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Backend Developer Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

Paylocity

Senior Engineer Software, Backend

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

... backend engineering • Deep understanding of modern API standards and backend system design (REST, authentication, authorization, versioning, scalability) • Experience designing and operating ...

Integrated Resources INC

.NET Developer

Chicago, IL

$49.75 - $65.75/hr

Net back-end developer, with some front-end experience Needs WCF Able to confidently speak about previous projects and C# and Object-Oriented programming concepts Preference for candidates that can ...

Alphabe Insight Inc

Back-end associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

You will work closely with developers, analysts, and project stakeholders to support and enhance core backend functionalities. Responsibilities * Assist in the development and maintenance of server ...

FIS

Senior Backend Engineer

Chicago, IL

$97K - $195K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer, your day will be filled with exciting challenges and opportunities ... Engage in full-stack development, from backend systems to user interfaces. Work with technologies ...

Limitless East Marketing

Back-end associate

Chicago, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

You will work closely with developers, analysts, and project stakeholders to support and enhance core backend functionalities. Responsibilities * Assist in the development and maintenance of server ...

Worldpay, Inc.

Senior Backend Engineer

Chicago, IL

$97K - $195K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer, your day will be filled with exciting challenges and opportunities ... Engage in full-stack development, from backend systems to user interfaces. Work with technologies ...

SYSTEGRATION INC

Sr. Backend Java Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$124K - $161K/yr

We are helping our Direct Client (Fortune 100 company) to look for Top Notch/Expert Sr. Backend Java Developer for 100% Onsite Multi-Year Contract role in Chicago Downtown, Immediate Start! Client ...

SYSTEGRATION INC

Sr. Backend Java Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$124K - $161K/yr

We are helping our Direct Client (Fortune 100 company) to look for Top Notch/Expert Sr. Backend Java Developer for 100% Onsite Multi-Year Contract role in Chicago Downtown, Immediate Start! Client ...

1 point system

Java Developer

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$53 - $68.50/hr

This role centers on building and optimizing high‑performance backend services and cloud‑based ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams (cloud engineering, data engineering, architecture, QA, and ...

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All JobsBackend Developer JobsBackend Developer Jobs in Evanston, IL

Backend Developer information

See Evanston, IL salary details

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How much do backend developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for backend developer in Evanston, IL is $54.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.42 and $64.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What's a typical backend developer salary?

A backend developer's salary varies based on experience, location, and skills, but generally ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually in many regions. Senior developers with expertise in frameworks, databases, and cloud services can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,000 to $80,000.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backend developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backend Developer, you need a strong grasp of server-side programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Node.js), database management, and software architecture concepts, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with frameworks (like Spring or Django), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), APIs, and version control systems (Git) is typically required. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure robust, scalable, and secure systems that effectively support the needs of users and front-end applications.

What is the difference between Backend Developer vs Frontend Developer?

AspectBackend DeveloperFrontend Developer
Primary FocusServer-side logic, databases, APIsClient-side interface, UI/UX, visual elements
Required SkillsProgramming languages like Java, Python, PHP; databases; server managementHTML, CSS, JavaScript; frameworks like React or Angular
Work EnvironmentBackend systems, server infrastructure, cloud servicesWeb browsers, design tools, user interface testing
Common UsageBuilding and maintaining server-side applicationsDesigning and implementing user interfaces

While both roles are essential in web development, Backend Developers focus on server-side logic and data management, whereas Frontend Developers create the visual and interactive aspects of websites. Understanding their differences helps in choosing the right career path or project collaboration.

What are some common challenges backend developers face when collaborating with frontend teams?

Backend Developers often encounter challenges related to syncing data structures, API endpoints, and release timelines with frontend teams. Ensuring clear communication and thorough documentation is critical to avoid mismatches in data expectations and functionality. Regular coordination through stand-up meetings, shared project management tools, and version-controlled API documentation helps mitigate misunderstandings and keeps both backend and frontend development aligned. Adopting practices like API-first development and automated testing can significantly improve collaboration and overall project quality.

What is a backend developer?

Backend Developers are software engineers who focus on building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power websites and applications. They ensure that the data requested by frontend systems is delivered efficiently and securely. Their responsibilities include creating and managing databases, developing server-side application logic, integrating third-party services, and ensuring application performance and scalability. Backend Developers typically work with languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, Node.js, or PHP. They often collaborate with frontend developers, designers, and other team members to deliver complete, functional digital products.
More about Backend Developer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Developer jobs in Evanston, IL?

The most popular types of Backend Developer jobs in Evanston, IL are:

What cities near Evanston, IL are hiring for Backend Developer jobs?

Cities near Evanston, IL with the most Backend Developer job openings:

Backend Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backend Developer job openings in Evanston, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,650 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Staff Engineer (Backend, DevOps, Infrastructure)

Zuma

Mundelein, IL • On-site

$53.75 - $73.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Zuma
Zuma is pioneering the future of agentic AI and our focus is to transform the rental market experience for consumers and property manager alike. Our innovative platform is engineered from the ground up to boost operations efficiency and enhance support capabilities for property management business across the US and Canada, a ~$200B market.

Off the back of our Series-A in early 2024, Zuma is scaling rapidly. Achieving our vision requires a team of passionate, innovative individuals eager to leverage technology to redefine customer-business interactions. We're on the hunt for exceptional talent ready to join our mission and contribute to building a groundbreaking technology that reshapes how businesses engage with customers.

Zuma has raised over $17M in funding to date and has support from world-renowned investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Y Combinator, King River, Range Ventures, and distinguished angel investors like YC’s former COO, Qasar Younis.

