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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 ...

Software Engineer (Back-End)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Software Engineer: Platform Remote / Chicago, IL (Hybrid) About the Role As a Platform Software Engineer at LogicGate, you will build the robust backend services, APIs, and data layers that power ...

Software Engineer: Platform Location: Remote or Bellevue, WA (Hybrid) or Chicago, IL (Hybrid) About the Role As a Platform Software Engineer at LogicGate, you will build the robust backend services ...

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 Sep 9, 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 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 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.

Are backend software engineers still in demand?

Backend software engineers are currently in high demand due to the ongoing growth of web applications, cloud services, and digital infrastructure. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, and experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure increase employability in this field.

What is a backend software engineer?

A backend software engineer designs, develops, and maintains the server-side components of applications, focusing on databases, server logic, and APIs. They often work with programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js and use tools such as databases and version control systems to ensure the functionality and performance of web services.

What's a typical backend software engineer salary?

The average salary for a backend software engineer varies by experience and location but generally ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually in many regions. Senior roles with specialized skills in languages like Java, Python, or cloud platforms can earn over $150,000. Factors such as company size, industry, and certifications also influence compensation.

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 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 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,088 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Site Technologies
Facilities Support Services • 11 - 50 employees

$165K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About SITE Technologies:
SITE Technologies, founded in 2018, is on a mission to revolutionize facility management with cutting-edge AI solutions that empower enterprise customers to operate more efficiently.
We embrace a hybrid work culture, with remote and Chicago team members working seamlessly to deliver a great product to our customers. We believe in innovation, teamwork, and having fun along the way Our Core Values define how our team shows up every day:
  • Solve Impossible Problems
  • Embrace Empathy & Integrity
  • Own Your Outcome
  • Do The Best Work of Our Lives
  • Together We Thrive

If you're looking to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team where your work makes an impact, come join us!
Working at SITE Technologies:
SITE Technologies is seeking a thoughtful and versatile Senior Backend Software Engineer to help build and evolve SITE's platform and related customer systems. The ideal candidate is a pragmatic, product-minded engineer who can translate complex operational workflows and user needs into clean domain models, reliable data models, and stable API contracts. This person will work closely with frontend developers, product managers, data teams, and business stakeholders to ship backend systems for geospatial data, imagery, asset workflows, reporting, third-party integrations, and AI product experiences.
Requirements
What you'll do:
  • Design, develop, and maintain core backend APIs and services, primarily in Python and FastAPI
  • Translate complex product workflows into clear domain models, relational schemas, service boundaries, and API contracts
  • Build reliable integrations across geospatial, media, reporting, asset management, and third-party vendor systems
  • Improve CI/CD pipelines, release practices, automated testing, and developer workflows
  • Develop and maintain ETL and data migration processes when needed, especially for imagery, geospatial, and operational data
  • Contribute to cloud infrastructure design, security, observability, performance, and production reliability

What We're Looking For:
  • Very strong ability to reason from first principles about backend architecture, workflow modeling, API boundaries, data consistency, security, and operational failure modes
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work across product, frontend, data, and business teams
  • 5+ years of experience in backend development, with strong proficiency in Python
  • Experience building production APIs with FastAPI or similar Python frameworks
  • Strong understanding of relational data modeling, PostgreSQL, SQLAlchemy or comparable ORM libraries, and database migration tools such as Alembic or Flyway
  • Experience with AWS backend services such as ECS, Lambda, RDS, S3, IAM, etc.
  • Experience with Docker, Git, and designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions, AWS CodePipeline, or similar tools
  • Practical fluency with AI coding agents such as Claude Code and Cursor

Exceptional candidates also have:
  • Experience working in a dynamic startup environment
  • Knowledge of infrastructure as code, preferably Terraform and Terragrunt
  • Experience with observability tools such as Datadog and Sentry
  • Experience designing authentication and authorization flows
  • Experience with 2D and 3D geospatial data
  • Experience with ETL pipeline development, data migration, or large-scale unstructured data processing
  • Experience building agentic systems with tools such as LangGraph, Claude Code SDK, Amazon Bedrock
  • Experience modernizing legacy systems while preserving production behavior

What we have to offer:
  • This is a remote, US based position that can be based in one of 18 states where SITE is an employer.
  • A competitive base salary plus the opportunity to participate in SITE's stock options plan.
  • Generous paid vacation and separate sick time banks.
  • Ten (10) Company holidays off plus two (2) floating holidays.
  • Two (2) paid days per year to do volunteer work.
  • Paid parental leave benefits available after ninety (90) days of employment.
  • Employee health, dental, vision, life and short-term disability coverage at no cost available on the first of the month after your hire date.
  • 401K plan with a 4% employer safe harbor contribution.
  • A strong workplace culture with a smart, collaborative team.

More Reasons to join SITE Technologies:
  • Exciting Startup Energy - Be part of an early-stage company where your work truly makes a difference.
  • Collaborate with Brilliant Minds - Work alongside top talent in AI, tech, and business.
  • Professional Growth - Expand your skills and grow your career in an innovative company.
  • Great Culture - We value innovation, ownership, and having fun while making an impact.

Salary Description
$165,000 - $195,000