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Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

As a Software Engineering Manager, you will be expected to create and foster a sense of Joy in the creative process within the Product Engineering teams. You will oversee a group of cross-functional ...

Manager, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$155K - $233K/yr

Posting Type Hybrid Job Overview We're looking for a dynamic and technically fluent Manager to lead a high-performing team of software engineers. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of our ...

Manager; AI Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K - $240K/yr

Software Engineering Manager 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.

Manager, Software Engineering The Manager, Service Delivery is responsible for leading application ... Review and support vendor software package contracts, statements of work, and vendor support ...

Strong aptitude with software development lifecycle and engineering excellence processes, Agile methodologies, and the ability to project manage moderately sized projects * Deep software engineering ...

ECHO is seeking a hands-on Software Engineering Manager to lead a team responsible for enterprise integrations, API services, platform engineering, and full-stack application development. This role ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Software Engineering Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$102.5K

$174.5K

$206.5K

How much do contract software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract software engineering manager in Chicago, IL is $174,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $178,200.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract software engineering manager?

A Contract Software Engineering Manager is a professional who leads and oversees software development teams on a contractual basis, rather than as a permanent employee. They are responsible for managing engineering projects, guiding developers, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software solutions. Typically, they work for a specific duration or on particular projects, providing leadership, technical expertise, and process improvements. This role is ideal for organizations seeking temporary management support or specialized leadership for critical projects. Contract Software Engineering Managers often bring diverse experience from various industries and projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract software engineering manager?

To thrive as a Contract Software Engineering Manager, you need strong leadership abilities, deep software development knowledge, and experience managing engineering teams, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Trello), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Scrum Master) is often required. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and conflict-resolution skills help build trust and drive team performance in diverse, dynamic environments. These competencies ensure timely project delivery, high code quality, and effective collaboration with stakeholders.

What are some unique challenges faced by contract software engineering managers compared to full-time managers?

Contract software engineering managers often face the challenge of quickly integrating into new teams and company cultures while rapidly understanding ongoing projects. They must establish trust and effective communication in a short period, all while delivering results within limited contract timelines. Additionally, contract managers may need to balance stakeholder expectations and project deliverables without the long-term context or authority that permanent managers might have. Adaptability, strong onboarding skills, and proactive relationship-building are key to thriving in this role.

What is the difference between Contract Software Engineering Manager vs Contract Software Developer?

AspectContract Software Engineering ManagerContract Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, management experienceBachelor's in CS or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, debugging, implementing features
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, consulting firms, startupsSoftware firms, tech startups, enterprise IT
Common Search & ComparisonManagement responsibilities, leadership rolesTechnical skills, coding focus

The Contract Software Engineering Manager typically oversees development teams, manages projects, and ensures delivery, requiring management experience and leadership skills. In contrast, the Contract Software Developer primarily focuses on coding and implementing software features. Both roles are common in tech industries but differ significantly in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Software Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 72% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,487 per year, or $83.9 per hour.

Senior Software Engineering Manager

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

We are a fast-growing vertical SaaS companyleveraginginnovation and disruptive technologies to improve consumer experiences, outcomes, and predictability within the plastic surgery industry. Our team thrives on challenges, embraces change, and is dedicated to transforming how the industryoperates.

Data is a critical product within our company, and we are investing heavilyinour data capabilities. In this role, you will lead one of the most impactful teams in the organization, with significant opportunity for growth and influence.

This is a remote-based position; however, candidates must live near Chicago and be willing to work in a hybrid environment once the headquarters is established.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking aSeniorSoftware Engineering Manager who is passionate about innovation and motivated to succeed. The team needs a player/coach with .NET experience who is ready to grow alongside our product, teams, and revenue. In this role,you'llcollaborate with team members and vendors to design, develop, and deploy top-tier healthcare software.You’llprovide technical leadershipand ensure scalable, high-performance solutions. If you want to grow quickly and be part of something exciting, this is your opportunity!

Responsibilities
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a globally distributed software (fullstack) engineering team
  • Act as a hands-on software architect, defining system design and long-term technical strategy
  • Partner closely with Product, Design, and Operations teams
  • Own architectural decisions for scalability, security, and performance
  • Oversee delivery of complex systems and integrations
  • Establish engineering best practices, CI/CD standards, and quality metrics
  • Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement
  • 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, ideally with hands-on experience in C#, .NET Core, and Entity Framework, along with 4+ years of experience architecting and designing scalable software systems.
  • 5+ years in engineering management or technical leadership
  • Skilled in Front End development with Angularand Back End development withC#.
  • Experience leading international or distributed teams
  • Strong background in system architecture and cloud platforms
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • Experience with human resources-related tasks, including managing time-off requests, performance reviews, and interviewing & hiring.
  • Enthusiasm for rapid advancement in a dynamic startup environment, with a readiness to investadditionalhours to complete tasks effectively.
  • Experience in healthcare, SaaS, or regulated environments
  • Familiarity with Kubernetes, microservices, and modern frontend frameworks
  • Knowledge of HIPAA or GDPR compliance
What We Offer

At Adoreal, we believe in supporting our team’s well-being and growth through comprehensive benefits and a collaborative, people-first culture. As a globally remote company, we prioritize flexibility, inclusivity, and teamwork rooted in the Adoreal principles.

Benefits & Perks
  • Healthcare coveragefor you and your family
  • Paid time off (PTO)andpaid holidays
  • Performance-based bonusesandcompany equity opportunities
  • Remote work environmentwith flexible schedules
  • Collaborative and thriving team cultureguided by Adoreal’s core values
Why Adoreal?

Joining Adoreal means becoming part of a high-performing, ambitious team that works hard, achieves extraordinary results, and enjoys the rewards that follow. Every employee receives equity, aligning us all in our shared success. Promotions and growth opportunities are limitless, driven only by your performance and dedication to our core principles:

  • We do what is best for the company, not what is best for individuals of the company—we take pride in our work, but not in pride itself—the success of Adoreal is more important than our egos.
  • We always share relevant information and admit our mistakes freely and openly (even when it is worrisome or uncomfortable to do so). Candid communication and a solution-oriented mindset is rewarded.
  • We innovate by finding the right problems, then solving them. We thrive on change that minimizes complexity and improves situations for our stakeholders.
  • We incentivize efficient results & people over process and focus only on the work that creates the most value for our stakeholders.
  • We are quietly confident and openly humble, being tenacious in our quest to perform and inspire others with our thirst for excellence.
  • We do not bow up and knock down—we care about our teammates and treat all of them with respect, regardless of their level within the company.
  • We are steadfast in our pursuit to better our company, our colleagues, and ourselves. When we hire, we only hire people who bleed our principles and who will hopefully be our replacement one day.

At this time, Adoreal is not offering visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have current and valid authorization to work in the country where they are applying. We comply with all applicable employment and immigration laws, including U.S. regulations, and encourage applicants to verify their work authorization status before applying. Adoreal is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and fair workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable U.S. law (EEOC) or local employment regulations where we operate. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Accommodations for disabilities are available upon request throughout the recruitment process.

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