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

Site Technologies

Lead Backend Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$185K - $215K/yr

SITE Technologies is seeking a hands-on Lead Backend Software Engineer to lead and grow a small backend team while personally building and evolving SITE's platform and related customer systems. This ...

Allied

Senior Software Engineer - Backend

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY 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 ...

Paylocity

Senior Engineer Software, Backend

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

... in software development, with a strong focus on backend engineering • Deep understanding of modern API standards and backend system design (REST, authentication, authorization, versioning ...

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

$62.4K

$152.2K

$205.2K

How much do backend software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend software engineer in Chicago, IL is $152,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,800.00 and $177,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a backend software engineer do?

A backend software engineer designs, develops, and maintains the server-side components of applications, including databases, APIs, and server logic. They work with programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js and often use tools such as version control systems and cloud platforms to ensure scalable and secure systems.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or specialized backend software engineer at large tech companies or in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills in programming and system architecture, and working in competitive markets or leadership roles.

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.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Backend software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, primarily through high-level positions, senior roles, or in high-cost-of-living areas, often supplemented by bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing. 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $152,233 per year, or $73.2 per hour.
Lead Backend Software Engineer

Lead Backend Software Engineer

Site Technologies

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$185K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 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 hands-on Lead Backend Software Engineer to lead and grow a small backend team while personally building and evolving SITE's platform and related customer systems. This is a player-coach role: the Lead will directly manage 3 to 4 senior backend engineers, set technical direction, remain deeply involved in the architecture, implementation, quality, and operation of critical backend systems, and oversee nearshore engineers or consultants as the team evolves. The ideal candidate is a pragmatic, product-minded engineer and thoughtful people manager who can turn complex operational workflows and user needs into clear technical plans, reliable data models, stable API contracts, and delivered product outcomes. This person will partner closely with product managers, other technical 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:
  • Lead the technical design and hands-on implementation of core backend APIs and services, primarily in Python and FastAPI
  • Set architectural direction for domain models, relational schemas, service boundaries, data consistency, and API contracts
  • Translate product priorities into well-scoped delivery plans, milestones, and technical decisions
  • Personally lead critical-path development, code reviews, release planning, and incident response
  • Set and maintain high standards for testing, CI/CD, observability, security, performance, and production reliability
  • Build reliable integrations across geospatial, media, reporting, asset management, and third-party vendor systems
  • Develop and maintain ETL and data migration processes for imagery, geospatial, and operational data
  • Directly manage 3 to 4 senior backend engineers through regular one-on-ones, feedback, performance management, and career development, while overseeing nearshore engineers or consultants as needed
  • Delegate work effectively, remove delivery blockers, and ensure the team ships high-quality backend systems predictably
  • Partner with product, frontend, data, operations, and QA teams to prioritize tradeoffs and deliver customer value
  • Hire, onboard, mentor, and develop strong backend engineers

What We're Looking For:
  • 7+ years of experience in backend development, with strong proficiency in Python
  • Demonstrated experience as a hands-on technical lead while directly managing engineers
  • Very strong ability to reason from first principles about backend architecture, workflow modeling, API boundaries, data consistency, security, and operational failure modes
  • Strong product judgment and ability to turn ambiguous business needs into clear technical plans and deliverable milestones
  • Proven ability to mentor senior engineers, give direct feedback, and raise team performance
  • Strong communication skills and ability to lead across product, frontend, data, operations, and business teams
  • 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, and related services
  • 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
  • Experience managing distributed teams or external engineering partners
  • 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, and 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 of $70,000 to $90,000 per year 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
$185,000 to $215,000

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