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Backend Engineer Java Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Grindr

Staff Software Engineer, Backend

Chicago, IL · On-site

$152K - $203K/yr

You'll join a backend team of 10+ engineers working on key features that support millions of active ... Experience with the JVM and at least one JVM language such as Java, Kotlin, and Scala. Experience ...

Altruist

Staff Back End Engineer, Trading

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $285K/yr

... Back End Engineers to join our growing Trading team. This role will be remote for candidates ... Java, Spring Boot, Microservices, AWS, Postgres, Kubernetes) * Ownership - The pride you put into ...

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 ...

ESR Healthcare

Java developer Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL

$52.50 - $68/hr

Java Developer Chicago, IL Java developer Chicago, IL Role 1: Java Back-end Developer Role 2: Fullstack Developer with Strong React Chicago, IL (Needed only Locals) Mandatory Skills: Java 21 ...

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 ...

Embtel Inc

Java Web Architect

West Chicago, IL · On-site

Proficiency in RESTful APIs and API * Healthcare domain Experience preffered Dont Submit Java/J2EE Developer or Java Full Stack Developer or Java Back End Developer. But Java Full Stack with NodeJS ...

Purple Drive Technologies

Java AWS lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Java AWS lead Location: Columbus, OH / Chicago, IL (15+ years) Need well experienced person in ... developers." * "Develop and maintain high-quality, scalable, and performant backend services using ...

Stripe

Backend Engineer, Core Technology

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Ability to write high-quality code (in programming languages like Go, Java, C/C++ etc.) * 2-12+ years of professional hands-on software development experience, able to write well-factored algorithms ...

FleetPulse

Forward Deployed Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

We're looking for an engineer who: * We're looking for an experienced software engineer to ... Experience with Kotlin, Java, Python or another backend language. * Experience with AWS / GCP

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Backend Engineer Java information

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How much do backend engineer java jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for backend engineer java in Chicago, IL is $56.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.00 and $64.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Backend Engineer Java do?

A Backend Engineer Java is responsible for developing and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and application programming interfaces (APIs) using the Java programming language. They ensure that the backend of web applications or software systems is efficient, secure, and scalable. Their work often involves collaborating with frontend developers, designing system architecture, and optimizing performance to handle large volumes of user requests. Backend Java engineers often use frameworks such as Spring or Hibernate and work with databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL.

What is the difference between Backend Engineer Java vs Backend Developer Java?

AspectBackend Engineer JavaBackend Developer Java
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and maintaining server-side applications and systemsImplementing and coding backend functionalities based on specifications
ResponsibilitiesSystem architecture, performance optimization, API developmentWriting code, debugging, integrating databases
Skills & CertificationsJava, Spring, REST APIs, SQL, cloud platformsJava, Spring, SQL, version control, testing tools
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, project planning, architecture designCode implementation, debugging, feature development

Both roles require Java expertise and similar certifications, but Backend Engineer Java typically involves higher-level system design and architecture responsibilities, while Backend Developer Java focuses more on coding and implementing features. Employers often see these roles as complementary within software development teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backend Engineer Java, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backend Engineer Java, you need a solid understanding of Java programming, data structures, algorithms, and experience with backend frameworks, typically supported by a relevant degree or industry experience. Familiarity with tools and technologies such as Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, relational databases, and build systems like Maven or Gradle is commonly required. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in collaborative and fast-paced development environments. These combined skills ensure robust, scalable backend systems that meet business needs and integrate smoothly within larger software architectures.

How does a Backend Engineer Java typically collaborate with frontend developers and other stakeholders in a project?

As a Backend Engineer Java, you will regularly collaborate with frontend developers to ensure seamless integration between server-side logic and user interfaces. This often involves participating in design discussions, clarifying API requirements, and troubleshooting integration issues. You’ll also engage with product managers, QA engineers, and sometimes DevOps teams to align on project goals, timelines, and deployment strategies. Effective communication is key to translating business requirements into reliable backend solutions and maintaining smooth workflows across the team.
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Backend Engineer Java jobs near you
Staff Software Engineer, Backend