As a Staff Engineer, you will:
Help define how humans collaborate with intelligent systems in one of the largest and most underserved industries in the world: property management.

You’ll shape the technical foundation of a platform that is not just supporting human workflows, but executing them autonomously through AI agents. This is a rare opportunity to influence how an entire industry evolves, building tools that transform repetitive operational tasks into seamless, intelligent experiences.

Your work will directly contribute to how trust is built between humans and machines, how operations scale without added headcount, and how residents and staff experience a new, AI-powered standard of service.

We’re not just building software we’re designing AI that people want to work with. Delightful, trustworthy, and deeply effective.

Join us to help lead the AI revolution in multifamily, drive meaningful real-world impact, and be part of reimagining what work can feel like when done side-by-side with intelligent agents.

You will be a cornerstone of our engineering organization, reporting to the VPE. This is a pivotal role where you'll lead critical system rewrites, architect scalable foundations for our AI platform, and establish the technical standards that will shape our engineering culture for years to come.

You'll work at the intersection of cutting-edge LLM technology and practical business applications, creating sophisticated systems that power our AI leasing agent while building self-serve experiences that enable rapid customer onboarding. As our first US-based engineer, you'll bridge the gap between our product vision and technical implementation.

This role offers a rare opportunity to directly influence how we architect the next generation of our platform. You'll tackle projects like rebuilding our onboarding/configuration system to be self-serve, creating robust analytics infrastructure to measure AI performance, and reimagining our integration framework to connect seamlessly with customer systems. Your work will significantly reduce manual engineering overhead while enabling rapid scaling of our customer base.

We're looking for a Staff Engineer to help us bring that future to life.

This is not just another dev role. You'll be hands-on shaping the technical DNA of Zuma. You'll architect critical systems, tame legacy code, build net-new AI-powered experiences, and lay down the patterns future engineers will inherit. If you're obsessed with building real products people use, especially products powered by LLMs, this might be your playground.
Why This Could Be Your Dream Role
  • You'll work directly with cutting-edge LLM technology in a real-world application
  • You want to work at a company where customers feel your impact every day
  • You'll architect AI-powered systems that are transforming the real estate industry
  • You'll have autonomy to design and implement innovative technical solutions
  • Your work will directly impact thousands of apartment communities and millions of renters
  • You'll receive significant equity in a venture-backed company with strong traction
  • As we scale, your role and influence will grow with the company
Why You Might Want to Think Twice
  • This is a demanding role that will often require extended hours and deep commitment
  • As a founding team member, you'll need to wear multiple hats and step outside your comfort zone
  • You'll need to make thoughtful tradeoffs between innovation and immediate needs
  • You'll interact directly with customers to understand their needs and occasionally travel to their offices
  • We're a startup - priorities can shift rapidly as we respond to market opportunities and customer needs
  • If you're not comfortable getting your hands dirty with legacy code or speaking directly with customers, this isn't the job for you
Responsibilities
  • Lead critical system rewrites to transform our architecture into a highly scalable, resilient foundation
  • Own the design and performance optimization of our data storage systems, ensuring they scale with customer and AI demands
  • Build and evolve our deployment pipelines, enabling reliable, automated releases for AI-first products
  • Set up and manage modern cloud infrastructure from scratch, leveraging Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to ensure consistency, security, and scalability
  • Establish engineering best practices, including observability, incident response processes, and system hardening for an AI-first platform
  • Drive robust analytics and monitoring to track performance, reliability, and the effectiveness of our AI solutions
  • Mentor engineers and elevate the team's capabilities across infrastructure, scalability, and AI product development
Your Experience Looks Like
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience building production-grade software systems, with a focus on scalability, performance, and reliability
  • Proven expertise in backend development with Node.js, including API design, system architecture, and cloud-based services
  • Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, or similar) and deploying production systems using Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, Pulumi)
  • Hands-on experience with database design, performance tuning, and scaling high-throughput data systems
  • Familiarity with building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern DevOps practices
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a distributed, fast-paced environment
  • Comfortable operating in early-stage, high-ownership environments with evolving requirements
  • Bonus: Experience with React and TypeScript on the frontend, though this role leans backend/infrastructure
  • Bonus: Exposure to LLM-based systems, AI infrastructure, or agentic AI workflows
Guiding Principles

Customer‑First Outcomes
Every commit should trace back to resident or operator value. Whether it’s a new feature, infra investment, or AI capability, if it doesn’t solve a real problem, it doesn’t ship.
Bias for Simplicity
We favor composable primitives over clever abstractions. Open standards, clean APIs, and clear contracts win over custom complexity, even if the custom version is cooler.
Quality Is a Gate, Not an After‑Thought
Quality is built-in from day one. Our definition of done includes: test coverage, performance checks, basic observability, and internal docs. Shipping fast doesn’t mean skipping craftsmanship.
Data‑Driven Choices
We use data to guide, not paralyze, our decision-making. We track leading indicators (cycle time, defect rate, NPS) and lagging signals (retention, revenue impact). We keep instrumentation lightweight but meaningful signal over spreadsheet.
Transparency & Written Culture
Good ideas don’t expire in Zoom. We operate in public inside the company, TDDs, PR reviews, and Linear tickets tell the story. This keeps us async-friendly, auditable, and aligned across time zones and functions.
Other Benefits
  • Great health insurance, dental, and vision.
  • Gym and workspace stipends.
  • Computer and workspace enhancements.
  • Unlimited PTO.
  • Company off-sites with the team.
  • Opportunity to play a critical role in building the foundations of the company and Engineering culture.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Zuma logo

About Zuma

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Software development

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2020

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