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Freelance Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

UU Student - Other

Campus, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Use Adobe Creative Cloud software to create and finalize designs for print, email, web, and social ... Prepare assets for developers, printers, and email platforms * Participate in campaign ...

UU Student - Other

Campus, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Use Adobe Creative Cloud software to create and finalize designs for print, email, web, and social ... Prepare assets for developers, printers, and email platforms * Participate in campaign ...

UU Student - Other

Campus, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Use Adobe Creative Cloud software to create and finalize designs for print, email, web, and social ... Prepare assets for developers, printers, and email platforms * Participate in campaign ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Software Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$23.3K

$101.6K

$183.1K

How much do freelance software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance software engineer in Illinois is $101,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance software engineer?

A freelance software engineer is an independent professional who offers software development services to clients on a contract or project basis, rather than being a full-time employee at a company. They may work on a variety of projects, such as building websites, creating apps, or developing custom software solutions. Freelance software engineers typically manage their own schedules, seek out clients, and are responsible for handling business operations like billing and taxes. This flexible career path allows them to work with different clients and industries, often remotely or from any location.

What does a freelance software engineer do?

Freelance software engineers design and develop applications for clients on a short- or long-term contract basis. In this role, your job duties may include coordinating with systems analysts and programmers to determine the scope of the project, developing new or modifying existing software according to your client's needs and expectations, and analyzing computer specifications and layouts to build a better system. You also troubleshoot and update the application when necessary. Freelance software engineers may work remotely from home or they may occasionally travel to their client’s office to perform job duties. You may work primarily with one client at a time, or you may choose to contract with many different clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, proficiency in relevant languages (such as Python, JavaScript, or Java), and a good understanding of software development methodologies. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms, and project management tools is highly beneficial, along with a portfolio or certifications to demonstrate expertise. Excellent communication, time management, and self-motivation are critical soft skills for managing client relationships and project deadlines independently. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality work, maintaining client trust, and sustaining a successful freelance business.

How do freelance software engineers typically manage client communication and project expectations?

Freelance software engineers usually handle client communication directly, which means clear and regular updates are crucial for building trust and ensuring project success. Setting expectations early—such as deliverables, timelines, and feedback processes—helps prevent misunderstandings and scope creep. Many freelancers use project management tools, structured status reports, and scheduled check-ins to keep projects on track. Balancing multiple clients can be challenging, so effective time management and proactive communication are key to maintaining client satisfaction and repeat business.

How much do freelance software engineers make?

Freelance software engineers' earnings vary widely based on experience, skills, project complexity, and client budget. On average, they can charge hourly rates from $50 to over $150, with annual income ranging from $50,000 to over $150,000 for experienced professionals working on high-demand projects. Rates often depend on expertise in specific programming languages, tools, and the ability to manage multiple clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Software Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Freelance Software Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Freelance Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Freelance Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Software Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,615 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Manager, Control Room Engineering | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

