Network Engineer

Network Engineer Department: IT / Network Infrastructure Location - Fully On-site role Hoffman Estates, IL Role Type: Full-time About Our Client Our client is a fast-growing building technology services provider that designs, installs, and supports the systems that allow modern commercial facilities to operate efficiently and securely. Their work spans critical building infrastructure including HVAC controls, access control, video surveillance, power metering, and enterprise networking. They partner closely with business owners who rely on their facilities to run core operations, acting as a trusted technical advisor rather than a traditional contractor. With a strong focus on long-term partnerships, practical engineering solutions, and community education around energy and security, the organization has earned a reputation for reliability, growth, and technical excellence. Job Description The Network Engineer will support the setup, operation, and maintenance of distributed network infrastructure across active data center and large-facility environments. This role is highly hands-on and site-based, focusing on network deployment, troubleshooting, and commissioning rather than corporate IT or remote monitoring work. This is not a traditional corporate Network Engineer role . The position is fully on-site and supports an active data center build, requiring hands-on deployment and troubleshooting of live network infrastructure in a construction and commissioning environment. The role involves direct interaction with network hardware, cabling, patch panels, fiber runs, and active infrastructure during build-out and go-live phases. On a day-to-day basis, the Network Engineer will assist with configuring and supporting firewalls, switches, VLANs, wireless access points, and physical network infrastructure including fiber and copper cabling. The role works closely with internal IT and delivery teams to ensure secure, stable, and well-documented network operations during new builds, upgrades, and live production support. Duties and Responsibilities •Assist with the installation, configuration, and support of Cisco switches and Palo Alto firewalls. •Perform hands-on installation and troubleshooting of network hardware, cabling, patch panels, racks, and fiber runs in an active data center environment. •Work directly on-site alongside IT, facilities, and commissioning teams during construction, testing, and go-live phases. •Support VLAN configuration, ACLs, and network segmentation across facility networks. •Configure, install, and monitor Unifi (Ubiquiti) wireless access points and controllers. •Troubleshoot network connectivity issues involving fiber and copper cabling, patch panels, and transceivers. •Perform routine network monitoring, log reviews, and alert response. •Document network configurations, diagrams, and change management records. •Deploy and test network equipment during new site installations and upgrades. •Follow established procedures for configuration management, security, and compliance. •Participate in training and project work to expand enterprise networking skills. Required Experience / Skills •1-3 years of hands-on experience in a network support or systems administration role. • Comfortable working in active construction and commissioning environments and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as steel-toe boots, hard hats, and safety vests. •Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for extended periods, working in equipment racks, and lifting or moving network hardware as required. •Strong understanding of LAN/WAN fundamentals, including IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs, and routing. •Hands-on experience with Cisco networking equipment (switching and routing). •Experience supporting physical network infrastructure in live or pre-live environments. •Basic understanding of wireless networking and fiber/copper cabling principles. •Exposure to network monitoring tools such as SolarWinds, PRTG, or similar platforms. •Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills. •Comfortable working on-site in data centers or large facilities. •Willingness to travel for required training and project support. •Ability to work extended hours (50-60 hours/week) during critical project phases. Nice-to-Haves •Experience with Palo Alto firewalls. •Exposure to data center, critical facilities, or large enterprise environments. •Familiarity with command-line networking tools (SSH, ping, traceroute). •Experience working in MSP, colo, or construction/commissioning environments. •Industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CCNA, or JNCIA. Education Associate's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related technical field required. Bachelor's degree or equivalent hands-on experience preferred. Pay & Benefits Summary Salary: $75,000 annually (W-2) Full-time employment with opportunities for overtime depending on project phase Paid travel, lodging, and per diem for required training Call to Action If you're a hands-on Network Engineer who enjoys working in live infrastructure environments and wants to be part of a fast-growing technical services team, apply today to be considered. Network Engineer | Cisco | LAN/WAN | Data Center Networking | Palo Alto Firewalls | VLANs | Network Infrastructure | On-Site IT