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New Grad Network Engineer Jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL

Sr. Network Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$107K - $146K/yr

Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to ... The Senior Network Engineer designs, builds, implements, automates, and supports complex network ...

Network Engineer Access One is a business technology services and telecommunications provider ... Lead or participate in network migrations, firewall replacements, office moves, new-location ...

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Assists in the review of new computer applications, network modifications and expansions for ... Some knowledge of computer operating systems, programming languages and database management systems.

New

Research Developer - New Grad

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Research Developer New Grad for Headlands Tech Locations: Amsterdam; Chicago; London; New York Scope : As a Research Developer at Headlands Tech, you'll join a team of quantitative researchers ...

New

The Network Engineer III is accountable for the analysis, design, implementation, administration ... Adopts new technologies as trained and applies them in alignment with established processes and ...

The Network Engineer III is accountable for the analysis, design, implementation, administration ... Adopts new technologies as trained and applies them in alignment with established processes and ...

Network Engineer Advanced

Lincolnshire, IL ยท On-site

$109 - $163/hr

Overview At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working ... What We\'re Looking For As an Advanced Network Engineer at Zebra Technologies, you will be a vital ...

New

Network Engineer Team Lead

Waukegan, IL

$96K - $133K/yr

Network Engineer Team Lead Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 ... All new hires must complete a pre-employment hair follicle drug screening. All positions are on ...

Senior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Participates in research, evaluation and implementation of prototypes of new products and services ... Civil service status as a Network Engineer. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater ...

Showing results 21-40

New Grad Network Engineer information

See Buffalo Grove, IL salary details

$31.8K

$111.8K

$162K

How much do new grad network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for new grad network engineer in Buffalo Grove, IL is $111,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $136,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a new grad network engineer do?

A New Grad Network Engineer is an entry-level professional responsible for helping design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot computer networks for organizations. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced engineers to ensure network reliability, security, and performance. Their tasks may include configuring routers and switches, monitoring network activity, assisting with network upgrades, and resolving connectivity issues. New Grad Network Engineers often work with IT teams to support daily network operations and may also help document network configurations and procedures.

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

To thrive as a New Grad Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, protocols (such as TCP/IP), and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with network hardware, configuration tools, and certifications like Cisco's CCNA are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring reliable network performance, troubleshooting issues efficiently, and collaborating within IT teams.

What are some common challenges new grad network engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to real-world network environments?

New grad network engineers often find the transition to professional settings challenging due to the complexity and scale of enterprise networks compared to academic lab environments. Real-world networks involve working with legacy systems, adhering to strict security protocols, and troubleshooting issues that may not have clear documentation. Additionally, new grads must quickly adapt to working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, such as security analysts and systems administrators, while managing multiple priorities and responding to unexpected network incidents. However, these challenges offer valuable learning opportunities and pave the way for rapid skill development.

What is the difference between New Grad Network Engineer vs Network Technician?

AspectNew Grad Network EngineerNetwork Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; certifications like Cisco CCNAHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications like CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and troubleshoot network systems; often in office or data center settingsInstall, maintain, and repair network hardware; on-site or fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageIT firms, telecom companies, large corporationsTelecom providers, IT support companies, small businesses

While both roles involve networking skills, a New Grad Network Engineer focuses on designing and planning networks, often requiring a degree and certifications. In contrast, a Network Technician primarily handles installation and maintenance tasks, typically with less formal education. Understanding these differences helps new professionals choose the right career path in the networking industry.

Are network engineers in demand right now?

Network engineers are in high demand due to increasing reliance on network infrastructure, cybersecurity needs, and cloud technologies. Employers seek professionals skilled in network design, troubleshooting, and certifications like Cisco or CompTIA, with job growth expected to remain strong in the coming years.

How to get into a New Grad Network Engineer role with no experience?

To enter a New Grad Network Engineer role with no experience, focus on obtaining relevant certifications such as Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+, gain hands-on experience through internships, labs, or personal projects, and develop foundational skills in networking protocols, hardware, and troubleshooting. Demonstrating a strong understanding of networking concepts and practical skills can help offset limited work experience when applying for entry-level positions.

What are popular job titles related to New Grad Network Engineer jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL?

For New Grad Network Engineer jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching New Grad Network Engineer jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for New Grad Network Engineer jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL are:

What cities near Buffalo Grove, IL are hiring for New Grad Network Engineer jobs?

Cities near Buffalo Grove, IL with the most New Grad Network Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various New Grad Network Engineer job openings in Buffalo Grove, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,825 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

As a key member of the network engineering team, you will have strong experience with routing and switching in an ISP setting, including SDโ€‘WAN, network monitoring, infrastructure, as well as general network troubleshooting skills. This position is a hybrid with onsite presence required in our Schaumburg, IL office.

Responsibilities
  • Work directly with customers to design, implement, and operate solutions that are resilient, high-performing, and maintainable.
  • Ensure accuracy of backend systems and documentation.
  • Perform root cause analysis and determine corrective actions.
  • Design, provision, maintain, and troubleshoot services for clients including SDโ€‘WAN, SASE, MPLS, DIA, SIP, and UCaaS.
  • Assist with infrastructure design, maintenance, and operation, including SNMP, Netflow, Syslog, Prometheus, Grafana, Solarwinds, Netscout, Netbox, and Veeam. Part of your role will be to support Coeo's network and infrastructure in addition to customer networks.
  • Participate in trouble ticket resolution and troubleshoot advanced issues escalated from Tier 1 support.
  • May require some travel.
Qualifications
  • Experience working on ISP data networks at all layers or experience working at an MSP with a wide range of technologies.
  • Experience troubleshooting at the packet layer, capturing, and analyzing traffic, and working with Wireshark.
  • Experience with layer three routing protocols in an ISP environment (e.g. IS-IS, OSPF, BGP and BGP traffic engineering).
  • Understanding of metro ethernet design including EVCs, UNIs, and NNIs.
  • Understanding of network design and deployment of routers and switches, e.g. Juniper, Cisco, ALU, Ciena, Fortinet, Mikrotik, etc.
  • Experience with SDโ€‘WAN and SSE technologies, deployment, and useโ€‘case evaluation (i.e., Versa, Broadcom/VeloCloud, Client/Silver Peak).
  • Understanding of resiliency and redundancy in network design, protocols involved, and hardware options for high availability.
  • Vendor certifications a plus, Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, etc.
  • Excellent communications skills.
  • Desire to take on new opportunities and work independently.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of the Network team.
  • Strong desire to learn and demonstrated commitment to professional development.
Prior experience with any of the following would be a plus
  • Firewall configuration and management.
  • Scripting and automation in PowerShell, Python, Go, etc.
  • Voice network architecture, Clients, hosted PBX, SIP Phones, ATAs.
  • Windows and Linux server administration.
  • Azure, GCP, or AWS cloud configuration and management.
  • Virtualization management experience with VMware, KVM, OpenStack, Docker, Kubernetes, or others.
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