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Backend Software Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

FleetWorks

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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Backend Software information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$59

$86

How much do backend software jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for backend software in Chicago, IL is $59.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.80 and $70.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backend software engineer?

Backend software engineers are professionals who design, build, and maintain the server-side logic, databases, and application programming interfaces (APIs) that power web and mobile applications. They focus on ensuring that data is stored, retrieved, and processed efficiently, and that the application's functionality works seamlessly behind the scenes. Backend engineers often work with programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, and use frameworks and tools to build scalable and secure systems. Their work is crucial to supporting the user-facing parts of applications developed by frontend engineers.

How do backend software engineers typically collaborate with frontend teams to deliver seamless user experiences?

Backend software engineers frequently work closely with frontend developers to ensure that APIs, data structures, and server responses align with the needs of user interfaces. Regular communication, code reviews, and participation in sprint planning sessions help both teams coordinate on new features and resolve integration issues. It's common to use collaborative tools like Swagger or Postman for API documentation and testing, which streamlines cross-team workflows. This close partnership is essential to delivering reliable, performant, and user-friendly applications.

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 (such as in Java, Python, or Node.js), knowledge of data structures and algorithms, and often a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with databases (SQL and NoSQL), RESTful APIs, version control systems like Git, and cloud platforms is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for succeeding in this role. These competencies enable the design, development, and maintenance of robust, scalable backend systems that power reliable applications.

What is the difference between Backend Software vs Frontend Developer?

AspectBackend SoftwareFrontend Developer
Primary FocusServer-side logic, databases, APIsUser interface, user experience, visual elements
Required SkillsProgramming languages like Java, Python, Ruby; database management; server architectureHTML, CSS, JavaScript; UI/UX design; responsive design
Work EnvironmentServer environments, cloud platforms, backend frameworksWeb browsers, design tools, client-side frameworks
Common UsageBuilding and maintaining server-side applicationsCreating interactive and visually appealing websites

While both roles are essential in web development, Backend Software focuses on server-side logic and data management, whereas Frontend Developer concentrates on the visual and interactive aspects of websites. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and responsibilities in the industry.

Is a backend software developer a good career?

A backend software developer is a viable and in-demand career, as it involves building and maintaining server-side applications using programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js. The role often requires knowledge of databases, APIs, and cloud services, and offers opportunities for growth in various industries. Job stability and salary potential are generally favorable for skilled developers in this field.

What is a backend software job?

A backend software job involves developing and maintaining the server-side components of applications, including databases, servers, and APIs. It requires skills in programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, and often involves working with frameworks, data management, and ensuring application security and performance.
Backend Software jobs near you

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Site Technologies
Facilities Support Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Site Technologiesexternal

$165K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 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

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