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Senior Network Virtualization Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Network Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$97K - $149K/yr

Since 1891, we have provided comprehensive engineering, design, and consulting services for both ... Role Overview The Senior Network Architect will be responsible for the strategy, design, and ...

Senior Network Architect

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$97K - $149K/yr

Since 1891, we have provided comprehensive engineering, design, and consulting services for both ... Role Overview The Senior Network Architect will be responsible for the strategy, design, and ...

Senior Network Architect

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$97K - $149K/yr

Sargent & Lundy is a leading consulting engineering firm specializing in the power and energy ... Role Overview The Senior Network Architect will be responsible for the strategy, design, and ...

Senior Network Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$97K - $149K/yr

Since 1891, we have provided comprehensive engineering, design, and consulting services for both ... Role Overview The Senior Network Architect will be responsible for the strategy, design, and ...

Network Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$104K - $144K/yr

... engineers. * In depth knowledge and understanding of networking technologies, design principles, and the practical application of routers, switches, virtualization, storage, storage networking ...

Network Engineer Senior

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Join Zebra Technologies as a Senior Network Engineer and play a crucial role in building, optimizing, and securing our global IT infrastructure. In this position, you will be a key driver in ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Network Virtualization Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$127.5K

$180.3K

How much do senior network virtualization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior network virtualization engineer in Chicago, IL is $127,517.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,100.00 and $146,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by senior network virtualization engineers when integrating new virtualization technologies into existing infrastructure?

Senior Network Virtualization Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy hardware and new virtualization solutions, minimizing downtime during migration, and maintaining security across virtual and physical network segments. They must also coordinate closely with cross-functional teams, including security and systems engineers, to align network changes with organizational policies and minimize service disruption. Staying current with rapidly evolving virtualization technologies and best practices is essential to successfully overcoming these obstacles.

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

To thrive as a Senior Network Virtualization Engineer, you need deep expertise in networking concepts, virtualization technologies (such as VMware NSX or Cisco ACI), and a relevant bachelor’s degree or higher. Familiarity with network automation tools (like Ansible or Python scripting), hypervisors, and industry certifications (e.g., VMware Certified Professional, Cisco CCNP Data Center) is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills are essential for collaborating across teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These skills enable the design, deployment, and optimization of virtualized network infrastructures that support organizational agility and scalability.

What does a senior network virtualization engineer do?

A Senior Network Virtualization Engineer designs, implements, and manages virtualized network infrastructure in large-scale enterprise or data center environments. Their role involves configuring and maintaining network virtualization platforms such as VMware NSX, Cisco ACI, or similar technologies. They ensure secure, efficient, and scalable network operations by integrating virtualization with existing hardware, troubleshooting complex network issues, and optimizing performance. Additionally, they often mentor junior engineers and collaborate with other IT teams to support business needs.

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

AspectSenior Network Virtualization EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCCNP, CCIE, VMware NSX certificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentData centers, cloud environments, virtualized networksCorporate networks, ISP infrastructure, enterprise LAN/WAN
ResponsibilitiesDesigning, implementing, managing virtual networks and SDN solutionsConfiguring and maintaining physical and basic virtual networks

The main difference is that Senior Network Virtualization Engineers focus on advanced virtual network solutions, SDN, and cloud environments, while Network Engineers handle broader network infrastructure tasks. The senior role requires specialized virtualization certifications and experience with virtualized and cloud networks, whereas Network Engineers typically work with physical networks and basic virtual setups.

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

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

Senior Network Architect

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL • On-site

$97K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Description
Sargent & Lundy is a leading consulting engineering firm specializing in the power and energy sectors. Since 1891, we have provided comprehensive engineering, design, and consulting services for both traditional and renewable power generation, grid modernization, nuclear power, and more. Our mission is to help clients achieve their energy goals effectively by adopting advanced technologies and sustainable practices.
Role Overview
The Senior Network Architect will be responsible for the strategy, design, and roadmap of Sargent & Lundy's enterprise network and connectivity services across data centers, colocation, cloud (Azure), WAN, campus/LAN, wireless, and security services. This role focuses on delivering highly available, redundant, and secure network solutions built primarily on a Cisco and Meraki technology stack and integrated with modern cloud-native architectures. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise, strong design and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across infrastructure, security, and application teams.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and evolve end-to-end enterprise network architecture (data centers, corporate office, SD-WAN, branch LAN/WLAN, Internet edge) with a focus on redundancy, failover, and availability.
  • Design and operate Cisco/Catalyst/Meraki networks and core routing/switching (VLANs, VRFs, STP, HSRP/VRRP, BGP, OSPF/EIGRP).
  • Own Azure and cloud networking (vNets, hybrid connectivity, secure Internet access, cloud security/identity) plus DNS/DHCP/IPAM standards and automation.
  • Lead Palo Alto NGFW and Zscaler/GlobalProtect architecture and support, including VPN (remote and site-to-site), certificates, and auth (RADIUS, TACACS+, SAML/SSO, EAP).
  • Design and support load balancing and WAF (Imperva or cloud WAF) for secure, resilient application delivery.
  • Work with carriers on MPLS/WAN (installs, QoS, resiliency, and routing policies).
  • Define and maintain network standards, baselines, and patterns across LAN/WAN/data center/cloud/security.
  • Provide tier-3 escalation, maintain HLD/LLD, runbooks, diagrams, and drive adoption of new security/cloud/distributed networking technologies.
  • Mentor engineers on design, security, documentation, and automation best practices.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule with the expectation of 3 days per week in our downtown Chicago office, and 2 days remote from home and requires some travel for site work.
Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Network Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years enterprise networking, 5+ years in senior/architecture roles.
  • Comprehensive Cisco/Meraki experience (campus, Wi-Fi, WAN, VPN, and NAC).
  • Extensive Palo Alto NGFW and security policy design.
  • Proven route/switch expertise in complex multi-site environments.
  • Hands-on with DNS, DHCP, VPN, cert management, and auth protocols.
  • Experience with Load balancers, WAF, MPLS/WAN, and cloud networking.
  • Clear and concise documentation and ability to explain complex designs.

Preferred Certifications
  • Experience with network automation/assurance (Prime, DNA-C, Meraki API, etc.) and SASE/SD-WAN (Zscaler).
  • Certifications such as CCNP/CCIE, F5, Azure, or security.
  • Strong ownership, communication, troubleshooting, leadership/mentoring abilities.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$97,864 - $149,514
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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