Network Engineer

Location: Chicago, IL – Hybrid (1-2x a month onsite)Employment Type: Short-Term Contract with High Likelihood of ConversionPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support the design, implementation, management, and maintenance of enterprise network infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments. This position is ideal for someone with strong hands-on networking experience who enjoys troubleshooting complex issues, improving network performance, and supporting highly available infrastructure.The role is primarily remote but requires candidates to be local to the Chicago area and available onsite as needed, typically once or twice per month, for network infrastructure support, hardware maintenance, cabling, and equipment installation.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, build, implement, manage, and maintain enterprise network infrastructureMonitor, identify, diagnose, and resolve complex network and connectivity issuesSupport routing, switching, firewalls, ACLs, SD-WAN, wireless networking, DNS, and DHCPSupport VOIP/SIP and enterprise telecommunications connectivityMaintain network infrastructure across on-premises, offsite, and cloud environmentsDesign, test, and evaluate data communication systemsDevelop implementation plans, testing plans, and project timelinesPerform network analysis, capacity planning, and performance monitoringTroubleshoot internet circuits and network performance issuesCommunicate infrastructure changes and potential service impacts to stakeholdersProvide recommendations for network improvements and modernizationParticipate in an on-call rotationPerform hands-on hardware responsibilities, including cabling, racking, installation, and maintenance of network equipmentRequired Qualifications5+ years of professional network engineering experience with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or 8+ years of relevant experience with equivalent certifications/educationStrong experience with enterprise routing and switchingHands-on experience with firewalls, ACLs, and network securityExperience with SD-WAN technologiesStrong understanding of DNS and DHCPExperience supporting VOIP/SIP environmentsWireless networking experienceExperience supporting both on-premises and cloud network infrastructureStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsAbility to independently diagnose and resolve complex network issuesComfortable participating in an on-call rotationAbility to perform hands-on cabling, equipment installation, racking, and hardware maintenanceMust be available for occasional onsite work in ChicagoPreferred QualificationsCCNA, CCNP, Network+, or similar networking certificationExperience supporting large enterprise network environmentsExperience with cloud networking and hybrid infrastructureStrong network monitoring, analysis, and capacity-planning experienceIdeal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a hands-on Network Engineer who combines strong routing, switching, firewall, SD-WAN, DNS/DHCP, wireless, and VOIP/SIP knowledge with the ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues. This person should be comfortable working independently, supporting both physical and cloud infrastructure, and taking ownership of network issues from diagnosis through resolution.