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Senior Network Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

GCyber

Senior Network Engineer

Scott Air Force Base, IL · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for managing and maintaining network availability, security, and performance across multiple sites and classifications. This position is full time onsite at ...

GCyber

Senior Network Engineer

Scott Air Force Base, IL · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

GCyber is hiring a Senior Network Engineer to serve as the program's network design authority for a high-profile Air Force network program supporting a critical mission. The Senior Network Engineer ...

Early Warning Services

Sr. Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$107K - $146K/yr

The Senior Network Engineer designs, builds, implements, automates, and supports complex network solutions that enable secure, scalable, and highly available enterprise systems. This role provides ...

Littelfuse

Sr. Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Senior Network Engineer to join our Global Infrastructure team. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting a global enterprise network ...

MWRD

Senior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Civil service status as a Network Engineer. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Senior Network Engineer (#20004120) General Statement Under direction, ensures network capacity ...

New

Apex Systems

Senior Network Engineer

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

Job#: 3044027 Senior Network Engineer Location: Hanover Park, Illinois (Partial Remote, 4 days onsite) Role Overview We are seeking a skilled Network Engineer to manage and support data center ...

Rocket Software

Senior Network Engineer

Virginia, IL · On-site +1

$105K - $141K/yr

As a Senior Network Engineer with Rocket Software, you are part of a global, fast-paced IT organization with a primary mission to provide world class service to software development labs and internal ...

Apex Informatics

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

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Senior Network Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$41.2K

$120K

$169.6K

How much do senior network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior network engineer in Illinois is $119,951.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,800.00 and $138,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior network engineer?

Senior Network Engineers are experienced IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex computer networks within organizations. They oversee network infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, ensure network security, and optimize performance. Typically, they lead network projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with other IT teams to support business operations. Their expertise covers a range of technologies, including routers, switches, firewalls, and cloud networking.

What does a senior network engineer do?

A senior network engineer builds and maintains data communication networks for a company or organization. As a senior network engineer, you have several years of industry experience and lead a team of junior network engineers and network administrators to ensure both the local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) are functioning properly. Your job duties include installing software and hardware, creating a layout plan for cables, and troubleshooting and solving problems that arise with the networks for which you are responsible.

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

To excel as a Senior Network Engineer, you need a deep understanding of network architecture, protocols, security, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise in configuring and troubleshooting routers, switches, firewalls, and experience with tools like Cisco IOS, Juniper, or cloud networking platforms, along with certifications such as CCNP or CCIE, are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and leadership are crucial for designing solutions and collaborating with IT teams. These competencies ensure reliable, secure, and scalable network infrastructures that support critical business operations.

What are some common challenges faced by senior network engineers when managing large-scale network infrastructures?

Senior Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies into legacy systems, ensuring network security across a growing number of devices, and maintaining high availability while performing upgrades or troubleshooting. Balancing the demands of multiple stakeholders—like IT, security, and business units—can also be complex. Staying updated with evolving protocols and proactively identifying potential performance bottlenecks are crucial parts of effectively managing large-scale environments.

What is the difference between Senior Network Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectSenior Network EngineerNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCCNP, CCIE, Cisco certificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and troubleshoot complex networksMaintain and support existing network infrastructure
ResponsibilitiesNetwork architecture, advanced troubleshooting, project leadershipNetwork setup, monitoring, routine maintenance

While both roles involve network management, a Senior Network Engineer focuses on designing and implementing complex network solutions, often leading projects. In contrast, a Network Administrator primarily maintains and supports existing networks, ensuring smooth daily operations.

More about Senior Network Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Network Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Network Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Senior Network Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Network Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Network Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Senior Network Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Senior Network Engineer job openings:

Senior Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Network Engineer job openings in Illinois 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 $119,951 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Senior Network Engineer

GCyber

Scott Air Force Base, IL • On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

GCyber is hiring a Senior Network Engineer to serve as the program's network design authority for a high‑profile Air Force network program supporting a critical mission. The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for managing and maintaining network availability, security, and performance across multiple sites and classifications.

This position is full time onsite at Scott AFB, IL. Given the classified nature of the work and the mission essential designation of this position, there is no opportunity for hybrid or remote work.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

As the Senior Network Engineer, you will:
  • Provide network analysis and design services and evaluate and recommend new technologies to meet requirements and improve network performance.
  • Test and document all hardware, software, and configuration changes in the lab before they are made at an operational site, and produce the installation and configuration guides the Government requires before each change.
  • Serve as the Tier 3+ escalation point for network issues at three operational gateway sites and the platforms that connect to them.
  • Engineer and review configurations for routers, switches, firewalls, VLANs, VPNs, CIDR and VLSM schemes, DNS, encryption devices, network management services, and satellite transmissions.
  • Configure fault tolerance and disaster recovery for servers and network devices.
  • Write scripts to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
  • Active DoD TOP SECRET clearance and enrollment in Continuous Vetting
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
  • DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II certification.
  • BA/BS and 8+ years of network engineering experience, including a minimum of 5 years of directly relevant experience.
  • Expertise in routing, switching, firewall, VPN, VLAN, IPv4/IPv6, and encryption device experience in a production environment.
  • Experience applying DISA STIGs and carrying out USCYBERCOM and DISA tasking orders.
  • Hands on experience with air‑to‑ground gateways, airborne communications, SATCOM transport, or TCP acceleration.
Preferred Skills & Experience
  • CCIE or Cisco Certified DevNet Associate.
  • Network automation experience: Python against network APIs, GitLab CI, and EVE‑NG or a similar lab emulation tool.
  • Experience supporting aircraft developmental or operational test and evaluation.
  • Experience with SolarWinds and Splunk.
Our Benefits

GCyber is committed to the well‑being and development of every employee. Our benefits are designed to support your personal and professional goals, from health and wellness programs to retirement savings and career development opportunities. Highlights include:

  • 26 Days of Paid Leave + Annual PTO Increase
  • An extra day of paid leave for every year of employment with GCyber
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Additional Leave Allowances for Military Duty, Jury Duty, and Bereavement Leave
  • 401(k) Matching
  • 100% Company‑funded Disability Insurance
  • 90% Company‑Funded Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, with contributions to insurance benefits for spouses, children, and family members
  • Training and Professional Development Plans
  • Commuter Benefits Plan
  • Parking and Transportation Allowance
Equal Opportunity Employer

GCyber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This means you don't have to worry about whether your application process will be fair. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.

Stay in Touch

For future job notifications please follow GCyber on LinkedIn. https://linkedin.com/company/gcyber

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