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Senior Network Engineer Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Aurora, IL

$135K/yr

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical deployment, architecture, and execution for your team's projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Deployment & Support

Dekalb, IL

$135K/yr

Network Engineer, Deployment & Support Responsibilities: * Deployment, configuration, and management of all network infrastructure on our data center campus * Work with partner teams and vendors to ...

Meta

Network Operations Engineer

Dekalb, IL

$106K/yr

Meta is seeking a Network Operations Engineer to join our Edge and Network Services (ENS) Foundation NetOps team. In this role, you will utilize your knowledge in hyperscale data center structured ...

3M

Sr Industrial Engineer, Optimization

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$42 - $57.50/hr

Job Title Sr Industrial Engineer, Optimization Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World ... Supply Chain Network Optimization : Lead and model network optimization scenarios, redesign ...

3M

Sr Industrial Engineer, Optimization

Dekalb, IL · Hybrid

$42 - $57.50/hr

Job Title Sr Industrial Engineer, Optimization Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World ... Supply Chain Network Optimization : Lead and model network optimization scenarios, redesign ...

GEI Consultants

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Burlington, IL · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

Summary As a Senior Water Resources / Dam Safety Engineer and experienced seller-doer, you will ... Develop a networking partnership with practitioners across the company. * Participate on technical ...

GEI Consultants

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Burlington, IL

$99K - $136K/yr

Summary As a Senior Water Resources / Dam Safety Engineer and experienced seller-doer, you will ... Develop a networking partnership with practitioners across the company. * Participate on technical ...

IMEG

Senior Transportation Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$98K - $141K/yr

Senior Transportation Engineer IMEG is hiring a Senior Transportation Engineer to lead design efforts for moderate to complex transportation projects with limited support required from senior staff.

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Senior Network Engineer information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$41.7K

$121.5K

$171.8K

How much do senior network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior network engineer in DeKalb, IL is $121,495.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,100.00 and $139,900.00 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 DeKalb, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Senior Network Engineer jobs in DeKalb, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Network Engineer jobs in DeKalb, IL are:

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Senior Network Engineer jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Senior Network Engineer job openings:

Senior Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Network Engineer job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,495 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Meta

Aurora, IL

$135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineer to join the team responsible for planning and executing network deployments to build one of the world's largest optical backbone networks. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge Optical and IP networking technologies owning the deployment planning, implementation, and scaling of Meta's AI network infrastructure.
Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities:
  • Lead the technical deployment, architecture, and execution for your team’s projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment, ensuring alignment with organizational direction and goals
  • Provide hands-on technical contributions (design, deployment, migrate, code reviews, troubleshooting, etc.) on large scale complex programs demonstrating domain expertise and technical impact
  • Contribute to strategic objectives by executing six-month to multi-year roadmaps that support business growth and transformation. Balance high-level strategic direction with hands-on leadership to deliver results across a broad portfolio of initiatives
  • Apply established engineering standards for reliability, scalability, and performance to deliverables, driving continuous improvement in engineering processes and technical quality
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across Network Engineering, Data Center, Network Investments, and Planning teams to ensure successful execution of shared goals on network delivery
  • Deploy, migrate and support our global production network including edge, backbone, and data center infrastructure
  • Mentor and onboard new team members, raising the team’s overall technical acumen and building internal community
  • 10% to 30% of travel

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 6+ years of Network Engineering, including hands-on responsibility for planning, building, deployment or migrating production network environments
  • 3+ years experience working in Optical Network Engineering
  • Hands-on experience with enterprise and carrier class routing, switching, and optical transport platforms
  • Knowledge of data center design and operational best practices
  • Proven experience leading and executing network deployment and migration projects
  • Experience interacting with vendors and external parties to drive projects to completion

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with process improvement and systems development, leveraging automation to streamline repetitive workflows
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience in data center, edge, or large-scale network environments
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Proficiency in automation (Python, Go, etc.) and network configuration management tooling
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$135,000/year to $191,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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