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Senior Network Security Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Meridian IT

Senior Network/Security Engineer

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$59.50 - $77.75/hr

Senior Network/Security Engineer REPORTS TO: Director, Network/Security Services LOCATION: Chicagoland DATE: November 2025 Meridian IT Inc. is an award-winning MSP focused on Infrastructure and ...

Meridian IT

Senior Network/Security Engineer

Deerfield, IL · Hybrid

$59.50 - $77.75/hr

Senior Network/Security Engineer REPORTS TO: Director, Network/Security Services LOCATION: Chicagoland DATE: November 2025 Meridian IT Inc. is an award-winning MSP focused on Infrastructure and ...

NPO USA Inc

Senior Network Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $92/hr

We are looking for a highly qualified Senior Network Security Engineer to join our Network & Security Business Unit. The professional will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance ...

NPO USA

Senior Network Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $92K/yr

Role Description: We are looking for a highly qualified Senior Network Security Engineer to join our Network & Security Business Unit. The professional will be responsible for the design ...

USM

Fulltime : SR. Network Security Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$57.50 - $75/hr

Role : SR. Network Security Engineer LOCATION : Schaumburg IL Duration : Fulltime Must be US citizen or Green Card holder. Plan, design, engineer, develop, implement, and troubleshoot infrastructure ...

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Senior Network Security Engineer information

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How much do senior network security engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior network security engineer in Chicago, IL is $67.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.93 and $75.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior network security engineer?

Senior Network Security Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's network security infrastructure. They protect networks from cyber threats, manage firewalls, monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, and develop security policies. They also lead incident response efforts, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with security standards and regulations. Their expertise is crucial in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining business continuity.

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

To thrive as a Senior Network Security Engineer, you need deep knowledge of network protocols, security architectures, risk assessment, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, often complemented by several years of experience. Familiarity with firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), SIEM solutions, and certifications like CISSP or CCNP Security is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly are essential soft skills. These competencies help ensure robust network defenses, rapid threat response, and effective collaboration across IT and business teams.

How does a senior network security engineer typically collaborate with other IT teams to maintain organizational security?

A Senior Network Security Engineer often works closely with system administrators, application developers, and IT support teams to design, implement, and monitor security protocols. They lead incident response efforts, provide guidance on secure network architecture, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as these engineers must ensure that security measures align with business objectives and integrate seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure. Cross-functional teamwork is a key aspect of the role, particularly when implementing new technologies or responding to emerging threats.

What is the difference between Senior Network Security Engineer vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectSenior Network Security EngineerNetwork Security Analyst
CertificationsCCNP Security, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP (preferred)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and managing security infrastructureMonitoring, analyzing, and responding to security incidents
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping security protocols, leading security projectsConducting security assessments, analyzing threats
Industry UsageIT, finance, healthcare, large enterprisesIT departments, security firms, corporate environments

While both roles focus on network security, the Senior Network Security Engineer typically leads security infrastructure design and implementation, whereas the Network Security Analyst concentrates on monitoring and analyzing security threats. The senior engineer has more strategic responsibilities, often requiring advanced certifications and experience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Network Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Network Security Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,999 per year, or $67.8 per hour.

Senior Network/Security Engineer

Meridian IT

Deerfield, IL • On-site

$59.50 - $77.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description
JOB TITLE: Senior Network/Security Engineer
REPORTS TO: Director, Network/Security Services
LOCATION: Chicagoland
DATE: November 2025
Meridian IT Inc. is an award-winning MSP focused on Infrastructure and Platform Solutions and Managed Services for premise-based, private and hybrid cloud hosting for x86 and IBM Power environments. Our solutions encompass the full spectrum of IT infrastructure, platforms, contact center, and security solutions that help businesses thrive.
Our Mission is to deliver and manage secure, reliable, and scalable IT infrastructures and platforms businesses need by transforming essential technology investments into long-term competitive advantages.
With more than 45 years in business, Meridian IT Inc is wholly owned by Meridian Group International and is privately hold.
Position Summary
The Sr. Network Security Engineer is an experienced technical resource responsible for developing and implementing end-to-end solutions to complex business networking and communications problems for new and existing clients. This individual will work with the Project Management Office to staff project-based network implementation work, as well as respond to implementation requests, T&M (Time & Materials), private cloud/data center support, and/or managed service work.
The Sr. Network Security Engineer is responsible for the entire lifecycle of an engagement (planning to close) to which they have been assigned. This engineer will also work with the sales team in a pre-sales role to develop and position technology solutions. Presentations, face-to-face meetings, and conference calls are a critical part of this position. The ability to properly and professionally manage customer expectations and to calmly handle stressful and complex troubleshooting scenarios are requirements of this position. The Senior Network Engineer will also be responsible for mentoring and assisting peer Engineers with implementing solutions and problem solving for new and existing clients.
Duties and Responsibilities
Post-Sales Implementation and Operational Work
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to peer engineers, including assisting with project execution and complex problem-solving.
  • Manage the entire technical lifecycle (planning to close) for assigned projects.
  • Participate in network project planning, budgeting, and execution
  • Must be able to demonstrate effective planning and documentation for all phases of a project.
  • Assist with the initial staging of projects, including verifying received hardware inventory and performing initial equipment setup.
  • Install, configure, and troubleshoot network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.
  • Provide support to managed service customers within the agreed upon SLAs.
  • Execute implementation, configuration, and migration tasks for network, security, and remote access projects, ensuring seamless deployment.
  • Perform troubleshooting of complex network infrastructure issues, proposing and implementing effective solutions.
  • Must abide by standard operating procedures (SOPs) where established for all operational and implementation work.
  • Collaborate with other engineers and teams to integrate network infrastructure with IT systems and applications

Pre-Sales/Consulting Responsibilities
  • Develop, position, and present technology solutions in support of the sales team, including participation in face-to-face meetings and conference calls.
  • Design and document end-to-end network and security solutions based on client business and technical requirements.
  • Provide technology demonstrations and lead whiteboarding sessions.
  • Work with the presales team to generate Bills of Material (BOMs) and Statements of Work (SOWs) for proposed solutions.

Required Skills and Qualifications
Professional and Soft Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in a business or IT-related field is preferred but not required.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface at varying and appropriate levels of management.
  • Clear and timely communication to multiple stakeholder groups
  • Ability to break down technical concepts into business terms for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong critical thinking and judgment, especially when solving technical challenges under stressful conditions.
  • Excellent customer relationship management skills.
  • Strong team player with emphasis on relationship building.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying and resolving potential problems.
  • Proven ability to handle multiple priorities and interruptions with minimal impact on productivity.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Including Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, PowerPoint, & Visio).

Qualifications and Requirements
  • 10+ years experience as a Network/Security Engineer
  • Juniper/F5 certifications a plus
  • Experiences in services organization a plus
  • Cisco CCNP certification.
  • Experience with Cisco ISE, Cisco ACI
  • Cisco and Aruba wireless technologies.
  • Experience with firewall platforms, including Cisco ASA & FTD, Fortigate, and Palo Alto Networks (PCNSE Certification required).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain both pre- and post-sales technical certifications from manufacturers (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, HP, etc.).

Meridian Group International, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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