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Cots Implementation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Principal, Solutions Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $160K/yr

... and implementation. * Collaborating with tech teams and departments leads to deliver complex ... Ability to evaluate COTS or propose alternate home-grown solutions with budget, time, and ...

Showing results 21-35

Cots Implementation information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.2K

$106.6K

$173.1K

How much do cots implementation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for cots implementation in Chicago, IL is $106,639.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $124,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is COTS implementation?

COTS implementation refers to the process of integrating Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software products into an organization’s existing systems and workflows. Instead of developing custom software from scratch, organizations use pre-built, commercially available solutions to meet their needs. This approach can save time and resources, but it also involves careful planning, customization, and testing to ensure the COTS product fits the organization's requirements. Proper COTS implementation includes selecting the right product, configuring it, migrating data, and training users.

What are some common challenges faced during COTS implementation projects, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) implementation projects often encounter challenges such as aligning the software’s standard functionality with unique business processes, managing stakeholder expectations, and handling integration with existing systems. Candidates can prepare by developing strong communication and problem-solving skills, gaining experience in requirements gathering, and familiarizing themselves with change management practices. Being adaptable and proactive in learning about the specific COTS products involved will help you quickly identify gaps and collaborate effectively with both technical teams and end-users.

What is the difference between Cots Implementation vs Cots Support Specialist?

AspectCots ImplementationCots Support Specialist
Primary RoleDeploys and configures commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software solutions for clientsProvides ongoing support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for COTS software post-implementation
Required SkillsProject management, technical configuration, client communicationTechnical troubleshooting, customer service, issue resolution
Work EnvironmentProject-based, client sites or remote, consulting firmsSupport centers, client sites, or remote
CertificationsOften requires certifications related to specific COTS products or project managementIT support certifications like CompTIA, vendor-specific support certifications

While Cots Implementation focuses on deploying and configuring software solutions, Cots Support Specialists handle ongoing support and troubleshooting. Both roles require technical knowledge and industry experience, but their primary responsibilities differ in the project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a COTS Implementation Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) Implementation Specialist, you need a strong background in IT systems, project management, and business analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with ERP, CRM, or other COTS platforms, as well as tools like SQL, integration middleware, and project management software, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills help ensure smooth adoption and user satisfaction. These competencies are essential for delivering efficient, cost-effective technology solutions that align with organizational goals.
What are popular job titles related to Cots Implementation jobs in Chicago, IL? For Cots Implementation jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cots Implementation jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cots Implementation jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cots Implementation jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cots Implementation job openings:
Infographic showing various Cots Implementation job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 38% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,639 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Information Technology Specialist (Systems Analysis/Applications Software)

US Department of the Treasury

Schiller Park, IL • On-site

$89K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Treasury rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • IT - Filing Season and Legislative Delivery

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
QUALIFICATION REQUIRMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE 12 LEVEL UP (GS or Equivalent) You must have Information Technology related experience demonstrating each of the following nine competencies: 1) Attention to Detail, 2) Customer Service, 3) Decision Making, 4) Information Management, 5) Interpersonal Skills, 6) Oral Communication, 7) Problem Solving, 8) Team Work and 9) Technical Competence.
GS-12 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

  • Applying established IT principles, concepts, methods, and practices to support, maintain, implement, troubleshoot, or make limited enhancements to IT systems, services, hardware, software, applications, scripts, interfaces, or related technology environments.
  • Performing computer projects, operational, or application-related assignments involving IT requirements and techniques, including identifying and resolving technical issues.
  • Supporting system, application, or code testing and configuration; preparing technical documentation; and supporting compliance with federal cybersecurity, privacy, or regulatory requirements.
  • Working with customers, users, stakeholders, or technical teams to gather information, clarify user needs, respond to technical support requests, resolve non-routine IT problems, and support IT operations, application needs, or system-related activities.
  • Monitoring or reviewing IT systems, services, or application performance to support availability, reliability, security controls, usability, and operational effectiveness in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Analyzing alternative approaches and recommending or supporting corrective actions for IT issues, including application errors, defects, configuration issues, or operational problems; escalating issues when appropriate; and coordinating with others to implement solutions that support mission, security, and performance requirements.
  • Applying performance management/measurement methods, tools, and techniques; systems testing and evaluation principles, methods, and tools; requirement analysis principles and methods; commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) products and components; Internet technologies to analyze the potential of systems, networks, and data; new and emerging information technologies and/or industry trends; cost-benefit analysis principles and methods; analytical methods and practices; and oral and written communications techniques.
  • Applying systems analysis techniques, applications software development concepts and techniques; methods for integrating and optimizing components; infrastructure requirements; database management features; test and evaluation methods; and requirements analysis methods sufficient to design, code, test, and debug large and complex IRS mission critical programs. (such as maintaining source code and modifying and/or upgrading code as necessary)
  • Creating technical documentation such as Computer Operator Handbooks, system flow diagrams and System Design Documents.
AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):
  • PERFORMANCE RATING: Current federal employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.
  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens"
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements. For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03, or 04 positions.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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