Staff Software Engineer, Backend

Grindr

Chicago, IL • On-site

$152K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

About the Team:
Grindr is an AI-native platform powering how millions of gay people connect globally. With 15M+ monthly users, 130B+ annual messages, and a team of fewer than 200, we move fast, stay lean, and tackle technical problems at a scale few companies ever see.
Our team is growing because our user base is growing (30% in the last year!) which means we need you! We're looking for an experienced Backend Engineer who is passionate about building, testing, deploying, and working closely with the Product team to deliver new features. You will have the opportunity to solve challenging problems, work with the latest systems, collaborate with a kind and capable team, and contribute meaningfully.
At Grindr, we operate in Grindr Mode. Moderately hardcore day to day, truly hardcore when it counts. It's about doing great work without burning out. Outcomes over outputs. Smart, driven people who raise your bar, with room to live full lives.
This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago offices and will require you to be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
About the Job:
  • You'll join a backend team of 10+ engineers working on key features that support millions of active users daily.
  • Leading projects and other engineers to implement new features and coordinate closely with the product and design teams
  • Own the design and development of Grindr's backend services in a stable and scalable microservices architecture
  • Work with Product Managers, Designers, and other Engineers to refine feature design and functionality
  • Optimize key pieces of Grindr's platform using tools like Redis, Postgres, and Kafka on AWS services
  • Innovate by guiding data-driven decisions to adopt new technologies, architectures, and workflow
  • Maintain high availability of the Grindr platform by leveraging distributed systems and infrastructure engineering, while playing a key role in optimizations, cost reduction, and incident management.
  • Help guide and mentor team members through pairing sessions, code reviews, and architecture reviews.

Role Requirements:
  • 7+ years of experience as a Software Engineer and contributing to Backend Systems (Service APIs, Data Processing, Messaging Services)
  • Experience designing and implementing large-scale systems for high load and data consistency in a microservice-based architecture
  • Experience designing systems that make heavy and efficient use of Cloud Service, AWS preferred.
  • Passionate about testing software and systems
  • Deep understanding of concurrency concepts and trade-offs
  • You love figuring things out and understanding how they work end-to-end
  • Experience with the JVM and at least one JVM language such as Java, Kotlin, and Scala. Experience designing and product ionizing large-scale distributed systems

You May Thrive in this Role if You:
  • Experience developing Production systems using Kotlin, Postgres and Kafka
  • Experience in mentoring / skilling up less experienced developers

Benefits and Perks:
  • Health, Dental & Vision Full premium coverage for you. Partial coverage for dependents.
  • Family Formation Up to $300,000 in fertility and family-building support, covering IVF, surrogacy, egg freezing, and adoption.
  • Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match and immediate vesting.
  • Compensation: Industry-competitive compensation, company bonus, and equity for every employee.
  • Gender-Affirming Care : Industry-leading gender-affirming offerings with up to 90% cost coverage, access to Included Health, monthly stipends for HRT, and more.
  • Time Off & Rest Flexible vacation policy. Two company-wide rest weeks per year.
  • Other Benefits: Monthly stipends for cell phone, internet, wellness, food, and commuting, breakfast/lunch

About Grindr:
Grindr is building the Global Gayborhood in your Pocket. With more than 15 million monthly active users, Grindr has become a fundamental part of the gay community and is charting a path to make the world more free, equal, and just.
As a public company, we're moving into the next chapter: becoming an AI-native organization that's redefining what's possible for our community. We're embedding AI into our product and operations, moving with startup speed while operating at scale.
Everything we do is rooted in impact for our users and outcomes for the business. This isn't social work, it's impact through excellence. Business success is what gives us the power to serve our community and the seat at tables others can't reach. How we work is defined by Grindr Mode, our operating model that's moderately hardcore day-to-day and truly hardcore when it counts. We think like owners, drive real outcomes, create clarity through action, and push each other to go further than we thought possible.
We're headquartered in West Hollywood with offices in the Bay Area, Chicago, and New York. Our work extends beyond the product through Grindr for Equality, our nonprofit that's partnered with 100+ community organizations globally to advance safety, health, and human rights for LGBTQ+ people worldwide.
We're profitable, growing, and building a team of smart, driven people who bring different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the work. Want to build technology at a massive scale that serves millions? Come join us!
Grindr is an equal-opportunity employer.
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