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Junior Computer Science Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Akuna Capital

Junior Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K/yr

What you'll do as a Junior Trader at Akuna: We are seeking bright, math-savvy, competitive, and ... Computer Science, Actuarial Science or a related/equivalent field must be completed upon employment

Akuna Capital

Junior Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K/yr

What you'll do as a Junior Trader at Akuna: We are seeking bright, math-savvy, competitive, and ... Computer Science, Actuarial Science or a related/equivalent field must be completed upon employment

Akuna Capital

Junior Pit Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K/yr

As a Junior Pit Trader, you will help represent Akuna in this externally facing role by ... Computer Science, Actuarial Science or a related/equivalent field must be completed upon employment

Atria Group LLC

Junior Developer

Barrington, IL · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or in "STEM" Majors (Science, Technology, Engineering and ... As a junior developer and support engineer, this role would be primarily customer facing. The ...

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All JobsComputer Science JobsJunior Computer Science JobsJunior Computer Science Jobs in Illinois

Junior Computer Science information

See Illinois salary details

$23.3K

$86.2K

$133.2K

How much do junior computer science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior computer science in Illinois is $86,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $84,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior computer scientist?

To thrive as a Junior Computer Scientist, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), algorithms, and data structures, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic database management, and exposure to development environments are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities enable junior computer scientists to contribute to team projects, adapt to new technologies, and efficiently solve real-world technical problems.

What is the difference between Junior Computer Science vs Junior Software Developer?

AspectJunior Computer ScienceJunior Software Developer
Required CredentialsDegree in Computer Science or related fieldDegree or coding bootcamp certification
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research, or entry-level tech rolesSoftware development teams, tech companies
Industry UsageUniversities, research labs, tech firmsSoftware companies, startups, IT departments
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Junior Computer Science roles typically focus on foundational knowledge, research, or academic settings, requiring a degree in computer science. Junior Software Developer positions are more application-oriented, involving coding and software creation within development teams. While both roles are entry-level, they serve different career paths within the tech industry.

What is a junior computer scientist?

A Junior Computer Scientist is an entry-level professional who typically holds a degree in computer science or a related field. They work under the supervision of senior staff to design, develop, test, and maintain software, algorithms, or systems. Their responsibilities may include coding, debugging, conducting research, and assisting with technical documentation. This role is often a starting point for those looking to advance in the field of computer science, offering valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to learn from more experienced colleagues.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a junior computer science professional expect in their first year?

As a Junior Computer Science professional, you can expect to work on a variety of foundational tasks such as debugging code, writing unit tests, and assisting with the development of new features under the supervision of more experienced team members. You may also participate in code reviews, collaborate with cross-functional teams like design and QA, and help maintain documentation. These hands-on experiences are designed to help you build technical skills, understand software development processes, and gradually take on more complex assignments as you gain confidence and expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Science jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Computer Science jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Computer Science jobs in Illinois? For Junior Computer Science jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Computer Science jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Computer Science jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Junior Computer Science jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Junior Computer Science job openings:
Junior Computer Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Computer Science job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,220 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Computer Scientist

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a scientist to help advance the emerging field of networked and distributed quantum computing. This position offers the opportunity to shape new architectures, software systems, simulation capabilities, and experimental workflows for connecting quantum devices with classical computing and networking infrastructure. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that brings together expertise in quantum information science, computer systems, networking, high-performance computing, and scientific applications.
The scientist will have access to Argonne's quantum research capabilities, advanced computing facilities, and the broader Chicago quantum ecosystem. They will establish and lead independent research directions while contributing to multidisciplinary projects and externally sponsored programs. The scientist will produce high-impact research, broadly useful software and systems capabilities, and sustained collaborations within Argonne and with universities, national laboratories, government agencies, and other research organizations.
Core Responsibilities:
  • Conduct independent and collaborative research in quantum networking, distributed quantum computing, quantum-system architectures, or closely related areas.
  • Develop models, algorithms, simulation capabilities, and research software for the design and evaluation of networked quantum systems.
  • Investigate system-level challenges involving architectures, protocols, resource management, scheduling, control, performance, reliability, and integration of heterogeneous quantum and classical resources.
  • Formulate new research directions and contribute to research proposals, sponsor interactions, project planning, and execution of externally funded programs.
  • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and communicate results through presentations, software releases, technical reports, and other research artifacts.
  • Build collaborations across disciplines and institutions and provide technical leadership within multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Mentor students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior staff and contribute to a collegial research culture that values scientific rigor, collaboration, and professional development.

Position Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • RD3: Ph.D. in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field, plus at least 4 years of relevant research experience.
  • Demonstrated research contributions in one or more of the following areas:
  • Quantum networking, distributed quantum computing, quantum computer systems or architectures, quantum-network simulation, computer networks or distributed systems, performance modeling of computing or communication systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to define and pursue significant research directions and conduct research with substantial independence.
  • Record of scientific or technical accomplishment demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, significant research software, technical systems, datasets, patents, or comparable research artifacts.
  • Evidence of professional visibility or external recognition appropriate to career stage, such as invited presentations, widely used software, leadership in collaborative research, professional service, awards, or citations of published work.
  • Experience developing research software using Python, C, C++, or comparable programming languages.
  • Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams and communicate technical results clearly through publications, presentations, and interactions with research, sponsor, and broader stakeholder audiences.
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork.

Desired but Not Required Qualifications
  • Experience developing or using quantum-network or distributed-quantum-computing simulators.
  • Knowledge of quantum communication protocols, entanglement generation and distribution, quantum repeaters, quantum memories, or quantum error management.
  • Experience with system architecture, resource allocation, scheduling, control-plane design, or orchestration for distributed or quantum computing systems.
  • Experience integrating quantum-system models with classical networking, high-performance computing, or scientific workflow environments.
  • Experience collaborating with experimental quantum researchers or evaluating software and architectural concepts using experimental systems.
  • Experience leading technical tasks or coordinating research activities across multiple institutions or disciplinary teams.
  • Experience preparing research proposals or contributing to sponsored research programs.
  • Experience mentoring students, postdoctoral researchers, or junior technical staff.
  • Familiarity with open-source software development practices, including collaborative development, testing, documentation, release management, and community engagement.

Job Family
Research Development (RD)
Job Profile
Computer Science 3
Worker Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250.00 - $181,350.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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