📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Engineer
Company: Heartland Business Systems LLC
Location: Lisle, IL, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Infrastructure & Networking
Date Posted: June 21, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver networking solutions and services for consulting clients
Build and maintain customer-focused relationships, identifying business challenges and developing tailored solutions
Contribute to product selection, configuration standards, and best practices, educating sales teams to enhance the sales process
Provide ongoing support, maintenance, and administration for clients, ensuring successful project delivery and high customer satisfaction

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong balance of technical expertise and customer-facing skills, making it an excellent entry point for aspiring network engineers looking to build a career in consulting and client management.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong client relationships, understanding their unique business challenges and developing networking solutions that meet their needs
Project Delivery: Collaborate with internal teams to deliver projects on time and within budget, ensuring client satisfaction and driving repeat business
Product Selection & Configuration: Contribute to the selection and configuration of networking products and services, staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices
Support & Maintenance: Provide ongoing support, maintenance, and administration for clients, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime
Time & Project Management: Provide accurate time estimates and project scopes for systems-related projects, balancing professional development and on-the-job training with billable hours

📝 Enhancement Note: Successful candidates will demonstrate strong project management skills, enabling them to balance multiple priorities and deliver projects efficiently and effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, such as Computer Science, IT, or a related discipline

Experience: 6 months to 1 year of experience in a technical field, internship, or equivalent; preferred experience includes at least one year in a technical role and experience working as a consultant

Required Skills:

Proven technical aptitude and a strong desire to learn and grow in a networking role
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively
Proficiency in networking technologies, including routers, switches, and firewalls
Relevant certifications, such as CCNA and MCA

Preferred Skills:

Additional certifications, such as CCNP, CCA-V, or VCA-DCV
Experience working in a consulting or client-facing role
Familiarity with project management methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with relevant certifications and consulting experience will be well-positioned to succeed in this role, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Include examples of networking projects, highlighting your ability to design, implement, and maintain complex network infrastructure
Demonstrate your understanding of network protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP
Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot network issues effectively
Highlight your experience with network security, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and virtual private networks (VPNs)

Technical Documentation:

Include detailed documentation of your networking projects, outlining the design, implementation, and testing processes
Demonstrate your ability to write clear and concise technical documentation, ensuring that your work is easily understood by both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Include any relevant certifications or training courses that demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will demonstrate your technical expertise and ability to deliver high-quality networking solutions that meet the unique needs of your clients.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $62,500 to $86,000 per year, with the base pay taking into account the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, education, certifications, and experience, as well as internal equity

Benefits:

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Company Paid Long Term Disability
Paid Time Off
401k Package

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the expectation of billing a minimum of 1,450 hours per fiscal year, prorated based on the start date

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this position is competitive and reflects the company's commitment to investing in the growth and development of its employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heartland Business Systems LLC operates in the technology consulting and managed services industry, focusing on delivering tailored IT solutions that meet the unique needs of its clients

Company Size: Medium-sized company with a team of experienced professionals dedicated to providing exceptional client service and driving business growth through innovative technology solutions

Founded: Heartland Business Systems LLC was founded in 1996, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality IT services and solutions that drive business value for its clients

Team Structure:

Collaborative and cross-functional teams, with a focus on delivering exceptional client service and driving business growth through innovative technology solutions
A supportive and inclusive work environment, with a strong emphasis on employee development and growth
A customer-focused culture, with a commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each client

Development Methodology:

Agile project management methodologies, with a focus on delivering projects on time and within budget
A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, with a strong emphasis on staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices
A collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a focus on knowledge sharing and teamwork

Company Website: https://www.hbsys.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Heartland Business Systems LLC is a well-established company with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality IT services and solutions that drive business value for its clients. The company's collaborative and customer-focused culture makes it an excellent fit for candidates with strong technical skills and a passion for client management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineer Career Level: This role is an entry-level position, offering the opportunity to gain valuable experience in networking and consulting while working with a diverse range of clients

Reporting Structure: The Network Engineer will report directly to the Network Services Manager, with the opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, project management, and other technical specialists

Technical Impact: The Network Engineer will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure that supports the company's clients' business operations and drives their success

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Gain experience with a wide range of networking technologies and products, with the opportunity to earn relevant certifications and advance your technical skills
Consulting & Client Management: Develop your consulting and client management skills, building strong relationships with clients and driving repeat business
Leadership & Mentoring: As you gain experience and expertise, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of the company's network services practice

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and development, with the potential to advance your technical skills and build a successful career in networking and consulting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Heartland Business Systems LLC operates a modern and collaborative office environment, with a focus on fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing

Office Location(s): Lisle, Illinois, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The office features open-plan workspaces, encouraging collaboration and communication among team members
State-of-the-Art Technology: The company provides access to the latest networking technologies and tools, enabling employees to deliver high-quality solutions for clients
Training & Development: Heartland Business Systems LLC is committed to employee development, offering regular training and development opportunities to help team members grow and advance their careers

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the expectation of billing a minimum of 1,450 hours per fiscal year, prorated based on the start date

