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

CONFIDENTIAL SEARCH - Senior Network Security Engineer Location: Chicago - Onsite Pay: $130 - $145K Base Benefits: This position is eligible for Medical, Dental, Vison, and 401(k) Confidential search ...

New

CONFIDENTIAL SEARCH - Senior Network Security Engineer Location: Chicago - Onsite Pay: $130 - $145K Base Benefits: This position is eligible forMedical, Dental, Vison, and 401(k) Confidential search ...

New

We are looking for a highly qualified Senior Network Security Engineer to join our Network & Security Business Unit. The professional will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance ...

Senior Network/Security Engineer

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$59.50 - $77.75/hr

Senior Network/Security Engineer REPORTS TO: Director, Network/Security Services LOCATION: Chicagoland DATE: November 2025 Meridian IT Inc. is an award-winning MSP focused on Infrastructure and ...

Senior Network/Security Engineer

Deerfield, IL · Hybrid

$59.50 - $77.75/hr

Senior Network/Security Engineer REPORTS TO: Director, Network/Security Services LOCATION: Chicagoland DATE: November 2025 Meridian IT Inc. is an award-winning MSP focused on Infrastructure and ...

Role Description: We are looking for a highly qualified Senior Network Security Engineer to join our Network & Security Business Unit. The professional will be responsible for the design ...

Network Security Engineer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Network Security Engineer III, Chicago, IL The Network Security Engineer III position is part of a collaborative team that provides technical solutions and support to caregivers and employees across ...

Fulltime : SR. Network Security Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$57.50 - $75/hr

Role : SR. Network Security Engineer LOCATION : Schaumburg IL Duration : Fulltime Must be US citizen or Green Card holder. Plan, design, engineer, develop, implement, and troubleshoot infrastructure ...

Network/Security Engineer

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

... network) • Experience Switching, Routing & Security products. Qualifications Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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Network Security Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$21.6K

$128.7K

$172K

How much do network security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for network security engineer in Chicago, IL is $128,715.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $147,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network security engineer?

Network Security Engineers are IT professionals responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks from security threats and unauthorized access. They design, implement, and maintain security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols. Their role involves monitoring network traffic, responding to security incidents, and ensuring compliance with security policies and regulations. Network Security Engineers also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and work to keep systems up to date against evolving cyber threats.

What does a network security engineer do?

As a network security engineer, your job duties include configuring routers, switches, firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other network monitoring tools against intrusions. You need technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills to carry out your network security tasks. Your job is to ensure that your company’s internal networks are protected from potential online threats, like hackers and malware that can steal or corrupt sensitive data from websites, computer programs, databases, and servers. You need to remain current with new developments in the field to master fast-evolving network security technologies.

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

To thrive as a Network Security Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking protocols, firewall management, vulnerability assessment, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security tools like IDS/IPS, SIEM systems, and certifications such as CISSP or CompTIA Security+ are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills are crucial for safeguarding organizational data, identifying security threats, and ensuring robust network protection.

What are some common challenges faced by network security engineers in maintaining secure and efficient networks?

Network Security Engineers often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving cyber threats, ensuring minimal downtime during security upgrades, and balancing strong security measures with network performance. Additionally, they must work closely with IT teams and end-users to implement security policies without disrupting daily operations. Keeping up with compliance standards and effectively communicating risks and solutions to non-technical stakeholders are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Network Security Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectNetwork Security EngineerSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCCNA, CISSP, CompTIA Security+CISSP, GIAC Security Essentials, CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining security infrastructureMonitoring, analyzing, and responding to security incidents
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, cybersecurity firms, large enterprisesCorporate security teams, government agencies, financial institutions

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Network Security Engineers primarily design and implement security systems, whereas Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. They often work together to ensure comprehensive protection of organizational networks.

Are network security engineers in demand?

Network security engineers are in high demand due to increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for organizations to protect their digital assets. The role requires skills in firewalls, intrusion detection, and security protocols, and often benefits from certifications like CISSP or CEH. Job growth in this field is expected to remain strong as cybersecurity remains a top priority for businesses worldwide.

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Network Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Network Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Network Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Network Security Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Network Security Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Network Security Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,715 per year, or $61.9 per hour.

Senior Network Security Engineer

Addison Group

Chicago, IL • Remote

$130 - $145K/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

CONFIDENTIAL SEARCH – Senior Network Security Engineer

Location: Chicago – Onsite

Pay: $130 - $145K Base

Benefits: This position is eligible for Medical, Dental, Vison, and 401(k)

Confidential search for a Senior Network Security Engineer for a highly respected Chicago organization undergoing a significant modernization of its technology infrastructure.

The ideal candidate is someone who lives at the intersection of enterprise networking and cybersecurity.

This is not a GRC, policy or compliance position. We’re looking for someone who can get into the technology and understand how to build, secure and troubleshoot a large enterprise network.

What You'll Work With:

  • Cisco enterprise networking
  • Enterprise firewalls
  • Network segmentation
  • Routing & switching
  • VLANs / ACLs
  • VPN / secure connectivity
  • IDS / IPS
  • Network Access Control
  • SIEM / security monitoring
  • Vulnerability management
  • Network hardening and security architecture

Ideal Background:

  • 5+ years of enterprise network/security engineering
  • Strong firewall experience
  • Strong Cisco networking knowledge
  • Deep understanding of TCP/IP and routing/switching
  • Experience with segmentation and network-security architecture
  • Ability to independently troubleshoot difficult network/security issues
  • Experience in a large, complex enterprise environment
  • Strong communication and documentation skills
  • Healthcare experience is helpful but not required
  • Interested in strong engineers coming from banking, insurance, universities, large corporations or other complex 24x7 environments

This organization is making a major investment in modernizing its infrastructure, creating an opportunity to help build and secure the future-state network rather than simply maintain the old one.

Important: This is primarily an onsite position in downtown Chicago/Streeterville five days per week. Candidates should not consider this a remote opportunity.

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