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Weekend Core Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Network Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$104K - $144K/yr

Experience network engineering and operation with an enterprise organization preferred. * 5+ years ... Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for implementations and being a point of escalation

Network Security Engineer III

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Network Security Engineer III, Chicago, IL The Network Security Engineer III position is part of a ... and weekend work and local travel in response to needs of the systems being supported ...

Senior Network Security Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60.25 - $78.75/hr

... Engineer is responsible for oversight and governance input on design, implementation, and ... Senior to expert-level experience with core networking and routing protocols, includingTCP/IP ...

Being a Great Place to Work and providing a culture of caring is core to how we drive Responsible ... The Network Security Engineer is responsible for supporting multiple security engineering efforts ...

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Weekend Core Network Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$112.3K

$162.8K

How much do weekend core network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend core network engineer in Chicago, IL is $112,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Weekend Core Network Engineer vs Weekend Network Support Specialist?

AspectWeekend Core Network EngineerWeekend Network Support Specialist
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, maintain, and optimize core network infrastructureSupport and troubleshoot network issues
ResponsibilitiesConfigure routers/switches, ensure network stabilityRespond to network outages, assist users

Weekend Core Network Engineers focus on designing and maintaining core network infrastructure, requiring advanced certifications and technical skills. In contrast, Weekend Network Support Specialists primarily troubleshoot and resolve network issues, often with similar certifications but a different scope of work. Both roles are essential in maintaining network operations during weekends, but their responsibilities and focus areas differ significantly.

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

To excel as a Weekend Core Network Engineer, you need a solid background in network engineering, troubleshooting, and protocols such as TCP/IP, along with a relevant degree or certifications like CCNP or JNCIP. Familiarity with network management systems, monitoring tools, and core equipment from vendors like Cisco, Juniper, or Nokia is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure reliable network performance and swift resolution of issues during critical weekend hours when rapid response is crucial.

What are Weekend Core Network Engineers?

Weekend Core Network Engineers are IT professionals responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing the core network infrastructure of an organization during weekend shifts. Their duties include monitoring network performance, resolving connectivity issues, and ensuring network reliability when regular staff may not be present. This role is essential for organizations that require 24/7 network uptime, such as telecommunications companies, data centers, and large enterprises.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Weekend Core Network Engineer, and how does the weekend schedule impact collaboration with other teams?

As a Weekend Core Network Engineer, you are primarily responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting the core network infrastructure during off-peak hours, including implementing changes, responding to incidents, and performing routine maintenance tasks. Since much of the work occurs outside regular business hours, you may collaborate with on-call engineers and use detailed shift handovers to ensure continuity for weekday teams. Communication is often handled through ticketing systems, documentation, and scheduled meetings, which helps maintain alignment despite the non-traditional schedule. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently while still being an effective team player.
What are the most commonly searched types of Core Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Core Network Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Weekend Core Network Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Weekend Core Network Engineer job openings:
IT Technician Tier 3 - Senior Systems & Network Engineer

IT Technician Tier 3 - Senior Systems & Network Engineer

AMERICAN FREEDOM INSURANCE

Mount Prospect, IL โ€ข On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description:

As an onsite Tier 3 Senior Systems & Network Engineer, you will serve as the highest level of technical escalation within the IT department. This role carries a dual mandate: maintaining the reliability, performance, and security of existing infrastructure, and engineering new solutions that support business growth and modernization.


You will handle complex technical issues that cannot be resolved by Tier 1 or Tier 2 support while simultaneously architecting and deploying next-generation infrastructure. Networking is a core competency for this role โ€” you will own and evolve the organizationโ€™s network environment alongside Windows Server, Microsoft Azure, Intune, infrastructure monitoring platforms, and line-of-business application maintenance.


Responsibilities

  • Act as the highest escalation point for infrastructure, system, and network issues
  • Maintain, support, and continuously improve existing server, network, and endpoint infrastructure
  • Engineer and deploy new infrastructure solutions from design through implementation, aligned with business growth and modernization goals
  • Own and evolve the organizationโ€™s network infrastructure โ€” including firewalls, routers, switches, VLANs, and VPNs โ€” both maintaining current environments and designing improvements
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across servers, endpoints, and network systems
  • Manage and maintain Windows Server environments and Active Directory infrastructure
  • Monitor system and network performance using platforms such as Zabbix; deploy and manage infrastructure monitoring and alerting solutions
  • Architect and lead deployment of new infrastructure solutions aligned with business growth and modernization goals
  • Own and administer Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud environments
  • Deploy, manage, and maintain endpoint environments using Microsoft Intune
  • Support and maintain line-of-business applications, including patching, updates, and vendor coordination
  • Support virtualization environments and ensure system availability and performance
  • Assist with infrastructure projects, including migrations, deployments, and integrations
  • Provide technical guidance and escalation support to Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams
  • Maintain technical documentation, network diagrams, and system procedures
  • Ensure security best practices, patch management, and system hardening standards are followed
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies to improve infrastructure efficiency and reliability
Requirements:
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred
  • 5+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, or network engineering
  • Strong experience with Windows Server (2016/2019/2022) environments
  • Advanced knowledge of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy
  • Strong networking experience including switches, routers, VLANs, VPNs, and firewalls โ€“ required
  • Experience troubleshooting both server and network infrastructure issues
  • Experience with virtualization (Hyper-V or VMware)
  • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud environments โ€“ required
  • Proficiency with endpoint management tools, specifically Microsoft Intune โ€“ required
  • Experience with infrastructure monitoring platforms such as Zabbix, or demonstrated ability and willingness to learn
  • Experience supporting and maintaining line-of-business applications, including patching and vendor coordination
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to mentor and support Tier 1 and Tier 2 technicians
  • Certifications such as CCNA, Microsoft certifications (Azure, Intune), or equivalent preferred


Benefits: AFIC offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package to support you

  • Competitive Salary: Rewarding your expertise and experience
  • Financial Security: 401K with up to a 6% company match
  • Health & Wellness: Choice of Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, HMO, or HSA plans, Dental and vision coverage, Access to telemedicine services
  • Growth/Stability: Over 12 consecutive years of profitable growth, confirmed by A+ Superior rating by A.M. Best
  • Work-Life Balance: Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm CST (Weekends- if needed)
  • Holidays: At Least 6 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO that can be used for vacation, personal, or sick time
  • Personal Days: Separate personal days for sickness, family needs, appointments or personal matters
  • Employee Recognition: We celebrate work milestones to show appreciation for your contributions
  • Professional Growth: Paid training, state licensing reimbursement, and opportunities for advancement
  • Positive Culture: Enjoy our inclusive holiday events, employee referral bonuses, virtual team meetings, and more