Network Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Network Engineer jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with consistent hiring concentrated in enterprise IT, financial services, healthcare systems, and telecommunications from entry-level network technicians through senior infrastructure architects. Chicago anchors the market as one of the most active hiring metros in the Midwest, with Naperville and Schaumburg adding significant suburban activity where major corporate campuses are based. Established Illinois employers like Allstate, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Motorola Solutions have long-running network engineering teams and recurring openings across campus and cloud infrastructure, security engineering, and data center operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
Our customer, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), provides, operates, and assures command and control of the Defense Information System Network (DISN) services to its customers, the department of Defense (DoD) and national security organizations. This position directly supports the DISA-provided capabilities and services.
The Leidos Digital Modernization Sector/Global Solutions Management-Operations II (GSMO-II) contract has an opening for an Implementations Network Engineer at Scott AFB, IL. The Implementations Network Engineer will perform installation oversight, configuration, testing, monitoring and servicing of network equipment for projects supporting the Department of Defense networks.
This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active Secret clearance to start.
Primary Responsibilities
Responsible for assisting with the following duties:
Perform customer coordination, Initial Test and Acceptance (IT&A), execution of all reporting functions, and complete data input associated with new network equipment and service activations to ensure they are implemented in accordance with Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) standards.
Configure and maintain DISA’s out-of-band management network consisting of Cisco and Juniper devices using baseline configurations customized for each site.
Upgrade software on Cisco and Juniper devices.
Create/update project planning documentation to support selecting and creating IP addressing schemes (subnet selection, equipment management IP selection) as well as assigning ports on out-of-band management nodes.
Perform systems analysis techniques and procedures, including consulting with users to determine hardware, software, or system functional requirements in support of customer resources.
Ensure all information (POC, location, & interface) is correct and formatted properly according to provided requirements.
Verify correct points of contact (POC) for each location through which the circuit traverses.
Engage with the DISA project managers and/or customers to resolve issues with incomplete or unclear requirements.
Reach out to stakeholders and facilitate approvals as necessary to ensure continual forward progress of the service request.
Basic Qualifications:
Knowledge of various network hardware equipment specifications, configuration and testing processes, and industry specifications.
Knowledge of data and voice networks carried over various transmissions systems, router to router connections using military and commercial protocols such as BGP and ISIS, switch-to-switch trunking to include VLANS, and circuit configurations through multiplexers.
Experience with network services (BGP, OSPF, DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP, WAN, VPN, VLAN, VRF, etc.) and network appliances (e.g., routers, load balancers, domain name servers, firewalls).
Knowledge of configuring, activating, testing, and analyzing network systems.
Ability to work in a team environment, but self-driven to complete assignments while continually developing proficiencies in processes.
Strong written and verbal communications, team building and collaboration skills.
An active Secret security clearance is required.
DoD-8570 IAT Level 2 baseline certification (Security+ CE or equivalent).
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience at DISA, or knowledge of DISA systems and processes
Prior experience with SharePoint data entry, DDOE, or SharePoint order processing.
Order services on behalf of the customer; input service requests into DISA Storefront (DSF)
Experience providing customer outreach on all orders to ensure accuracy of the POC, location, and interface
Required Education and Experience:
BS degree or equivalent experience and less than 2 years prior relevant experience.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
September 17, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $50,700.00 - $91,650.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
See All 93 Network Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Network Engineer JobsNetwork Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Network Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Leidos12

- Isys Technologies5

- BAE Systems USA4

- Meta3

- LightGrid3

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Energy
- Education
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in network engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related technical field
- Active Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification recognized by Illinois enterprise employers
- Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting routers, switches, and firewalls
- Proficiency with network monitoring tools such as SolarWinds, Wireshark, or PRTG
- Experience supporting cloud networking environments including AWS, Azure, or hybrid infrastructure
- Strong documentation skills and familiarity with ITIL or structured change management processes
Network Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a network engineer in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license for network engineers, so the path runs through education and industry certification. Most employers in Illinois expect at minimum an associate or bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field, combined with a Cisco CCNA or equivalent vendor certification. Candidates who build hands-on lab experience and pair it with a recognized credential are competitive for entry and mid-level roles across Chicago and the suburban technology corridor.
How much do network engineers make in Illinois?
Network engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $132,790 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,630 for the lowest 10% to over $201,190 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire network engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring network engineers in Illinois right now include Leidos, Isys Technologies, and BAE Systems USA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of financial services headquarters, large hospital networks, and legacy technology companies means demand stays consistent across both enterprise and mid-market organizations throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most network engineer jobs?
Scott AFB, Chicago, and Belleville have the most network engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates as the state's primary business hub, home to financial institutions, law firms, and healthcare systems with large IT infrastructure needs, while Naperville and Schaumburg attract openings from corporate headquarters and technology campuses that populate the I-88 corridor west of the city.
Are there remote network engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based roles, since network engineering often involves hands-on work with physical hardware and on-site infrastructure. About 41% of network engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote work most available for roles focused on cloud networking, network monitoring, and architecture design rather than data center operations or field installation.
How can I get hired as a network engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a help desk or IT support role first, which Illinois employers consistently use as a pipeline into networking teams. Large Illinois healthcare systems and financial institutions such as those based in Chicago's Loop often hire IT associate or junior systems administrator roles that allow lateral movement into network operations. Earning a Cisco CCNA before applying meaningfully separates candidates, and community college programs at institutions like Moraine Valley or College of DuPage offer affordable networking tracks that align with what Illinois hiring managers expect.
Where can I find and apply to network engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to network engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the available roles by location or specialty, find the positions that fit your background, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 93 Network Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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