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Virtual Network Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Network Technician I

Channahon, IL ยท On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Provide hands-on support for remote Level 2+ network engineers (hands and eyes support). * Install ... Virtual machine and proxy PC setup Assist laboratory personnel with network connectivity for lab ...

Network Architecture

Deerfield, IL ยท On-site

$65.75 - $88.25/hr

... senior engineer (over 10 years' experience) - LAN/Data communications - Data Center/Storage ... virtual), storage and archiving, Exchange, mobility, and system backups and replication. โ€ข ...

OT Engineer

Robinson, IL ยท On-site

$45 - $55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Skills Network engineering Top Skills Details Network engineering Additional Skills ... Extensive experience managing physical and virtual servers using technologies like VMware and Hyper ...

Strong working knowledge of at least one programming or scripting languages * Strong understanding ... You'll have opportunities to join employee resource groups, participate in in-person and virtual ...

New

Strong working knowledge of at least one programming or scripting languages * Strong understanding ... You'll have opportunities to join employee resource groups, participate in in-person and virtual ...

New

Sr. Network Administrator

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$45 - $55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Senior Network Administrator / Infrastructure Engineer to provide hands-on support ... Maintain VMware virtual infrastructure, including hosts, virtual machines, vCenter, resource ...

Showing results 41-60

Virtual Network Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$105.7K

$153.1K

How much do virtual network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual network engineer in Illinois is $105,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,200.00 and $129,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a virtual network engineer?

Virtual Network Engineers are IT professionals who design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot virtualized network environments. They work with technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), network virtualization, and cloud-based network infrastructure to ensure secure and efficient data flow. Their responsibilities often include configuring virtual network devices, optimizing network performance, and supporting cloud migration or hybrid environments. These engineers play a crucial role in modern organizations as businesses increasingly rely on virtual and cloud-based networks.

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

To thrive as a Virtual Network Engineer, you need expertise in networking fundamentals, virtualization technologies, and a relevant degree or certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP or VMware VCP. Familiarity with network monitoring tools, virtual private networks (VPNs), cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, and automation systems is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help you manage complex virtual environments and work effectively with cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring secure, scalable, and reliable network infrastructures in today's increasingly virtualized IT landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by virtual network engineers when managing cloud-based network infrastructure?

Virtual Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring network security across distributed cloud environments, maintaining consistent connectivity between on-premises and cloud resources, and troubleshooting latency or performance issues. Adapting to rapidly evolving cloud platforms and integrating new virtualization tools can also require continuous learning. Collaboration with security, DevOps, and cloud architecture teams is essential to proactively address these challenges and ensure seamless network operations.

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

AspectVirtual Network EngineerNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+CCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentRemote/virtual, cloud-based networksOn-site or hybrid, local networks
ResponsibilitiesDesigning, implementing, managing virtual/cloud networksMaintaining and troubleshooting local network infrastructure
Industry UsageIT, cloud service providers, remote organizationsCorporate, educational, healthcare institutions

The Virtual Network Engineer focuses on designing and managing virtual and cloud-based networks, often working remotely. In contrast, the Network Administrator maintains physical network infrastructure on-site. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in work environment and network scope.

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 cities in Illinois are hiring for Virtual Network Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Virtual Network Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,662 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Network Technician I

EMCO Technologies

Channahon, IL โ€ข On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

EMCO Technologies is seeking an experienced Network Technician I to support our client, ExxonMobil, at the Joliet Refinery. This individual will be part of a site infrastructure team responsible for providing hands-on support for network infrastructure, server and storage systems, audiovisual (AV) technology, laboratory systems, and general IT operations across the manufacturing complex.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated IT professional with strong troubleshooting skills, excellent communication abilities, and experience working in industrial or manufacturing environments.

*DISA background check required*

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination & Infrastructure Support

  • Partner with business stakeholders to plan and execute IT infrastructure projects.
  • Coordinate with ExxonMobil IT (EMIT) project teams to deliver site technology initiatives.
  • Support projects such as:
    • Desktop refreshes
    • New building construction
    • End-of-Life hardware replacement
    • Printer deployments
  • Assist with planning, change management, and project stewardship.

Network Support

  • Troubleshoot network connectivity issues.
  • Provide hands-on support for remote Level 2+ network engineers (hands and eyes support).
  • Install and configure new network infrastructure.
  • Perform physical installation of switches, routers, wireless equipment, and cabling.
  • Coordinate fiber and copper cable installations with third-party vendors.
  • Assist vendors with troubleshooting physical network infrastructure.
  • Support:
    • LAN
    • WAN
    • Wired networks
    • Wireless networks

Server & Storage Support

  • Provide hands-on support for server and storage infrastructure.
  • Rack, cable, and install servers.
  • Escort vendors performing installations or break/fix work.
  • Perform minor hardware repairs such as hard drive replacements.
  • Assist with server infrastructure deployments and maintenance.

Laboratory Systems Support

Support laboratory workstations and systems, including:

  • Operating system installation and support
  • Application installation
  • System configuration
  • Patch management
  • Security updates (SentinelOne)
  • Local account administration
  • Backup support
  • Virtual machine and proxy PC setup

Assist laboratory personnel with network connectivity for lab equipment.

Note: This position does not support laboratory instruments directly but does assist with network connectivity and troubleshooting.

Network Connectivity for Lab Environments

Support multiple network environments including:

  • ChemTech
  • Domain-Joined networks
  • Non-Domain Joined networks

Assist with connecting laboratory equipment to the appropriate network segments.

Printer Support

Provide enterprise printer support including:

  • Installation
  • Configuration
  • Network connectivity
  • Device security
  • Troubleshooting

Audiovisual (AV) Support (Training can be provided.)

Responsibilities include:

  • Zoom Room setup and configuration
  • Coordination of AV installation vendors
  • Assist AV Engineering with room evaluations and system designs

Required Qualifications

  • Experience supporting enterprise network infrastructure.
  • Knowledge of wired and wireless networking technologies.
  • Experience with LAN/WAN environments.
  • Hands-on server and storage support experience.
  • Experience installing and cabling IT infrastructure.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
  • Experience using ServiceNow is preferred.

Work Environment & Safety Requirements

This position is located within an operational refinery environment.

Candidates must be comfortable working around industrial equipment and chemical processing operations.

Requirements include:

  • Driving between refinery locations and buildings
  • Lifting and transporting IT equipment
  • Working in data closets and equipment rooms
  • Following refinery safety procedures at all times

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Flame-Resistant Clothing (FRC)
  • Steel-toe boots
  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

Additional Information

  • On-call rotation: 1 week every 5 weeks
  • Position located within the Joliet Manufacturing Complex
  • Position requires travel throughout the refinery campus
  • DISA background check required

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following environments are highly desirable:

  • Manufacturing or refinery IT support
  • Industrial networking
  • Cisco networking
  • Server and storage infrastructure
  • Enterprise AV technologies
  • Laboratory IT environments
  • Vendor coordination and infrastructure deployments