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's modern and collaborative work environment, combined with its commitment to employee development, makes it an excellent fit for candidates seeking a supportive and engaging work environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone conversation to assess your communication skills and cultural fit with the company
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, evaluating your networking skills and problem-solving abilities
On-site Interview: A face-to-face interview with the Network Services Manager and other team members, focusing on your technical expertise, client management skills, and cultural fit
Final Decision: The final decision will be made based on your performance throughout the interview process and your alignment with the company's values and culture

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your networking projects, demonstrating your ability to design, implement, and maintain complex network infrastructure
Include examples of your problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot network issues effectively
Showcase your understanding of network security, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and virtual private networks (VPNs)
Include any relevant certifications or training courses that demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your networking fundamentals, including protocols, routing, and switching
Familiarize yourself with the latest industry trends and best practices in networking
Prepare for hands-on technical assessments, demonstrating your ability to design, implement, and maintain complex network infrastructure

ATS Keywords: Network Engineer, CCNA, MCA, Routers, Switches, Firewalls, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, Network Security, Consulting, Client Management, Project Delivery, Technical Support, Network Design, Network Administration

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical expertise and cultural fit with the company, ensuring that you are well-positioned to succeed in the Network Engineer position.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Networking Technologies:

Routers (Cisco, Juniper, etc.)
Switches (Cisco, Arista, etc.)
Firewalls (Cisco, Fortinet, etc.)
Wireless Controllers (Cisco, Aruba, etc.)
Network Management Tools (SolarWinds, ManageEngine, etc.)

Networking Protocols:

TCP/IP
DNS
DHCP
BGP
OSPF
EIGRP
VLANs
QoS
VPNs (IPSec, SSL, etc.)

Certifications:

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
MCA (Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate)
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) - preferred
CCA-V (Cisco Certified Design Professional - Virtualization) - preferred
VCA-DCV (VMware Certified Associate - Data Center Virtualization) - preferred

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with the latest networking technologies, protocols, and certifications will be essential for success in this role, as the Network Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructure for the company's clients.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineer Values:

Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each client
Collaboration: A collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a focus on knowledge sharing and teamwork
Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices in networking
Accountability: A strong sense of responsibility for delivering high-quality networking solutions that meet the company's high standards
Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic and changing environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Collaboration: The Network Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, project management, and other technical specialists, to deliver high-quality networking solutions that meet the company's clients' unique needs
Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise with team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development
Mentoring & Coaching: As you gain experience and expertise, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of the company's network services practice

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's customer-focused and collaborative culture makes it an excellent fit for candidates with strong technical skills and a passion for client management and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Design & Implementation: Designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructure that meets the unique needs of the company's clients
Network Security: Ensuring the security and integrity of the company's clients' network infrastructure, with a focus on protecting against cyber threats and vulnerabilities
Network Optimization: Continuously optimizing network performance, with a focus on improving efficiency, reliability, and scalability
Emerging Technologies: Staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices in networking, with a focus on emerging technologies and their potential applications

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Regular training and development opportunities, with a focus on expanding your technical skills and expertise in networking
Conferences & Events: Attending industry conferences and events, with a focus on staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in networking
Mentoring & Coaching: As you gain experience and expertise, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of the company's network services practice

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and learning opportunities presented by this role offer significant potential for growth and development, with the opportunity to advance your technical skills and build a successful career in networking and consulting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Networking Fundamentals: Questions assessing your understanding of networking fundamentals, including protocols, routing, and switching
Network Design & Implementation: Scenario-based questions focusing on your ability to design, implement, and maintain complex network infrastructure
Network Security: Questions evaluating your understanding of network security best practices, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and virtual private networks (VPNs)
Troubleshooting: Hands-on exercises focusing on your ability to diagnose and resolve network issues effectively and efficiently

Company & Culture Questions:

Company History & Culture: Questions assessing your understanding of the company's history, culture, and values
Client Management: Questions focusing on your ability to build and maintain strong client relationships, understanding their unique business challenges and developing tailored networking solutions
Teamwork & Collaboration: Questions evaluating your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including sales, project management, and other technical specialists

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to highlight the impact of your networking projects on the businesses and users they serve
Technical Deep Dive: Provide a detailed technical walkthrough of your networking projects, demonstrating your expertise and problem-solving skills
User Experience: Showcase your understanding of user experience principles, with a focus on designing and implementing network infrastructure that meets the unique needs of the company's clients

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the company's culture, values, and technical requirements will be essential for success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Network Engineer position at Heartland Business Systems LLC:

Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant technical skills and experience, with a focus on networking, consulting, and client management
Prepare Your Portfolio: Include examples of your networking projects, demonstrating your ability to design, implement, and maintain complex network infrastructure
Research the Company: Thoroughly research the company's history, culture, and values, ensuring that you are well-prepared to discuss your fit with the organization
Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on your networking fundamentals and prepare for hands-on technical assessments, demonstrating your ability to design, implement, and maintain complex network infrastructure
Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions: Practice common behavioral interview questions, focusing on your client management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Network Engineer