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Senior Desktop Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Desktop Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$45 - $65/hr

LRS Consulting Services is seeking a Senior Desktop Engineer to join a collaborative, tight-knit IT operations team supporting a mid-sized, globally distributed organization. This role is responsible ...

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Senior Desktop Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$46

$84

How much do senior desktop engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior desktop engineer in Chicago, IL is $46.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.75 and $59.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior desktop engineer?

A Senior Desktop Engineer is an IT professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining desktop computing environments within an organization. They manage software deployments, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and ensure that all end-user devices are secure and up to date. Senior Desktop Engineers also develop standard operating procedures, lead technical projects, and may mentor junior staff. They play a crucial role in supporting employees' productivity by providing reliable desktop solutions and support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior desktop engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Desktop Engineer, you need deep expertise in Windows and Mac OS environments, endpoint management, and troubleshooting, typically supported by a degree in IT or related certifications like Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate. Familiarity with tools such as SCCM, Intune, Active Directory, and scripting languages like PowerShell is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and a customer-focused attitude set top performers apart. These skills and qualities ensure reliable system performance, efficient support, and a positive user experience in complex enterprise environments.

What are some common challenges faced by senior desktop engineers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Senior Desktop Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing large-scale software deployments, ensuring security compliance across diverse systems, and supporting end-users with varying technical skills. Addressing these requires strong problem-solving abilities, up-to-date knowledge of endpoint management tools, and effective communication with both IT peers and non-technical staff. Proactively documenting processes and staying current with evolving technologies can help streamline workflows and minimize disruptions.

What is the difference between Senior Desktop Engineer vs Desktop Support Specialist?

AspectSenior Desktop EngineerDesktop Support Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in IT or related, certifications like CompTIA A+ or Microsoft CertifiedHigh school diploma or associate's degree, certifications like CompTIA A+
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining desktop systems in corporate environmentsProviding technical support and troubleshooting for end-users
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in IT departments across various industries, focusing on infrastructureCommon in help desks, support centers, and smaller IT teams

The Senior Desktop Engineer typically handles advanced desktop infrastructure tasks, including system design and deployment, while the Desktop Support Specialist focuses on resolving user issues and providing technical support. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities within IT teams.

How much do senior desktop engineers make?

Senior desktop engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the company. In high-demand areas, salaries can exceed this range, especially for those with advanced skills in troubleshooting, network configuration, and enterprise environments.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Senior Desktop Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Senior Desktop Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Desktop Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Desktop Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Desktop Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Desktop Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Desktop Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, and 56% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, 22% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,927 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Sr. Desktop Engineer

LRS

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$45 - $65/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Description LRS Consulting Services is seeking a Senior Desktop Engineer to join a collaborative, tight-knit IT operations team supporting a mid-sized, globally distributed organization. This role is responsible for the management and administration of the PC ecosystem, including endpoint deployment, application packaging, policy management, and end-user support across office and remote environments. The team operates with a flat structure and minimal siloing, meaning this person will have exposure to technologies well beyond desktop engineering, including identity management, networking, and security platforms.

Cultural fit is critical for this role, as the team is highly cohesive and values collaboration, initiative, and mutual support. This is a hybrid position based out of Northbrook, IL (3 days in office, 2 days remote). The Northbrook office is currently being completed, so the role may start fully remote or with occasional time at a nearby office location until the new headquarters is ready.

What You Will Do Manage and administer the Microsoft 365 and Intune environment, including policy configuration, device compliance, and Autopilot deployment. Build, maintain, and deploy application packages through Intune, including both push-based delivery and self-service through the Company Portal. Administer Active Directory, Entra ID, and related identity services.

Manage and support the ConnectWise platform for endpoint management, remote control, and privileged access management. Maintain PC inventory and asset tracking to ensure accurate records across the environment. Provide escalated desktop support for hardware and software issues across the organization.

Collaborate with senior engineers on infrastructure projects spanning virtualization, networking, and security. Participate in the transition from a SharePoint-based ticketing system to an improved platform. Support the organization's global footprint with occasional travel for project work (not required, but available for those interested).

Required Qualifications Proficiency with Microsoft Intune, including device management, policy deployment, application packaging, and Autopilot. Strong Microsoft 365 administration experience across the full suite (Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, Entra ID). Solid Active Directory and Entra ID administration skills, including account management, group policy, and identity services.

Hands-on experience with PC lifecycle management, including imaging, hardware troubleshooting, and software deployment. Strong end-user support skills with the ability to triage and resolve issues independently. Preferred Qualifications PowerShell scripting and automation capabilities.

Experience with ConnectWise or similar endpoint management and remote support platforms. Familiarity with Okta or other identity and access management platforms. Exposure to CrowdStrike or similar endpoint security tools.

Experience with Meraki networking, Palo Alto firewalls, or similar infrastructure technologies. Experience managing Chromebooks via Google Workspace or iOS devices via Apple Business Manager. Prior experience in a mid-sized, non-siloed IT environment where team members wear multiple hats.

*Candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the US, sponsorship is not available *Third party candidates will not be considered, all candidates must be willing to work on a W2 Work Environment and Schedule Hybrid position based out of Northbrook, IL (3 days onsite, 2 days remote). Flexible start times to accommodate personal schedules. Minimal after-hours expectations; availability for rare emergency situations only.

Optional travel opportunities to domestic and international sites (Europe, Asia, Mexico) for project work. The base range for this contract position is $45.00 - $65.00 per hour, depending on experience. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location

The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hires of this position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. LRS is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants for employment will receive consideration without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, gender identity, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, status or protected veteran status. In some cases, LRS Consulting uses generative artificial intelligence ("AI") in support of our hiring processes. LRS takes steps to ensure the use of AI does not result in discrimination based on protected class(es).

AI may be used in the hiring process solely in support of the assessment of candidate qualifications. All decisions in the hiring process are made by LRS employees. If AI will be used in the hiring process for the position for which you are applying, you will be notified and will have the opportunity to opt out.

Please contact AI.Questions@lrs.com with any questions.