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Virtualization Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Flow Traders

Trading Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$190K - $235K/yr

Solid Linux fundamentals - performance tuning, debugging, networking, virtualization, and bare ... directed engineering improvements. At Flow Traders, we acknowledge the importance of open and ...

Flow Traders

Trading Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$190K - $235K/yr

Solid Linux fundamentals - performance tuning, debugging, networking, virtualization, and baremetal ... engineering improvements. At Flow Traders, we acknowledge the importance of open and transparent ...

Request Technology, LLC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

... virtualized servers / cloud systems * Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP or CCDP) equivalent field experience * AWS certifications such as DevOps Engineer, Solutions Architect, Advanced ...

Sentinel

System Engineer, Senior

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

Strong understanding of server virtualization, storage systems, and hands-on experience with Cisco ... Provide senior-level technical support and system engineering for all Windows-based and Linux-based ...

Beacon Hill

Senior Network Engineer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Working knowledge of virtualization technologies, including Microsoft Hyper-V and VMWare ESX * A bachelor's degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, Information Networks, or related ...

New

NAVA Software Solutions

Sr. Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Senior Linux Engineer Location: Chicago, IL or Kennesaw, GA or Chandler, AZ (Hybrid role) Duration ... Virtualization technologies (ex. vSphere, vSAN, NSX) * Automation & orchestration (ex. vCAC/VCO ...

Axon

Senior Sales Engineer, Majors

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Your Impact Axon is the developer and manufacturer of conducted electrical weapons, body worn ... Experience in networking, storage, virtualization, or related technologies * Must have intellectual ...

Request Technology, LLC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

This role is focused on Cisco network engineering, operational support, routing/switching ... of virtualized servers / cloud systems * Experience working in and developing solutions for a ...

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All JobsVirtualization Engineer JobsVirtualization Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Virtualization Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$61

$90

How much do virtualization engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtualization engineer in Chicago, IL is $61.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.82 and $70.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Virtualization Engineer vs Cloud Engineer?

AspectVirtualization EngineerCloud Engineer
CertificationsVMware, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, Cisco CCNAAWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
Work EnvironmentData centers, on-premises infrastructure, virtualization platformsCloud platforms, hybrid environments, cloud service providers
Industry UsageIT infrastructure, data centers, enterprise networksCloud services, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS deployments

While both roles involve managing IT infrastructure, Virtualization Engineers focus on creating and maintaining virtual environments within data centers, whereas Cloud Engineers design and implement cloud-based solutions across public, private, or hybrid clouds. The roles often overlap in skills like virtualization and networking but differ in scope and deployment environments.

What does a virtualization engineer do?

A virtualization engineer designs, implements, and manages virtualized computing environments using technologies like VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM. They optimize server resources, ensure system security, and troubleshoot virtualization issues, often working with cloud platforms and requiring knowledge of networking and scripting. Certifications such as VMware Certified Professional (VCP) are common in this role.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior virtualization engineers, cloud architects, and senior systems engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as VMware, AWS, or Cisco), and specialized skills in infrastructure design can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Virtualization Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtualization Engineer, you need expertise in server virtualization technologies, systems administration, and a solid understanding of networking, typically backed by a degree in computer science or related certifications like VMware Certified Professional (VCP) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator. Familiarity with tools such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix, and automation scripts is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help in troubleshooting complex environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring reliable, scalable, and secure virtual infrastructure that supports organizational IT needs.

How much does a virtualization engineer make?

A virtualization engineer's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Professionals with skills in VMware, Hyper-V, or cloud platforms like AWS and Azure may earn higher salaries, especially with advanced certifications and extensive experience.

What is a Virtualization Engineer?

A Virtualization Engineer is an IT professional who designs, implements, manages, and supports virtualization technologies such as servers, storage, and networks. They work with platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM to create and maintain virtual environments that optimize hardware utilization and improve scalability. Their responsibilities include configuring virtual machines, troubleshooting performance issues, and ensuring the security and reliability of the virtual infrastructure. Virtualization Engineers play a key role in modern data centers and cloud computing environments.

What Is a Virtualization Engineer?

