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Creative Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

We seek creative software engineers with strong analytical skills to join our team of highly qualified technology professionals to work towards our shared vision of unlocking the alpha in technology.

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Creative Software Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$61.5K

$143K

$199.1K

How much do creative software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative software engineer in Illinois is $142,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,300.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Creative Software Engineers typically collaborate with designers and other team members during a project?

Creative Software Engineers often work closely with designers, product managers, and other developers to bring innovative digital experiences to life. Collaboration usually involves participating in brainstorming sessions, translating design concepts into functional code, and providing technical feedback to ensure feasibility. Regular communication through stand-ups, design reviews, and prototyping helps align everyone’s vision and ensures a seamless workflow. This cross-disciplinary approach not only enhances project outcomes but also allows engineers to expand their skill set and gain insights from other fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of software development principles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like version control systems (e.g., Git), creative coding frameworks (e.g., Processing, OpenFrameworks), and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is typically required. Outstanding creative thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities help set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for developing innovative solutions that merge technical expertise with artistic vision, driving impactful and engaging software projects.

What are Creative Software Engineers?

Creative Software Engineers are professionals who blend technical programming skills with creative problem-solving abilities to design and develop innovative software solutions. They often work on projects that require both technical expertise and artistic vision, such as digital media, interactive applications, games, or user experience design. Their role typically involves collaborating with designers, artists, and other developers to bring ideas to life using code and technology. Creative Software Engineers are valued for their ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what software can do.

What is the difference between Creative Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectCreative Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field; sometimes additional design or multimedia skillsBachelor's in CS or related field; coding certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused teams, multimedia projects, interactive mediaGeneral coding projects, applications, backend or frontend development
Industry UsageMedia, entertainment, advertising, gamingTech, finance, healthcare, various industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles blending creativity and codingGeneral software development roles

The Creative Software Engineer combines programming skills with creative design, often working on multimedia, gaming, or interactive projects. In contrast, a Software Developer focuses on building applications or systems across various industries. While both roles require strong coding skills, Creative Software Engineers emphasize creativity and multimedia integration, making their roles distinct in the tech and entertainment sectors.

Infographic showing various Creative Software Engineer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,954 per year, or $68.7 per hour.
Software Engineer

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Software Engineer – Chicago, IL

Founded in 1976 by dedicated investment professionals, they believed that delivering successful investment results for clients requires a consistent investment philosophy, a commitment to superior investment research and a high level of customer service. Our roster of clients has grown over the years, but these basic beliefs remain unchanged. Assets under management totaled approximately $123 billion as of June 30, 2021. Our team in Chicago includes 39 investment professionals and 195 total employees.

Role Summary

This role is within the Investment Technology team. Our mission is to empower our investment professionals to achieve greater success by leveraging Technology & Data to enhance all facets of our decision-making. We seek creative software engineers with strong analytical skills to join our team of highly qualified technology professionals to work towards our shared vision of unlocking the alpha in technology. Intellectual curiosity with a keen interest in investing & asset management are essential for a rewarding career and long term success at the firm.

What You'll Be Doing
  • Work with the team to design, develop & support software and vendor integrations on our systems.
  • Partner with stakeholders on efforts to modernize and transform our platforms to leverage cloud-native solutions to democratize technology & data across the enterprise.
  • Develop business expertise in supported areas, related technology, data domains and vendor platforms.
  • Serve as mentor for less experienced Software Engineers and interns at the firm, as opportunities arise
  • Collaborate with team members to improve standards around architecture, DevOps & data governance.
  • As part of support escalations, triage & solve production incidents and participate in support activities for critical issues during business hours and when necessary, weeknights or weekends.
Requirements
  • Expertise with the.NET framework focusing on C#, ASP.Net, LINQ, Lambda (expertise in equivalent frameworks in the Java ecosystem is acceptable)
  • Demonstrated proficiency in SQL, database design & development
  • Experience with API design, messaging, RESTful services & modern JavaScript frameworks
  • 4-year degree in a STEM discipline or equivalent professional experience
Nice to Have's
  • Python or R – or other statistical programming experience
  • Experience with Azure or AWS cloud platforms & services
  • Work experience in a development capacity within Asset Management, Investment Banking or Trading

1872 Consulting logo

About 1872 Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

1872 Consulting, based in Chicago, IL, USA, operates within the IT consulting industry. Armed with a diverse team of experts, the company offers specialized IT consulting services, focusing on modernizing business technologies and driving innovative business strategies. Established in 1872, the company has a rich history marked by its commitment to bridging the gap between businesses and technology. Its mission is to empower organizations to surpass their business goals by providing state-of-the-art IT solutions and service. The company prides itself on its core values of integrity, excellence, and innovation, instilling these principles in every project they undertake.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2014