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Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Manager, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

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

Manager, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$200 - $250/hr

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

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 14, 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $174,487 per year, or $83.9 per hour.

Manager, Software Engineering

Ripple

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

At Ripple, we're building a world where value moves like information does today. It's big, it's bold, and we're already doing it. Through our crypto solutions for financial institutions, businesses, governments and developers, we are improving the global financial system and creating greater economic fairness and opportunity for more people, in more places around the world. And we get to do the best work of our career and grow our skills surrounded by colleagues who have our backs.
If you're ready to see your impact and unlock incredible career growth opportunities, join us, and build real world value.
THE WORK:
GTreasury, now a Ripple solution, was acquired by Ripple in 2025, marking a significant expansion into the multi-trillion-dollar corporate finance arena.
GTreasury has more than 40 years of experience supporting some of the world's largest and most sophisticated companies. Integrating its treasury command center into Ripple's technology stack gives corporates the ability to move, manage and optimize liquidity in real-time, across traditional and digital assets, under one expanded umbrella.
Join us to build the future of corporate treasury and the infrastructure that powers the Internet of Value.
We are seeking an innovative and forward-thinking Engineering Manager passionate about building a world-class platform through a world-class team. Driving the technical direction the technology, the evolution of team, and the engineering excellence to make great things happen.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Lead a portfolio of diverse technology projects and a team of developers with deep experience in event driven cloud native services, and full stack systems to create solutions that help meet the needs of business and customers
  • Share your passion for staying on top of tech trends, experimenting with and learning new technologies, participating in internal & external technology communities, mentoring other members of the engineering community, and evaluating technical design & code
  • Collaborate with product managers, and deliver robust cloud-based solutions
  • Make decisions on the design, architecture, and delivery of systems
  • Build teams and be an active coach and mentor to your team and grow them in their careers
  • Drive agile development and analytical methodologies every day
  • Strive to continuously improve the operations, processes, methodologies, technology choices, and practices of the team
  • Interact with your team, customers, and peers to share information and improve cross-department processes
  • Strive for transparency and partnership between our engineers and our business partners
  • Engage in concept discussions, and proposed technology solutions, to meet business objectives and influence such decisions
  • Work with multi-functional project teams on solution architecture options for design
  • Ensure all work meets quality, operational, and architectural standards needed for organizational success
  • Participate in the team's YBIYRI model (you-build-it-you-run-it), which includes participating in their on-call pager rotation

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
  • Leadership skill, first and foremost
  • Highly skilled at people management, team building, career development, attracting and retaining talent
  • Strong aptitude with software development lifecycle and engineering excellence processes, Agile methodologies, and the ability to project manage moderately sized projects
  • Deep software engineering experience in complex distributed systems
  • Strong technical competence which allows you to be responsible for the technical domain
  • Hands-on approach and ready to deep dive into code details with the team
  • Strong communication, coordination and influencing skills
  • Ideally, deep knowledge and experience with Microsoft languages/frameworks (C#/.NET, SQL Server, Entity Framework)
  • Expertise with Azure (Function Apps, Service Bus, etc...) a bonus

Other common names for this role:
For positions that will be based in IL, the annual salary range for this position is below. Actual salaries may vary based on numerous factors including, among other things, an individual applicant's experience and qualifications for the position. This range does not include equity or additional compensation, such as bonuses or commissions.
IL Annual Base Salary Range
$200,000-$250,000 USD
WHO WE ARE:
Do Your Best Work
  • The opportunity to build in a fast-paced start-up environment with experienced industry leaders
  • A learning environment where you can dive deep into the latest technologies and make an impact. A professional development budget to support other modes of learning.
  • Thrive in an environment where no matter what race, ethnicity, gender, origin, or culture they identify with, every employee is a respected, valued, and empowered part of the team.
  • In-office collaboration for moments that matter is important to our culture, and we give managers and teams the flexibility to decide which 10+ days a month they come in.
  • Bi-weekly all-company meeting - business updates and ask me anything style discussion with our Leadership Team
  • We come together for moments that matter which include team offsites, team bonding activities, happy hours and more!

Take Control of Your Finances
  • Competitive salary, bonuses, and equity
  • Competitive benefits that cover physical and mental healthcare, retirement, family forming, and family support
  • Employee giving match
  • Mobile phone stipend

Take Care of Yourself
  • R&R days so you can rest and recharge
  • Generous wellness reimbursement and weekly onsite & virtual programming
  • Generous vacation policy - work with your manager to take time off when you need it
  • Industry-leading parental leave policies. Family planning benefits.
  • Catered lunches, fully-stocked kitchens with premium snacks/beverages, and plenty of fun events

Benefits listed above are for full-time employees.
Ripple is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We do not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military status, or any other characteristic protected by local law or ordinance.
Please find our UK/EU Applicant Privacy Notice and our California Applicant Privacy Notice for reference.