A virtualization engineer manages data storage, server resources, and other virtual computing platforms. You perform a variety of functions, including data migration, virtual machine set-up and training, troubleshooting end-user problems, and designing assessment tools for storage and visualization applications. Qualifications for the job include a variety of career experience, skills, and education. You should have a bachelor’s degree in statistics, data science, or IT systems, along with several years of work in the field. Strong analytical qualities, attention to detail, and ability to be a team player are all important.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior virtualization engineers, cloud architects, and senior systems engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and relevant certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles often require expertise in virtualization platforms like VMware or Hyper-V, cloud services, and advanced networking knowledge, typically in large enterprise environments. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What are some typical challenges a Virtualization Engineer faces when managing large-scale virtual environments?

Virtualization Engineers often encounter challenges such as resource allocation issues, ensuring high availability, and maintaining optimal performance across numerous virtual machines. Troubleshooting performance bottlenecks and preventing VM sprawl require careful monitoring and proactive management. Additionally, coordinating with network and storage teams to address dependencies and security concerns is a critical part of the role. Staying current with evolving virtualization technologies and best practices helps address these challenges effectively.
More about Virtualization Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Virtualization Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Virtualization Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Virtualization Engineer jobs near you

Trading Systems Engineer

Flow Traders

Chicago, IL • On-site

$190K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Flow Traders is looking for an experienced Engineer who can elevate our GCP-focused platform-especially GKE-while maintaining strong Linux and networking fundamentals. Our trading platforms span both ultra-low-latency bare-metal systems and modern cloud-native services. This role bridges on-prem and cloud environments, strengthens global platform standards, and drives high-impact improvements that enhance reliability, reduce toil, and support time-sensitive trading workloads.
What you will do
  • Serve as the US-based SME for our GCP platform with a strong focus on GKE workloads-working within globally aligned standards while contributing your own expertise to improve Terraform-driven infrastructure and shape cloud architecture across regions
  • Identify and drive engineering improvements by researching pain points, reducing toil, and delivering high-impact solutions across our cloud and trading infrastructure.
  • Leverage automation and IaC to manage and optimize Linux and Kubernetes environments spanning bare-metal, virtualized, and cloud-native systems-streamlining workflows and reducing operational friction.
  • Strengthen platform reliability by improving global monitoring and alerting frameworks, incorporating adaptive and self-healing mechanisms to elevate operational responsiveness.
  • Act as a senior escalation point for complex Linux/Kubernetes/Cloud issues, participating in on-call and ensuring thorough, well-reasoned incident resolution.
  • Provide regional technical leadership while collaborating with global stakeholders to define and implement platform standards, architectures, and large-scale initiatives.
  • Use AI-assisted engineering tools to accelerate analysis, troubleshooting, documentation, and operational automation.

What you need to succeed
  • 7-10+ years operating complex production environments spanning Linux, Kubernetes, and cloud-native infrastructure.
  • Deep Cloud experience, preferably within GKE or an equivalent stack (cluster ops, workload orchestration, networking, security, observability).
  • Strong Terraform expertise for provisioning and managing secure, scalable infrastructure.
  • Solid Linux fundamentals - performance tuning, debugging, networking, virtualization, and bare-metal experience.
  • Strong scripting skills in Python and Bash for automation, tooling, and operational workflows.
  • Experience with Kafka or similar streaming/data-pipeline technologies.
  • Knowledge of Puppet/Ansible for configuration management and Foreman/Satellite for lifecycle and host management.
  • Practical understanding of monitoring/observability (Prometheus/Grafana or similar) and modern alerting strategies.
  • Strong Git-centric workflows and comfort with modern CI/CD practices.
  • Ability to lead and influence technical direction at a regional level while collaborating effectively with global colleagues.
  • An entrepreneurial mindset - proactively identifying gaps, reducing toil, and driving self-directed engineering improvements.

At Flow Traders, we acknowledge the importance of open and transparent communication whether it be with our employees, our stakeholders, or our local and global communities. When it comes to salary, Flow Traders uses reliable market research to create base ranges. Where candidates will fall within the range depends on a few different factors including but not limited to level of experience, location, and specific skill set. We also consider ourselves one global team, and to demonstrate that, all employees are eligible to share in the company's success through an annual discretionary variable remuneration allocated based on company, group and individual performance and contribution.
Per NYC salary transparency law, the total compensation for this role includes a base range of $190,000 to $235,000 plus annual discretionary variable remuneration.
Flow Traders does not accept unsolicited resumes from any professional staffing or search firms. All resumes, and any other information identifying potential candidates, submitted to any employee at Flow Traders via-email, the Internet or directly without a valid and signed search agreement will be deemed free to contact by Flow Traders without any restrictions and no placement fee of any kind will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Flow Traders.

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