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Contract Navy Software Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$97K - $158K/yr

As a Software Engineer, you will develop, test, and deliver scalable, secure, and customer-focused ... Develop and maintain API contracts, payload schemas, and OpenAPI/Swagger specifications.

Candidates for this position are software engineers with strong programming skills who demonstrate ... Some contracts may have higher-level clearance requirements. Travel RequirementsNone Relocation ...

Candidates for this position are software engineers with strong programming skills who demonstrate ... Some contracts may have higher-level clearance requirements. Travel RequirementsNone Relocation ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$112K - $183K/yr

Participate in solution design, API contract definition, payload schema design, and OpenAPI/Swagger ... Mentor software engineers through technical guidance, code reviews, and sharing of engineering best ...

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$128K - $208K/yr

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and drive the delivery of ... Build API-first solutions, define service contracts, payload schemas, and OpenAPI/Swagger ...

... Principal Software Engineer who builds across the entire stack and owns the integration and ... Build and maintain automated integration, contract, and end‑to‑end test suites that exercise ...

New

Principal Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

... Software Engineer who builds across the entire stack and owns the integration and end-to-end ... Build and maintain automated integration, contract, and end-to-end test suites that exercise REST ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Navy Software Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$62.8K

$145.8K

$203.1K

How much do contract navy software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract navy software engineer in Elgin, IL is $145,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,600.00 and $171,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract Navy software engineer?

Contract Navy Software Engineers are professionals who work on a contractual basis to develop, maintain, and improve software systems used by the Navy. They are typically employed by private companies that have contracts with the Navy, rather than being enlisted military personnel. Their work can include creating embedded systems, cybersecurity solutions, data analysis platforms, or software for shipboard and shore-based operations. These engineers must meet specific security clearance requirements and often need to be familiar with Department of Defense (DoD) standards and protocols. Their contributions are critical to ensuring the reliability and security of Navy technology.

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

To thrive as a Contract Navy Software Engineer, you need expertise in software development, systems engineering, and a solid understanding of defense or military protocols, with at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with secure coding practices, DoD-approved development environments, and certifications such as Security+ or CISSP are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for collaborating on complex, mission-critical projects. These skills and qualifications ensure that software solutions are reliable, secure, and meet stringent Navy operational requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by contract Navy software engineers when working on defense projects?

Contract Navy Software Engineers often encounter unique challenges such as navigating strict security protocols, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements, and integrating new software with legacy naval systems. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including military personnel and civilian contractors—requires clear communication and flexibility. Successfully managing these challenges not only ensures project success but also builds valuable experience for advancing to more senior or specialized defense engineering roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Navy Software Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Navy Software Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Contract Navy Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Contract Navy Software Engineer job openings:

Software Engineer

Caterpillar

Chicago, IL • On-site

$97K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 489 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

274th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
JOB PURPOSE:
Join Cat Digital Platform and help build the technology that powers Caterpillar's digital future. Our platform fuels the secure flow of data, insights, and services connecting customers, dealers, machines, and applications worldwide. As a Software Engineer, you will develop, test, and deliver scalable, secure, and customer-focused cloud solutions while contributing to the team's technical excellence and delivery success.
JOB DUTIES:
  • Develop, test, and maintain backend RESTful APIs using Java, Spring Boot, and AWS cloud services.
  • Develop and maintain API contracts, payload schemas, and OpenAPI/Swagger specifications.
  • Implement integrations using established authentication and authorization standards, including OAuth 2.0.
  • Develop automated unit and integration tests and participate in performance, load, and quality testing activities.
  • Participate in peer code reviews and contribute to engineering best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve application, integration, and production support issues.
  • Contribute to CI/CD pipeline automation, deployment processes, and operational support activities.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, deployment guides, and operational runbooks.

What you will have:
  • Software Development: Knowledge of software development tools and activities; ability to produce software products or systems in line with product requirements.
  • Software Product Design/Architecture: Knowledge of software product design; ability to convert market requirements into the software product design.
  • Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
  • Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Top candidates will also have:
  • Experience developing RESTful APIs and microservices using Java 21+, Spring Boot, API gateway technologies such as Apigee, and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
  • Understanding of API security concepts, including OAuth 2.0, JWT, and service-to-service communication patterns.
  • Strong understanding of data structures and object-oriented design principles.
  • Experience with event-driven architectures and messaging technologies such as Kafka, AWS SQS, AWS SNS, AWS Kinesis, or RabbitMQ.
  • Experience with relational and NoSQL databases such as Aurora, DynamoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB, Redis, or Elasticsearch.
  • Experience developing automated unit and integration tests and deploying applications using CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or similar platforms.
  • Experience working in Agile/Scrum teams and collaborating effectively across engineering, product, and business stakeholders.

Additional Details:
  • This position requires the candidate to be based in Chicago, IL
  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Summary Pay Range:
$97,530.00 - $158,480.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
September 2, 2026 - September 13, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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