Network Engineer

Description The IT Engineer is responsible for deployment, testing & validation, and continuous health and performance management of hardware and network infrastructure supporting enterprise applications. This role serves as the single point of accountability for infrastructure performance and leads end‑to‑end readiness across hardware, network, and hosting environments. The engineer will operate in a multi‑agency governance model, coordinating IT, vendor engineering teams, and operational stakeholders to ensure system reliability and performance. Responsibilities Managing end‑user devices, network connectivity (LAN/WAN, firewalls, QoS, latency, failover), application environments (production, training, development, disaster recovery), and hosting environments (on‑prem data centers including power, storage, and cooling). Maintaining hardware inventories, overseeing infrastructure testing and validation (performance, stress, failover), managing disk usage, documenting and maintaining network systems. Implementing backup strategies, ensuring compliance with software licensing, and enforcing data security and confidentiality policies. Testing and deploying hardware and endpoints, managing network policies, auditing system security, and maintaining complete system documentation. Providing flexibility in work schedule and strong ownership of infrastructure operations. Qualifications Strong leadership and ownership mindset with the ability to act as the single point of accountability for infrastructure performance. Proven experience working in multi‑agency or cross‑functional environments (IT, vendors, stakeholders). Ability to manage and prioritize work in high‑pressure, mission‑critical production environments. Experience with infrastructure testing and validation (stress testing, failover, performance benchmarking). Strong understanding of data security, compliance, and governance frameworks. Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and network diagrams. Hands‑on experience with backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning. Knowledge of asset lifecycle management, procurement, budgeting, and forecasting. Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills across network, server, and endpoint layers. Effective communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders. Experience managing or mentoring team members in an infrastructure or operations environment. High attention to detail with a focus on system reliability, uptime, and performance optimization. Willingness to work flexible hours to support system deployments and critical go‑live events. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL. Pay & Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $65.00/hr. Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Chicago, IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 14, 2026. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr TEKsystems