1

Applied Computer Science Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Director, Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$146K - $150K/yr

What you'll bring to the role: -Requires a Master's degree in Applied Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field -Requires three (3) years of experience in the position offered or ...

Vice President Applied AI/ML Scientist As part of the Commercial & Investment Bank, J.P. Morgan ... Master's degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics ...

Director, Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$146K - $150K/yr

What you'll bring to the role: -Requires a Master's degree in Applied Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field -Requires three (3) years of experience in the position offered or ...

Masters, or PhD in a technical or quantitative discipline (e.g., statistics, mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, applied economics, or finance). Systematic Fixed Income ...

The ideal candidate has experience building applied machine learning systems in healthcare or ... Computer Science, AI/ML, Physics, or a related technical discipline • Comfortable operating in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Applied Computer Science information

See Illinois salary details

$18K

$61.6K

$143.5K

How much do applied computer science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied computer science in Illinois is $61,623.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,415.00 and $84,676.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Applied Computer Science job?

An Applied Computer Science job focuses on practical applications of computing principles to solve real-world problems. Professionals in this field use programming, algorithms, data analysis, and software development to create efficient solutions in various industries. Unlike theoretical computer science, applied computer science emphasizes hands-on implementation and problem-solving. Careers include roles in software development, cybersecurity, data science, and systems administration. These jobs require both technical expertise and the ability to apply computing knowledge to diverse challenges.

Which CS has the highest salary?

In applied computer science roles, positions such as machine learning engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists tend to have the highest salaries due to their specialized skills and demand. These roles often require expertise in programming, statistics, and tools like Python, TensorFlow, or cloud platforms, and typically offer higher compensation compared to other computer science positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Applied Computer Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Applied Computer Science, you need a strong understanding of programming, algorithms, and software engineering, usually with a relevant degree such as Computer Science or Software Engineering. Familiarity with development tools, databases, cloud platforms, and possibly certifications in areas like AWS, Azure, or specific programming languages is highly valuable. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for delivering solutions in collaborative environments. These abilities ensure your technical solutions are robust, efficiently meet user needs, and integrate smoothly into real-world business contexts.

What jobs can you get with applied computing?

Applied computer science prepares individuals for roles such as software developer, data analyst, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist, and network administrator. These jobs typically require skills in programming, data management, and problem-solving, often using tools like programming languages, databases, and operating systems.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In applied computer science, roles such as freelance software developer, cybersecurity consultant, or cloud solutions architect can earn $10,000 or more per month without a formal degree, often requiring strong skills, certifications, and experience. These positions typically involve remote work, self-employment, or contract-based projects in high-demand areas like programming, security, or cloud computing.

What are some common career advancement opportunities for professionals in Applied Computer Science?

Professionals in Applied Computer Science often start in roles such as software developer, systems analyst, or data analyst, and can advance to positions like lead engineer, project manager, or solutions architect with experience. Many organizations encourage ongoing learning through workshops, certifications, and cross-functional projects, allowing for skill-building and specialization in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence. Some may progress into leadership roles overseeing development teams or managing technical projects. As technology evolves, there is significant potential to transition into new specialties or higher-level positions within the IT and software industry.

What can you do with an applied computer science degree?

An applied computer science degree prepares individuals for roles such as software developer, data analyst, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or network administrator. Graduates can work in technology companies, finance, healthcare, or government agencies, often utilizing programming languages, data management, and problem-solving skills to develop and maintain computer systems and applications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Applied Computer Science jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Applied Computer Science jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Applied Computer Science jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Applied Computer Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Applied Computer Science job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,623 per year, or $29.6 per hour.
Staff Scientist - Agents for Science

Staff Scientist - Agents for Science

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site, Remote

$94K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

TheArgonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF) is seeking a Staff Scientist - Agents for Science to help pioneer AI systems that can reason, plan, act, and collaborate in support of scientific discovery. AI for science is entering a new phase. Beyond models that analyze data or make predictions, there is growing opportunity to develop agentic AI systems that can interact with scientific data, simulations, instruments, workflows, and knowledge sources in more adaptive and autonomous ways. At ALCF, we are exploring how such systems can help scientists formulate hypotheses, design experiments, navigate complex data, coordinate computational workflows, and accelerate discovery across disciplines.

This role is an opportunity to work at the frontier ofagentic AI, foundation models, scientific workflows, and high-performance computing, and contribute to the Department of Energy's Genesis mission. We are looking for a creative and collaborative staff scientist/engineer who wants to develop novel methods and systems for AI agents in scientific environments and deploy them at the scale required by real scientific challenges. You will join the AI group-a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and work alongside experts in AI, simulation, computer science, applied mathematics, and domain science.

Your work may include:

  • Designing and developingagentic AI systemsfor scientific discovery, including systems that can reason, plan, retrieve information, invoke tools, and execute multi-step scientific tasks
  • Developing agents that can interact withsimulation workflows, data pipelines, scientific software, instruments, knowledge bases, and computational tools
  • Building methods for tool use, workflow orchestration, memory, planning, adaptation, and decision-making in scientific environments
  • Evaluating agent performance in terms of scientific usefulness, reliability, robustness, efficiency, and safety
  • Conduct research and development aligned with Argonne's strategic mission in computation, AI, and scientific discovery.
  • Contribute to a team culture that values scientific excellence, collaboration, innovation, and inclusive professional growth.

This position qualifies as "Hybrid Remote Work - Mostly Onsite": which applies to employees regularly scheduled for some onsite and some remote days, with employees typically working up to 40% of their time remotely.

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications:

  • RD2: Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience, or Master's degree and 3+ years of experience, or PhD and 0+ years of experience, or equivalent
  • Educational background incomputer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational science, applied mathematics, or a related field, PhD preferred
  • Experience withreinforcement learning, planning, or sequential decision-making
  • Strong programming skills in one or more languages such asPython, C, C++
  • Experience with one or more AI frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, or related tools
  • Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating complex AI systems
  • Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values ofimpact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience withLLM-based systems, retrieval-augmented generation, tool calling, or workflow agents
  • Experience integrating AI systems withscientific software, simulations, databases, or experimental workflows
  • Experience withdistributed training, inference systems, or HPC environments

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Computer Science 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.