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Independent Contractor Software Developer Jobs in Rantoul, IL

Case Manager Contractor

Rantoul, IL ยท On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. * Compassionate demeanor ... Proficiency in case management software and documentation practices. About Us: Children's Advocate ...

Lead Stress Engineer

Rankin, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... software applications * Review and disposition non-conforming conditions on primary parts ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Lead Stress Engineer

East Lynn, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... software applications * Review and disposition non-conforming conditions on primary parts ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Lead Stress Engineer

Alvin, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... software applications * Review and disposition non-conforming conditions on primary parts ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Lead Stress Engineer

Henning, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... software applications * Review and disposition non-conforming conditions on primary parts ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Lead Stress Engineer

Rossville, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... software applications * Review and disposition non-conforming conditions on primary parts ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Lead Stress Engineer

Hoopeston, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... software applications * Review and disposition non-conforming conditions on primary parts ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Showing results 21-40

Independent Contractor Software Developer information

See Rantoul, IL salary details

$44.6K

$103.8K

$154.1K

How much do independent contractor software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor software developer in Rantoul, IL is $103,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $120,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor software developer?

An Independent Contractor Software Developer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software applications while working independently rather than as a traditional employee. They are typically hired on a contractual basis to complete specific projects or provide specialized expertise for a set duration. Independent contractors manage their own schedules, handle multiple clients, and are responsible for their own taxes and business expenses. This arrangement offers flexibility but also requires strong self-management, business skills, and a clear understanding of project requirements.

How do independent contractor software developers typically manage client communication and project expectations?

As an Independent Contractor Software Developer, clear and consistent client communication is essential to ensure project requirements, timelines, and deliverables are well understood by all parties. Contractors often use project management tools, regular status updates, and well-defined contracts to set expectations from the outset. Proactively addressing questions, setting realistic deadlines, and documenting progress help prevent misunderstandings and foster strong client relationships, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor software developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Software Developer, you need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of software development principles, and relevant experience or a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms, and proficiency in popular programming languages, along with certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, are often beneficial. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities set standout contractors apart, enabling effective client interaction and project delivery. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality software, meeting client expectations, and managing projects independently.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Software Developer vs Freelance Software Engineer?

AspectIndependent Contractor Software DeveloperFreelance Software Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires relevant coding certifications or degreesOften has similar credentials, but not always mandatory
Work EnvironmentWorks independently, often remotely or on client sitesOperates independently, managing multiple clients or projects
Employer/Industry UsageHired directly by companies or through agencies for specific projectsHired directly by clients or through platforms for project-based work
Search/Comparison IntentOften compared based on project scope, independence, and contractual termsCompared for flexibility, project variety, and client interaction

Both roles involve independent work in software development, requiring similar skills and credentials. The main difference lies in terminology and slight variations in work setup, but they are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Are independent contractor software developers still in high demand?

Independent contractor software developers continue to be in high demand due to ongoing digital transformation and the need for specialized skills in areas like web development, mobile apps, and cloud computing. Many organizations prefer flexible, project-based work, making freelance and contract roles a common employment option in the tech industry.

How much do independent contractor software developers make?

Independent contractor software developers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and project complexity. Annual income can vary widely, often ranging from $50,000 to over $150,000 for experienced freelancers working on multiple projects or high-demand skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer jobs in Rantoul, IL?

The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Rantoul, IL are:

What cities near Rantoul, IL are hiring for Independent Contractor Software Developer jobs?

Cities near Rantoul, IL with the most Independent Contractor Software Developer job openings:

Machine Learning Engineer

University of Illinois

Champaign, IL โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Dow
At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we're passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.
Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We're a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you're looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you're in the right place.
About this role
Dow has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Machine Learning Engineer within our Enterprise Data & Analytics organization located in Houston, TX; Midland, MI; or Champaign, IL (Dow Delivery Center at UIUC). (Please note the posting indicates other locations, but the site location is in CHAMPAIGN, IL.)
As a Machine Learning Engineer in our Data & Analytics Platforms team specializing in data and analytics solutions, you will work with a cross-functional team whose objective is to deliver solutions that drive business value for Dow. In this role, you will work closely with data engineers, data scientists, domain experts, and software engineers to design, develop, and deploy machine learning systems, including training and inference pipelines on the Azure Databricks platform. You will also help drive a culture around setting standards and adopting best practices for machine learning and MLOps across the organization.
  • This position does not offer relocation assistance
  • This position does not have people leadership responsibility. This position is an Independent Contributor; however, you may act as coach and mentor to junior resources
Requirements
  • A minimum of a Bachelor's degree, or 8 years relevant experience, or relevant military experience at an E6 rank/Petty Officer 2nd Class or higher is required
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience developing solutions in machine learning, data science, or related field
  • A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency () process

