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Network Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

IMC is seeking experienced Network Engineers who are passionate about building and operating cutting-edge, high-performance networks. You'll work closely with traders, developers, quants, and ...

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Position Summary The Network Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, automating, monitoring, and supporting complex multi-vendor network environments across campus, SD-WAN, wireless, and ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support and maintain enterprise network infrastructure across multiple office locations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco ...

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Showing results 1-20

Network Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$126.8K

$410.8K

How much do network programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for network programmer in Chicago, IL is $126,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a network programmer do?

A Network Programmer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the networking aspects of software applications, particularly in areas such as online gaming, distributed systems, or enterprise applications. They work on protocols, data transmission, and synchronization to ensure efficient and reliable communication between devices or servers. Their role often includes optimizing network performance, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and collaborating with other developers to integrate network features into software products.

What are some common challenges network programmers face when optimizing multiplayer game performance?

Network programmers often encounter challenges such as minimizing latency, handling packet loss, and ensuring consistent synchronization between clients and servers. They must develop efficient protocols to manage bandwidth usage without sacrificing gameplay quality. Collaborating closely with game designers and other developers, network programmers continually profile and refine code to deliver a smooth multiplayer experience, even under varying network conditions.

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

To thrive as a Network Programmer, you need strong proficiency in network protocols, programming languages such as C++ or Python, and a solid understanding of computer networking concepts, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Wireshark, TCP/IP stack implementations, and version control systems, as well as certifications like Cisco's CCNA, are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable, efficient, and secure networked applications and for troubleshooting complex connectivity issues.

What is the difference between Network Programmer vs Network Engineer?

AspectNetwork ProgrammerNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; programming certificationsBachelor's in Computer Networking, IT, or related; Cisco certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, coding environments, labsNetwork infrastructure setup, maintenance, troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, gaming, software firmsTelecom, enterprise IT, data centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding programming roles in networksFocus on network infrastructure and hardware

Network Programmers primarily focus on developing software that manages or interacts with network systems, emphasizing coding and software design. In contrast, Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain network infrastructure, focusing on hardware, configurations, and network security. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

Is network programming in demand?

Network programming is in high demand due to the increasing reliance on internet-based services, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Professionals with skills in network protocols, scripting, and network security are sought after across various industries, often requiring knowledge of tools like Wireshark, TCP/IP, and scripting languages such as Python or C++.

What are popular job titles related to Network Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Network Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Network Programmer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,707 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

Network Engineer

Apex Informatics

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 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:
• 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).
• You will have considerable first-hand experience of design engineering and building resilient and scalable engineering solutions, ideally within finance or investment banking.
• Strong background in Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Aruba, SDWAN, routing switching, datacentre infrastructure and technologies.
• Solid knowledge of configuration automation tools such as Ansible, Yaml, Chef, Puppet, Terraform.
• 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.
• Solid understanding of routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, MBGP, VXLAN, TCP/IP and IPv6.
• Solid understanding of Datacenter Spine/leaf architectures using Cisco ACI or Arista spine/leaf, or others.
• Familiarity with SDWAN infrastructure such as Silverpeak.
• Familiarity with Layer 3, 4 and 7 load balancing methodologies and protocols as well as experience with highly available network and system architectures.
• Knowledge of 801.11a/g/n/ac Cisco WLC, WLAN, CAPWAP,LWAPP and other Wireless technologies.
• Experience with Cisco IOS/NX-OS/ASA-OS, JunOS, ArubaOS and/or Arista
• 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.
• Good in software development lifecycle, ITIL, Agile, Kanban process
• 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.
• Cisco Routing & Switching. Juniper, Arista, Aruba, Silverpeak.
• BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, Layer2/Layer 3, STP, SNMP.
• Solarwinds Orion NCM/NPM, Netscout, Gigamon and Wireshark.
• Cloud automation Azure/AWS
• Ansible and/or Puppet automation tools. Python scripting.
• Workflow automation
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 and Layer 4-7 protocols
• WAN Optimization
• DNS, IPAM and DHCP
Personal Attributes
• You will be highly organized and have proven ability to operate well under pressure, working to tight deadlines
• You will have good problem management and customer service skills.
• You will have a positive attitude and be capable of remaining positive even when under immense pressure.
• You will be able to work with global teams to deliver projects, often at pace and under challenging circumstances.
• You are someone with high professional standards, who never accepts the status-quo; who challenges why things are done the way they are.
• You will be a strong communicator, both written and verbal
• You discourage hero culture and ensure the team always comes before the individual, although always ensuring for the welfare of staff at all times.
• You will always act with integrity and embrace the philosophy of treating our customers fairly (compulsory)
• You will work effectively as one IT community across the regions and the business
• You will embrace the philosophy and principles of group IT
• You understand and apply Northern Trust's working practices, policies and procedures
Nice to haves:
• Cisco ACI
• CCIE
• Wireshark and high skilled troubleshooting tools.
• JNCIA-Junos
• CWNA
• ITILv3 foundation or higher
• Cisco CCNP Networks
Tasks & Responsibilities
• Responsible for defining and documenting Network Engineering Standards
• Responsible for the creation of Low Level Design documents to meet requirements outlined in the High Level Design
• Responsible for the creation of detailed Implementation Plans for all engineering related activity
• Responsible for Procurement activities relating to build and delivery of new services (Project)
• Responsible for ensuring the smooth Transition/Handover to Operations in line with agreed Operational Acceptance Process
• Responsible for managing Technical Lifecycle Management for all Network & Communications services
• Responsible for supporting Architecture in creation and upkeep of a Delivery Roadmap for Network Engineering
• Responsible for supporting the Architecture in scoping activities required to produce the High Level Design
• Responsible for supporting Architecture in undertaking Proof of Concept activities
• Responsible for ensuring skillsets are relevant and up to date in order to deliver change and provide a high level of support
• Responsible for providing escalation support to Operations with complex troubleshooting of Major Incidents as required
• Provide on call escalation support (rota basis) and work extended hours as and when required