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New Grad Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

IMC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

... new services, and troubleshoot issues. Requirements: * 8+ years of dedicated network engineering ... experience * Exceptional troubleshooting capabilities across Ethernet LAN, unicast/multicast ...

1 point system

Network Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

We are seeking a Sr-Level Network Engineer to support Exelon's network refresh programs across multiple projects, including branch refreshes and real estate/customer initiatives (e.g., new site ...

IMC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

... new services, and troubleshoot issues. Requirements: * 8+ years of dedicated network engineering ... experience * Exceptional troubleshooting capabilities across Ethernet LAN, unicast/multicast ...

IMC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

... new services, and troubleshoot issues. Requirements: * 8+ years of dedicated network engineering ... experience * Exceptional troubleshooting capabilities across Ethernet LAN, unicast/multicast ...

NextRow Digital

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

NextRow is looking to hire a Network Engineer (contract role). Any experience in Hospitality ... Design, implement and support new and existing services for customers and business partners. • ...

NextRow Digital

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL

NextRow is looking to hire a Network Engineer (contract role). Any experience in Hospitality ... Design, implement and support new and existing services for customers and business partners.

Buckeye Mountain

Field Network Engineer

Chicago, IL

You will execute the physical builds, network installations, and site commissioning that bring new ... Our Senior Network Engineer provides remote engineering support; you are the technical presence and ...

KE Staffing

Network Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

The engineer will analyze and resolve network hardware, software problems and incidents escalated ... Design solutions with other teams to support new or updated technologies. * Monitor Azure and ...

IPsoft Inc.

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Headquartered in New York City, IPsoft has offices in 13 countries across the world and serves more ... Our large portfolio of clients allows engineers to gain exposure to a wide variety of network ...

Early Warning Services

Sr. Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

Barrow Wise Consulting

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL

Responsibilities: The Network Engineer will support Barrow Wise's Chicago Board of Education ... Barrow Wise will continue to lead the industry in delivering new solutions to clients and persevere ...

Barrow Wise Consulting

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $140K/yr

Responsibilities: The Network Engineer will support Barrow Wise's Chicago Board of Education ... Barrow Wise will continue to lead the industry in delivering new solutions to clients and persevere ...

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All JobsNew Grad Network Engineer JobsNew Grad Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

New Grad Network Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$112.3K

$162.8K

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

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for new grad network engineer in Chicago, IL is $112,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 popular job titles related to New Grad Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For New Grad Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching New Grad Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for New Grad Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for New Grad Network Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most New Grad Network Engineer job openings:
New Grad Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Network Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,327 per year, or $54 per hour.

Network Engineer

IMC

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

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 performance engineers to design, implement, and support the infrastructure that powers our trading business.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, implement, and support the North American networking environment. Core areas include low-latency networking, unicast and multicast routing, BGP, PIM-SM, performance tuning, gap analysis, and automation.
  • Monitor and analyze network health using existing tools while contributing ideas and development toward next-generation monitoring solutions.
  • Continuously improve the environment by contributing to automation efforts (e.g., Bash, Python, Ansible, AWX).
  • Maintain precise documentation of IMC's network architecture, configurations, and operational procedures.
  • Collaborate with external vendors, exchanges, and service providers to evaluate technology options, deploy new services, and troubleshoot issues.

Requirements:

  • 8+ years of dedicated network engineering experience
  • Exceptional troubleshooting capabilities across Ethernet LAN, unicast/multicast routing, switching, packet analysis
  • Experience with diverse network switching hardware platforms
  • Hands-on scripting/automation experience (Python, Ansible, etc.) strongly preferred
  • CCIE or CCNP certification is a plus
  • Experience in trading or financial services highly preferred

While this is a hybrid position, we expect an in-office presence in our Chicago office 3-4 times per week.

Apply