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

Allied

Senior Software Engineer - Backend

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer Backend is responsible for designing and developing backend software solutions, including APIs and business logic, that support Allied's internal and external Digital ...

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Software Engineer (Java/Linux)

Chicago, IL

$53.25 - $73.25/hr

Software Engineer Position Join an innovative and fast-paced team-building software that allows ... Create back end applications using primarily Java. * Demonstrate your work product to your team.

FIS Amount

Senior AI Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

You'll balance hands-on development of backend services and APIs with designing scalable AI ... software engineering with strong Python skills; experience with Java is a plus * Proven track ...

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All JobsBackend Software Engineer JobsBackend Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Backend Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.3K

$152.1K

$205K

How much do backend software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend software engineer in Chicago, IL is $152,113.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,700.00 and $177,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are backend engineers still in demand?

Backend software engineers are currently in high demand due to the ongoing need for server-side development, cloud computing, and scalable systems. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, and frameworks such as Node.js are highly valued, and demand is expected to grow as digital infrastructure expands across industries.

What does a Backend Software Engineer do?

A Backend Software Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power applications and websites. They ensure that data flows efficiently between the server, application, and the user interface, often working with languages like Java, Python, or Node.js. Their work is crucial for enabling features, security, and performance on the backend, even though users typically interact with the frontend. Backend engineers also collaborate with frontend developers and other team members to create seamless user experiences.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior backend software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like distributed systems or cloud computing, and often working at large tech companies or in high-demand industries can earn $300,000 or more annually. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in competitive markets or executive-level roles.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-demand fields like backend development, cloud engineering, or machine learning, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, and working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

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.

Is back-end coding hard?

Backend software engineering involves writing server-side code that manages data, application logic, and integration with databases, which can be complex depending on the project. It requires knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, as well as understanding of APIs, security, and system architecture. The difficulty varies based on experience, project scope, and the complexity of the systems involved.

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

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 popular job titles related to Backend Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Backend Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backend Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Backend Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Backend Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Backend Software Engineer job openings:
Backend Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backend Software Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 49% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 62% In-person, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,113 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer (Golang)

Ontrac Solutions LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$70 - $80/hr

Contractor

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Ontrac Solutions
At Ontrac Solutions, we partner with elite engineering organizations to build systems that operate at scale. Our team supports high-impact technology initiatives across cloud architecture, product engineering, automation, security, and AI-driven solutions.
We are seeking a highly skilled Golang Backend Software Engineer to support a critical customer engagement focused on scalable backend services, API development, datastore integrations, platform refactoring, and workflow automation.
Role Overview
The Golang Backend Software Engineer will provide hands-on engineering support across backend services, APIs, datastores, and security platform initiatives. This role is ideal for an engineer who is highly proficient in Go, comfortable working in complex production codebases, and experienced in building reliable, tested, and scalable backend systems.
The successful candidate will help extend existing services, refactor legacy functionality, support decommissioning efforts, and build new integrations aligned to the customer's roadmap.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, build, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs using Golang
  • Work with backend datastores, including PostgreSQL and MongoDB
  • Write and maintain comprehensive backend unit and integration tests
  • Navigate complex codebases to understand existing functionality, refactor services, and support decommissioning efforts
  • Build reliable service integrations across internal platforms and third-party systems
  • Support backend development using relevant AWS services, SDKs, APIs, and client libraries
  • Collaborate with product, engineering, and customer stakeholders to define, refine, and deliver project scope
  • Participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies, sprint planning, backlog refinement, and delivery reviews
  • Contribute to documentation, technical decision-making, and implementation planning
  • Support platform enhancements related to security workflows, access management, approval services, and control automation
Required Qualifications
  • Strong professional experience building backend services and APIs with Golang
  • Experience designing and maintaining scalable, production-ready backend systems
  • Hands-on experience with PostgreSQL and/or MongoDB
  • Experience writing unit tests, integration tests, and validating backend service reliability
  • Ability to read, understand, refactor, and decommission code in complex systems
  • Working knowledge of AWS services and relevant development libraries/APIs
  • Experience working in an Agile/Scrum development environment
  • Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with distributed engineering teams
  • Strong communication skills and comfort working with technical and business stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with TypeScript or type-safe backend development practices
  • Familiarity with Jira API integrations or Jira Service Desk workflows
  • Familiarity with Identity and Access Management
  • Experience supporting security platform engineering, control automation, or internal workflow platforms
  • Basic frontend familiarity with HTML, JavaScript, ReactJS, and CSS
  • Experience extending access portals, approval systems, or internal enterprise tooling
Project Scope
This engagement will focus primarily on Golang backend engineering and consultative, hands-on support for a security platform engineering roadmap. Key areas of support may include:
Backend Services & APIs
Build, modify, and maintain scalable backend services using Golang, supporting access-related platforms, workflow systems, and internal service integrations.
Datastore Integration
Support backend datastore work across PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and related data models used by platform services.
Refactoring & Decommissioning
Navigate existing codebases to identify active functionality, refactor legacy components, and support safe decommissioning of outdated services or features.
Approval Service & Workflow Logic
Refine validation, approval, notification, and consensus logic within Go-based services supporting internal workflows.
Jira Workflow Integration
Support new and existing Jira workflow integrations, including API-based automation and service desk workflow improvements.
Security Platform Support
Support roadmap items related to identity access, control automation, security workflows, and backend service enhancements.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a strong Golang backend engineer who can quickly ramp into an existing environment, understand complex systems, and deliver clean, maintainable backend code. They should be comfortable working across APIs, datastores, integrations, testing, refactoring, and production service improvements.
This person should bring a consultative mindset, strong ownership, and the ability to execute in a fast-moving customer environment.

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