AEG

Evanston, IL • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
Overview
The Manager, Control Room Engineering serves as the lead engineer and primary technical point of contact for the in-venue broadcast control rooms at New Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena. Reporting to the Director of Venue Technology, this position is responsible for maintaining, testing, troubleshooting, and supporting the video, audio, replay, graphics, routing, intercom, and related systems used for live event production. This is a hands-on role for an experienced broadcast professional who understands live production workflows and can troubleshoot technical issues in real time. The position works closely with game presentation staff, IT personnel, television networks, mobile production units, outside production crews, vendors, integrators, and Northwestern University partners to ensure all systems are properly integrated, reliable, and event-ready. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise with a customer-service mindset, creatively solving production and operational challenges while identifying ways venue technology can enhance the guest experience, support partners, and generate revenue.
This role pays a yearly salary of $70,000 - $80,000.
Benefits for Full-Time role: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
This position will remain open until November 13, 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the lead engineer and primary technical contact for in-venue broadcast control rooms and production systems.
  • Maintain, configure, test, and troubleshoot video switchers, replay systems, graphics platforms, routing systems, cameras, audio systems, intercom, KVM, and related infrastructure.
  • Ensure all control-room equipment, production endpoints, and signal paths are fully operational and event-ready.
  • Work with game presentation staff to prepare, test, and confirm all in-venue video, graphics, replay, audio, and show-control elements before each event.
  • Interface with television trucks, network engineering teams, and outside production crews to coordinate camera and program feed exchanges, communications, routing, timing, fiber connectivity, and system integration.
  • Work closely with IT staff to ensure reliable network connectivity for broadcast systems, AV-over-IP environments, control platforms, IPTV, and other connected venue technologies.
  • Provide event-day engineering support for football, basketball, concerts, and other live events.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues in real time while communicating clearly with directors, producers, operators, truck engineers, and venue leadership.
  • Partner with sales, sponsorship, premium, event, and production teams to develop practical technical solutions that support client needs, sponsorship activations, special events, and revenue-generating opportunities.
  • Approach requests with a customer-service mindset, balancing technical standards and system reliability with creative, solutions-oriented execution.
  • Perform preventive maintenance, system testing, software updates, equipment replacement, and routine control-room inspections.
  • Manage video and audio signal routing between control rooms, venue systems, field locations, press areas, loading docks, broadcast compounds, and mobile production units.
  • Participate in event advances and identify technical requirements, potential conflicts, backup plans, and required system configurations.
  • Develop and test redundancy plans for critical production systems and signal paths.
  • Maintain system documentation, signal-flow drawings, equipment inventories, software records, configuration files, and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Coordinate repairs, upgrades, warranty support, and service calls with manufacturers, integrators, and third-party vendors.
  • Exercise sound judgment in determining when issues can be resolved internally and when timely escalation to outside support is required.
  • Train and support full-time, part-time, freelance, and student production personnel on proper equipment operation.
  • Assist with capital projects, control-room upgrades, system commissioning, and acceptance testing.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in broadcast engineering, media production, information technology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
  • 3-5 years of experience in professional or power collegiate sports as a technical director, broadcast engineer, replay operator, graphics operator, or other technical broadcast professional.
  • Experience supporting live sports, concerts, entertainment, or large-scale event production is highly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of broadcast video and audio signal flow, synchronization, routing, monitoring, fiber transport, and IP-based production systems.
  • Additional knowledge of Netgear AV over IP, Dante, AES67, Adder KVM, Riedel intercom and Bolero wireless, Shure wireless microphones, and Yamaha or Allen & Heath audio consoles is preferred.
  • Ability to methodically troubleshoot complex issues across video, audio, networking, software, control, and physical infrastructure.
  • Experience coordinating technical integration and signal exchange with television trucks or outside production companies is preferred.
  • Strong communication, documentation, organization, and project-management skills.
  • A "fans first" customer-service mindset with the creativity and business awareness to turn technical capabilities into improved client service, sponsorship execution, special-event support, and revenue opportunities.
  • Ability to remain calm, collaborative, and decisive during live events and other time-sensitive situations.
  • AVIXA, PMP, manufacturer training, or other applicable technical certifications are a plus.

Strong working knowledge of all the following, with advanced expertise in at least one:
  • Grass Valley K-Frame production switchers
  • Ross Carbonite production switchers
  • Evertz routing systems and Magnum control
  • Ross Ultrix routing and DashBoard control
  • Evertz DreamCatcher replay systems
  • Ross XPression and XPression Tessera

Working Conditions
  • Must be able to work on-site. This position is 100% on-site and requires regular work in control rooms, equipment rooms, production areas, seating bowls, loading docks, broadcast compounds, and other venue spaces.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, event days, and extended hours.
  • Ability to respond to urgent technical issues outside normal business hours when required.
  • Ability to walk and stand for extended periods, climb stairs and ladders, work around equipment racks, and lift or carry heavy equipment.

AEG logo

About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992