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Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Northbrook, IL

AppFolio

Manager, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

As an Engineering Manager, you will play a key role in shaping our solutions, leading a team to build scalable, intuitive software that empowers property managers and residents alike. This is an ...

PayPal

Manager, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$160.50K - $238.70K/yr

PayPal Software Development Manager PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than ... You'll lead the mobile engineering team responsible for the end-to-end servicing experience for ...

PayPal

Manager, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL

$160.50K - $238.70K/yr

This job manages software development projects, implements processes, ensures project delivery ... You'll lead the mobile engineering team responsible for the end-to-end servicing experience for ...

Relativity

Manager, Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$155K - $233K/yr

... a Software Engineering Managerin Engineering Systems, you will: * Lead an internal platform team ... People & Performance Management * Oversee ascrum team, ensuring its success through Agile ...

Relativity

Manager, Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$155K - $233K/yr

... a Software Engineering Managerin Engineering Systems, you will: * Lead an internal platform team ... People & Performance Management * Oversee ascrum team, ensuring its success through Agile ...

Software Technology Inc

Software Engineer 4

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

... contract - very likely to extend This position reports to Software Engineering Manager, as do other staff jobs in application and technical systems and programming sections. Responsibilities are ...

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$101K

$171.9K

$203.5K

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract software engineering manager in Northbrook, IL is $171,920.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $175,600.00 and $175,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Software Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Northbrook, IL? For Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Northbrook, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Northbrook, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Northbrook, IL are:
What cities near Northbrook, IL are hiring for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Northbrook, IL with the most Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings:
Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs near you

Manager, Software Engineering

Cengage Learning, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

We believe in the power and joy of learning
At Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose - driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.
Cengage's portfolio of businesses supports student choice by providing a range of pathways that help learners achieve their goals and lead a choice-filled life.
Our culture values inclusion, engagement, and discovery
Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see https://www.cengagegroup.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/.
What you'll do here:
As the Software Engineering Manager, you will lead a team dedicated to :
Developing, updating and optimizing data transformation and delivery scripts, using Python and AI tools (such as Codex)
Partnering with colleagues within Content Operations to ensure content delivery schedules support POM team development achievements and product release
Supporting customers from Portfolio teams as needed with fixing issues
Following the Product Operating Model (POM), you will collaborate with product and design teams in your role as technical lead. Together you will focus on improving customer outcomes through frequent stakeholder engagements and data-driven insights.
  • Lead, coach, and grow a high-performing engineering team focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Reimagine and optimize content creation workflows using modern platforms, automation, and generative AI.
  • Engage in driving POM Discovery activities including continuous customer engagement, both internal and external, to derive solutions that meet end user, company, and technology goals.
  • Track quality and efficiency improvements through well instrumented SDLC tools and report progress to executive teams.
  • Balance technical debt and other maintenance activities alongside new feature development within each sprint.
  • Work with partners and customers to establish and handle product backlogs, product estimates and budgets.
  • Stay current on emerging technologies and industry trends to inject continuous innovation into our product roadmaps.

Skills You Will Need Here:
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and recent, relevant work experience.
  • 3+ years of technology leadership experience, including developing technology strategies, fostering innovation, and leading globally distributed teams.

Generative AI & Emerging Technologies
  • Solid understanding of AI concepts, technologies and methods, including machine learning, Language, Reasoning & multimodal models, prompt & context engineering, developing and using skills & agent frameworks, RAG, and vector databases.
  • Hands-on experience integrating or experimenting with commercial and open-source GenAI technologies and toolkits (e.g., coding assistants, OpenAI, Hugging Face, LangChain).

Architecture & Cloud Platforms
  • Experience in maintaining and/or modernizing legacy or monolithic architectures, migrating systems to modular, cloud-native platforms, and implementing hybrid cloud strategies.
  • Ability to design and develop APIs that integrate legacy systems with modern solutions.
  • Comfortable designing and deploying cloud native solutions on AWS, GCP, or Azure, using containers, serverless, and cloud storage/compute services.

Software Engineering & Product Delivery
  • Proven ability to build secure, resilient, scalable, high-availability enterprise systems for global user bases.
  • Strong experience with agile delivery (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe) and tooling such as Jira or Azure DevOps
  • Proven success organizing teams and delivery around a Product Operating Model

Collaboration & Communication
  • Demonstrated skills in working with cross-functional teams in distributed, remote-first environments.
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executives.

Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.
Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at accommodations.ta@cengage.com.
About Cengage
Cengage, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.
Compensation
At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.
The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.
In this position, you will be eligible to participate in the company's discretionary incentive bonus program. This position's bonus target amount, which is not guaranteed and is dependent on individual performance and overall company results among other factors, is provided below.
15% Annual: Individual Target
$101,900.00 - $140,000.00 USD

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