Network Engineer

Position: Network Engineer

Location: Chicago, IL 60632

Locals are preferred

This is a Full time, permanent position and is not open to sponsorship, 3rd party representation or H1B transfer at this time.

Are you a hands-on Network Engineer who enjoys solving complex challenges, improving systems, and owning network architecture from end to end?

This is a great opportunity to join a stable, well-established organization where your work directly impacts production, operations, and enterprise-wide connectivity.

In this role, you will design, build, secure, and support the network infrastructure that keeps a multi-site operation running smoothly. You will be the go-to technical expert for routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, and network security. If you enjoy variety, visibility, and working closely with both technical and non-technical teams, this environment will feel like a great fit.

⭐ What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting day-to-day operations of the enterprise network—troubleshooting issues, optimizing performance, and ensuring uptime.
• Administering and configuring routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Designing and implementing network solutions to support new applications, projects, and technology upgrades.
• Analyzing network traffic and recommending improvements for future growth.
• Leading the implementation of cybersecurity best practices including VPNs, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and encryption.
• Monitoring network performance across both cloud and datacenter environments.
• Owning network documentation, change management records, and architecture diagrams.
• Serving as the escalation point for complex network and connectivity issues.

⭐ What’s In It for You

• High visibility and ownership of enterprise networking and security.
• Impactful work supporting both corporate and manufacturing operations.
• Stable environment with ongoing modernization and technology upgrades.
• Opportunities to influence architecture and introduce new solutions.
• Collaborative culture where IT, operations, and security partner closely.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Practical experience designing, implementing, and supporting network infrastructure.
• In depth experience with TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, and routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP).
• CCNA OR CCNP or networking and routing certifications
• 5+ years of hands-on professional work experience with firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless networking equipment.
• Understanding of network security principles and cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience with network-related projects such as upgrades, migrations, or new builds.
• Solid troubleshooting skills and the ability to communicate effectively across teams.
• Manufacturing, industrial, distribution, or multi-site environments
• Teams where you’ve supported both hands-on hardware work and high-level design

Overview: Sterling Engineering / Staffing has a rich history of delivering top talent to our clients. We are a nationwide Staffing Firm that has been in business for over 56 years. With over 200 currently active clients, Sterling works within the Automation, Energy, Facilities, Information Technology, Food, Logistics / Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Packaging, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering and R&D industries.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.