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Backend Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

If you're a strong software engineer who wants to work hands-on with users, solve ambiguous problems on the ground, and see your code driving live operations within days, this is a uniquely high ...

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Showing results 21-40

Backend Software Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$58.6K

$143.1K

$192.8K

How much do backend software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend software engineer in Illinois is $143,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,200.00 and $166,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a backend software engineer faces when integrating new services into an existing system?

Backend Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new services and legacy systems, maintaining data integrity during migrations, and managing increased system complexity. Effective integration also requires thorough testing to prevent disruptions to existing functionalities and close collaboration with frontend engineers, DevOps, and QA teams. Proactively communicating across teams and adhering to clear documentation standards can help mitigate integration risks and ensure a smoother deployment process.

What is the difference between Backend Software Engineer vs Frontend Software Engineer?

AspectBackend Software EngineerFrontend Software Engineer
Primary FocusServer-side development, databases, APIsClient-side development, UI/UX, visual elements
Required SkillsProgramming languages like Java, Python, SQL; server managementHTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks like React or Angular
Work EnvironmentBackend teams, server infrastructure, cloud servicesDesign teams, user interface, web browsers
Common UsageBuilding and maintaining server logic and databasesCreating interactive and visually appealing web pages

While both roles involve web development, Backend Software Engineers focus on server-side logic and data management, whereas Frontend Software Engineers specialize in creating the visual and interactive aspects of websites. Both roles are essential in full-stack development and often collaborate closely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backend software engineer?

To thrive as a Backend Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, a solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and experience with database management, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as Git, RESTful APIs, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and frameworks like Spring or Django is highly valued, and relevant certifications can be advantageous. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are essential to build, maintain, and optimize robust, scalable server-side applications that meet user and business needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Software Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Backend Software Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Backend Software Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Backend Software Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Backend Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Backend Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Backend Software Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,088 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Senior Backend Software Engineer - Cloud

Steris Corporation

Vernon Hills, IL • On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


STERIS rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Summary
Join the STERIS Digital Workflow Solutions team as a Senior Backend Software Engineer. In this role you will be responsible for developing deep expertise in the application services, APIs, integrations, business processes, and data architecture that form the foundation of the SPM Cloud platform. SPM Software | STERIS Initially focused on embedded learning, production support readiness, and operational continuity, the role progressively expands into new feature delivery, platform enhancement, technical design, and engineering ownership activities.
The position will become a core member of the internal STERIS product engineering team responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and evolving the platform as software development transitions fully in-house.
*This position is located in Vernon Hills, IL with the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule. Qualified candidates currently residing within commuting distance of Vernon Hills preferred.
What You'll Do as a Senior Backend Software Engineer
  • Design, develop, maintain, and enhance backend services, APIs, integrations, and business logic components.
  • Participate in delivery activities to acquire ownership of platform knowledge and engineering practices.
  • Develop expertise in application architecture, data models, integration patterns, and system workflows.
  • Investigate and resolve complex production incidents, defects, and performance issues.
  • Contribute to technical design discussions, solution reviews, and implementation planning activities.
  • Build and support scalable, secure, and maintainable cloud-native application services.
  • Perform code reviews and promote engineering best practices across the development team.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, support procedures, and operational runbooks.
  • Identify opportunities to improve application performance, reliability, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Contribute to future feature development, modernization efforts, and continuous product improvement initiatives.

The Experience, Skills and Abilities Needed
Required:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related degree
  • 8+ years of professional software development experience building, enhancing, and supporting enterprise applications.
  • 8+ years proven experience developing and maintaining business-critical backend systems, APIs, integrations, and data-driven applications.
  • 8+ years C# and modern .NET development.
  • Experience developing RESTful APIs, web services, and service-based integrations.
  • Strong understanding of relational database design, SQL & NoSQL development, and data modelling principles.
  • Experience with PostgreSQL, RavenDB, SQL Server, or equivalent enterprise database platforms.
  • Experience working within Agile software delivery methodologies.
  • Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation, architectural artifacts, and operational runbooks.
  • Experience working across the full software development lifecycle, including solution design, implementation, testing, deployment, support, and continuous improvement.
  • Experience supporting production systems and participating in incident response, root cause analysis, and defect remediation activities.
  • Experience collaborating with architects, frontend engineers, DevOps engineers, quality engineers, and product stakeholders within Agile delivery teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership of application components or services and drive them through design, development, and operational support.
  • Experience working with cloud-hosted, distributed, or service-oriented systems.
  • Experience participating in technical design reviews, code reviews, and engineering improvement initiatives.

Preferred:
  • Exposure to AI-assisted development tools and modern engineering productivity practices.
  • Experience modernizing legacy systems or participating in large-scale application transformation programs preferred.
  • Experience developing cloud-native solutions hosted in Microsoft Azure.
  • Experience with Azure Functions, App Services, Azure SQL, Storage, Key Vault, Service Bus, or similar Azure services.
  • Experience working within healthcare, medical device, financial services, or other regulated industries preferred.

What STERIS Offers
We value our employees and are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, well-being and financial future.
Here is a brief overview of what we offer:
Market Competitive Pay
Extensive Paid Time Off and (9) added Holidays
Excellent Healthcare, Dental and Vision Benefits
Long/Short Term Disability Coverage
401(k) with a company match
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Additional add-on benefits/discounts for programs such as Pet Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement and continued education programs
Excellent opportunities for advancement in a stable long-term career
#LI-KK1
Pay range for this opportunity is $107,525.00 - $126,000. This position is eligible for bonus participation.
Minimum pay rates offered will comply with county/city minimums, if higher than range listed. Pay rates are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to local labor market costs, years of relevant experience, education, professional certifications, foreign language fluency, etc.
STERIS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits portfolio. Click here for a complete list of benefits: STERIS Benefits
Open until position is filled.
STERIS is a leading global provider of products and services that support patient care with an emphasis on infection prevention. WE HELP OUR CUSTOMERS CREATE A HEALTHIER AND SAFER WORLD by providing innovative healthcare and life sciences products and services around the globe. For more information, visit www.steris.com.
If you need assistance completing the application process, please call 1 (440) 392.7047. This contact information is for accommodation inquiries only and cannot be used to check application status.
STERIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to ensure that persons are recruited, hired, trained, transferred and promoted in all job groups regardless of race, color, religion, age, disability, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state or local law. We are not only committed to this policy by our status as a federal government contractor, but also we are strongly bound by the principle of equal employment opportunity.
The full affirmative action program, absent the data metrics required by § 60-741.44(k), shall be available to all employees and applicants for employment for inspection upon request. The program may be obtained at your location's HR Office during normal business hours.

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