Temporary Port Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Overview
We are seeking a Network Engineer / Network Activation Specialist to support the deployment, activation, and management of enterprise network services in a DoD environment. This role focuses on network equipment activation, out‑of‑band management, coordination with stakeholders, and technical validation to ensure services are implemented according to established standards.
This position is ideal for candidates with strong networking fundamentals, experience working with Cisco and Juniper devices, and prior exposure to DoD or large enterprise network environments. Primary Responsibilities Coordinate with customers and stakeholders to support network equipment and service activations
Perform Initial Test & Acceptance (IT&A) and validate services meet implementation requirements
Execute reporting functions and complete data entry associated with new network service activations
Configure and maintain out‑of‑band management networks using Cisco and Juniper devices
Upgrade and maintain software on network devices
Create and update project planning documentation, including: IP addressing schemes and subnet selection
Management IP assignments
Port assignments on out‑of‑band management nodes Perform systems analysis and consult with users to identify hardware, software, and functional requirements
Ensure all service documentation (POC, location, interface details) is accurate and properly formatted
Validate points of contact for all locations involved in circuit paths
Engage with project managers and customers to resolve incomplete or unclear requirements
Facilitate stakeholder communication and approvals to ensure service requests continue progressing Required Qualifications Active Secret security clearance
Security+ CE (or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification)
4–8 years of networking experience in enterprise or DoD environments
Strong understanding of network hardware, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting
Proven ability to work independently while collaborating within a team Technical Experience (One or More Required) Network engineering, performance management, and problem management
Network architecture assessment and technology evaluation
Data and voice network design across multiple transmission systems
Router‑to‑router connections using protocols such as BGP and IS‑IS
Switch‑to‑switch trunking, including VLANs
Circuit configurations through multiplexers
Network services and protocols including: BGP, OSPF, DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP
WAN, VPN, VLAN, VRF Network appliances such as routers, firewalls, DNS servers, and load balancers
Network configuration, activation, testing, and analysis Nice‑to‑Have Skills Prior experience in DoD network environments or familiarity with DoD network standards
Experience with service request or order processing systems
SharePoint data entry or workflow management experience
Experience providing customer outreach to validate service details (POC, location, interface) Education & Experience
One of the following is required: Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of recent specialized experience
Associate’s degree and 7 years of recent specialized experience
Major industry certification and 7 years of recent specialized experience Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leav