Preferred
  • A degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, data science or related field
  • Proficient in Python and one or more machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, etc
  • Experience in developing and deploying machine learning models and pipelines on the Databricks platform using Databricks MLflow, Delta Lake, SQL Analytics, Model Registry, Jobs, and Workspace
  • Strong knowledge of machine learning concepts, techniques, and algorithms
  • Ability to perform data analysis, feature engineering, model selection, optimization, and evaluation using Databricks
  • Ability to communicate complex machine learning concepts and results to technical and non-technical audiences using Databricks notebooks and dashboards
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • Curiosity and passion for learning new machine learning skills and technologies using Databricks
  • Strong knowledge of data modeling, data warehousing, and ETL processes
  • Experience designing and deploying into production both traditional and generative AI systems
  • Proficiency in SQL and experience with big data technologies such as Apache Spark and Hive
  • Experience working within Azure Machine Learning
  • Experience containerizing and deploying ML models to Azure Kubernetes Service
  • Experience with Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, and other Azure services
  • Multi-application and cross-platform design experience
  • Understanding of data lakehouse platform design and associated workflows
  • Ability to thrive in challenging situations and solve complex problems
  • Ability to manage own work effort in multiple projects with little supervision
  • Interested in emerging technologies with the ability to quickly learn and exploit cutting edge offerings to achieve business objectives
Responsibilities
  • Designs and implements pipelines and other workflow infrastructure to meet the requirements for new AI/ML solutions that involve online, batch, or real-time inference
  • Deploys and monitors machine learning models in production using Databricks Model Registry, Jobs, and Workspace
  • Frequently collaborates with data engineers, DevOps/platform engineers, data scientists, and domain experts as part of a comprehensive MLOps framework to ensure AI/ML solutions are performant, reliable, and maintainable
  • Works frequently with application development teams to ensure seamless integrations
  • Works proficiently with various ML frameworks, such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, as well as distributed frameworks like Spark MLlib and Ray
  • Performs data analysis, feature engineering, model selection, hyperparameter optimization, and model evaluation using Databricks MLFlow, Delta Lake, and SQL Analytics and other tools as part of the end-to-end ML lifecycle
  • Researches and implements new machine learning techniques and methods using Databricks, staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies
  • Documents and communicates machine learning results and insights to stakeholders using Databricks notebooks and dashboards
  • Understands IT security policies and implements them as part of new solution designs
  • Follows and promotes the best practices and standards for machine learning and MLOps across the organization using Databricks and Azure DevOps

Your skills:
  • Solutions Delivery: End-to-end ownership of Azure data solutions-translating ambiguous business needs into robust architectural blueprints, then delivering through design, build, test, deployment, and post-launch monitoring with a focus on reliability, performance, and cost efficiency.
  • Cloud Computing: Designing and operating cloud-native architectures on Azure (e.g., Databricks Lakehouse, ADF/Workflows, Functions, Logic Apps, Azure SQL) with CI/CD and IaC to scale securely and economically for ML, BI, streaming, and web applications.
  • Integration Services: Building secure, high-throughput integrations-REST APIs and event/stream pipelines (e.g., Event Hubs/Kafka)-to connect polyglot data stores (SQL Server, Cosmos DB, Neo4j) and enable real-time and batch data products.
  • Security Awareness: Embedding governance, identity, and compliance into the architecture (OAuth/RBAC, data governance, re-authorization/ownership verification), enforcing code reviews and automated controls across pipelines and deployments.
  • Strategic Planning: Aligning platform roadmaps and technology choices with enterprise strategy, mentoring engineers on best practices, defining standards and KPIs, and prioritizing modernization and cost-optimization initiatives that maximize business impact.

Please use this link to apply: Machine Learning Engineer - Dow

University of Illinois logo

About University of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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