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Government Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

CACI International, Inc.

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... Federal Government. You will help deliver groundbreaking research, and advanced networking and ...

Ritchie Bros.

Software Engineer

Westchester, IL · On-site

The Software Engineer, as a member of the software development team, will be focused on developing ... government surplus, lifting and material handling, energy, mining and agriculture. The company ...

Motorola

Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Candidates for this position are software engineers with strong programming skills who demonstrate ... S. citizen with the ability to obtain necessary security clearance as required by government ...

Motorola

Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$66K - $95K/yr

Candidates for this position are software engineers with strong programming skills who demonstrate ... S. citizenwith ability to obtain necessary security clearance as required by government contract.

Ritchie Bros.

Senior Software Engineer

Westchester, IL · On-site +1

$121K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer responsible for leading technical ... government surplus, lifting and material handling, energy, mining and agriculture. The company ...

CNH Industrial Group

Senior Software Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$106.72 - $163.65/hr

Job Purpose A Senior Software Engineer is responsible for leading software development projects ... CNH Industrial participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment Software Engineer JobsGovernment Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Government Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.5K

$152.1K

$211.9K

How much do government software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for government software engineer in Chicago, IL is $152,091.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,700.00 and $178,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government software engineer?

Government Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain software systems used by government agencies. They work on projects that support public services, national security, data management, and various digital platforms for citizens and government operations. These engineers often address unique security, compliance, and scalability requirements due to the sensitive nature of government data. Their work is crucial in ensuring the efficient and secure functioning of government technology infrastructure.

What is the difference between Government Software Engineer vs Civil Software Developer?

AspectGovernment Software EngineerCivil Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, security clearances often requiredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or related
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, secure facilities, regulated environmentsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban planning
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local government agenciesConstruction firms, civil engineering companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Government Software Engineers focus on developing software for government agencies, often requiring security clearances and working within regulated environments. Civil Software Developers work on infrastructure and civil projects, emphasizing software for construction and urban planning. While both roles involve software development, their industries, work settings, and credentials differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by government software engineers when working on public sector projects?

Government software engineers often encounter unique challenges such as navigating strict security protocols, complying with regulatory standards, and working with legacy systems that may require modernization. These projects typically involve extensive documentation and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including policy makers and end users, to ensure solutions meet public needs. Additionally, timelines can be influenced by procurement processes and budget constraints, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government software engineer?

To thrive as a Government Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, knowledge of secure software development practices, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with government-approved frameworks, security clearance processes, and tools like Git, Java, Python, and cloud platforms is often required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving, and the ability to work collaboratively while adhering to strict regulations are vital soft skills. These capabilities ensure that software solutions are reliable, secure, and compliant with government standards, supporting critical public sector missions.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Government Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Government Software Engineer job openings:

Government Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Software Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,091 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

Software Engineer

CACI International, Inc.

Lisle, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Software Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%
Type of Travel: Local
* * *
The Opportunity:
You will demonstrate breadth and flexibility by contributing at various levels of software development including firmware, device drivers, real-time operating systems (RTOS) and application software. You will be part of a team that solves the most complex networking and communications challenges facing the U.S. Federal Government. You will help deliver groundbreaking research, and advanced networking and communications solutions that provide an information advantage that contributes to the mission and operational success of CACI customers.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain complex software solutions in telecommunications and IP/computer networking equipment in the cyber security domain
  • Work with a product development team to develop concepts, identify creative solutions to user requests and assess feasibility of these solutions
  • Consult on technical activities spanning multiple technical disciplines including security analysis, software/tool development, software test, lab environment, development environment and system infrastructure
  • Act as the technical liaison to customers in representing key issues
  • Operate effectively and comfortably in a team environment, as a team member and as a team leader. This includes the ability to work across organizational boundaries, as necessary
  • Assist technical management in facilitating process changes needed to meet customer quality and schedule requirements
  • Interact with product development teams, project managers and partners
  • Prioritize work including meeting schedules, identifying risks and delivering high quality software
  • Understand and adhere to all CACI Ethical and Compliance policies
  • Proactively ensure a safe work environment and adhere to CACI EH&S policies and procedures
  • Perform other duties as required

Qualifications Required:
  • Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience
  • Familiar with development in either Windows, Linux and/or Unix-based operating systems
  • Software development skills in languages such as: C, C++, Python or comparable languages
  • Use of development tools (e.g. editors and compliers)
  • Willingness and ability to quickly learn new technologies

Desired:
  • Familiarity with software security concepts such as intrusion detection, cryptography, authentication, firewalls, secure coding practices.
  • Understanding of network hardware, systems and software application.
  • Knowledge of Internet routing protocols, TCP/IP stack and tools
  • Experience developing software for embedded systems
  • Familiarity with multi-threaded applications and multi-processor systems
  • Familiarity with low-level programming such as device-driver and OS programming
  • Understanding of processor architectures (ARM, MIPS, x86, PowerPC) and associated assembly language programming
  • Experience with reverse engineering of binary applications, protocols and formats
  • Experience debugging system-level issues with various lab equipment.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member
  • Flexibility to adapt to new and changing environments
  • Knowledge of telephony
  • Familiar with software engineering process concepts from requirements reviews, code inspection to component delivery and sign-off
  • Knowledge of Microsoft software applications and other software applications as required

A TS/SCI clearance is required to begin employment. For this position, CACI has the ability to provide clearance sponsorship for qualified individuals.
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$90,300 - 189,600 USD
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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