . Cloud Adoption & Innovation * Support and execute the strategic migration of ...

CIBC

Senior Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$140K - $150K/yr

As a Senior Infrastructure Engineer within CIBC's US Infrastructure Planning and Engineering team ... Network Insight . Cloud Adoption & Innovation * Support and execute the strategic migration of ...

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All JobsNetwork Infrastructure Engineer JobsNetwork Infrastructure Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Network Infrastructure Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$45.1K

$123.1K

$176.4K

How much do network infrastructure engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for network infrastructure engineer in Illinois is $123,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,200.00 and $136,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Network Infrastructure Engineers when working on large-scale network deployments?

Network Infrastructure Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring network scalability, minimizing downtime during upgrades, and maintaining robust security protocols. Large-scale deployments require careful planning to integrate new hardware and software without disrupting existing services. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, such as security specialists and system administrators, is essential to address compatibility issues and deliver seamless network performance. Staying up to date with emerging technologies also helps in proactively solving potential bottlenecks.

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

To thrive as a Network Infrastructure Engineer, you need expertise in network design, troubleshooting, and security, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with network hardware, protocols, and certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP or CompTIA Network+ is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills ensure reliable, secure, and high-performing network environments essential for business continuity and growth.

What does a network infrastructure engineer do?

A network infrastructure engineer designs, implements, and maintains an organization’s computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and data centers. They configure network hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and ensure network security and performance. Proficiency with network protocols, tools, and certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNP are often required for this role.

What is the difference between Network Infrastructure Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectNetwork Infrastructure EngineerNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+CCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructureManaging and supporting existing network systems
ResponsibilitiesNetwork design, hardware setup, troubleshooting complex issuesMonitoring network performance, user support, routine maintenance

While both roles require similar certifications and work in network environments, the Network Infrastructure Engineer focuses on designing and building network systems, whereas the Network Administrator manages and maintains existing networks. The Engineer's role is more project-oriented, while the Administrator handles daily operations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior network infrastructure engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in designing and managing large-scale networks can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, specialized skills in cybersecurity or cloud networking, and working in high-demand industries or organizations with complex infrastructure needs.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior network infrastructure engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CCIE or CISSP), and leadership roles in large organizations can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves managing complex networks, working in high-demand industries, or holding executive-level positions like network director or chief technology officer.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior network infrastructure engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CCNP or CISSP), and expertise in designing and managing large-scale networks can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with roles in large organizations, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities in network architecture and security.
What are popular job titles related to Network Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Network Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Network Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Network Infrastructure Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Network Infrastructure Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Network Infrastructure Engineer job openings:
Network Infrastructure Engineer jobs near you
Senior Network Infrastructure Specialist

Senior Network Infrastructure Specialist

SAIC

Scott Air Force Base, IL

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 210 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2611734

Location: Scott Afb, IL, US

Date Posted: 2026-04-21

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Network Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Senior Network Infrastructure Specialist to support high‑visibility and mission‑critical network operations for the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). This role supports enterprise‑level infrastructure within a global DoD environment and requires independent technical leadership, infrastructure design expertise, and oversight of junior staff.
The successful candidate will operate with minimal supervision, lead complex tasks, and ensure secure, reliable, and resilient network operations across multiple transport mediums and global WAN environments.

Key Responsibilities:
 

  • Develop strategies and design network infrastructure to meet organizational and mission objectives.
  • Advise leadership on technology purchases involving data storage, processing, network access, and application development.
  • Assess feasibility of future projects and provide expert recommendations.
  • Provide deep technical expertise in routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), IPv6, VPN technologies, and global WAN backbone operations.
  • Support secure and non‑secure wireless communication infrastructure, network connectivity, and associated services.
  • Coordinate and execute cryptographic circuit maintenance.
  • Install and maintain the network transport medium (fiber, copper, wireless), including user access drops.
  • Perform planned upgrades and maintenance while minimizing operational disruption.
  • Provide DNS and SMTP support, IP address management, and VLAN configuration.
  • Collect, analyze, and report network availability metrics on a recurring and ad‑hoc basis.
  • Maintain comprehensive technical documentation including, physical and logical network architecture diagrams, equipment room layouts with rack elevations Inside/outside plant specifications, & hardware configurations.
  • Respond to network incidents, provide after‑action reporting, and support service recovery.
  • Adhere to established processes to ensure compliance with service level agreements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • BA/BS and 4+ years of experience in network engineering or infrastructure operations.
  • Active DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
  • IAT Level II certification, such as: Security+, CCNA‑Security, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, CND, or SSCP.
  • At least one Computing Environment certification (Cisco, Splunk, McAfee, etc.).
  • Experience installing and maintaining DoD networks in compliance with security requirements.
  • Strong expertise in routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), IPv6, VPN, and global WAN environments.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools including Word, PowerPoint, Visio, and Excel.
  • Demonstrated experience producing accurate and comprehensive technical documentation.
  • Strong communication skills for interacting with personnel of varying technical backgrounds.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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