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Junior Python Backend Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

The interview process will evaluate your backend programming skills (primarily Python), and your experience working in JavaScript/TypeScript on a modern web framework (React skills are required!). It ...

As a Senior Software Engineer, your day will be filled with exciting challenges and opportunities ... Mentor junior team members and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

As a Senior Software Engineer, your day will be filled with exciting challenges and opportunities ... Mentor junior team members and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

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Junior Python Backend Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16.5K

$152.7K

$196.8K

How much do junior python backend developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior python backend developer in Chicago, IL is $152,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $149,900.00 and $172,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Junior Python Backend Developer do?

A Junior Python Backend Developer is responsible for writing server-side logic using the Python programming language. They work on building, maintaining, and optimizing the backend of web applications, often collaborating with frontend developers and other team members. Their daily tasks may include developing APIs, managing databases, debugging code, and ensuring the application runs smoothly and efficiently. As junior developers, they are also expected to learn best practices, follow coding standards, and continuously improve their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Python Backend Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Python Backend Developer, you need proficiency in Python programming, understanding of backend frameworks like Django or Flask, and a solid grasp of databases and RESTful API design, typically supported by a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms, and containerization tools such as Docker is often expected. Strong problem-solving skills, eagerness to learn, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable backend systems, collaborating with teams, and adapting to evolving technical requirements.

What types of projects and tasks can a Junior Python Backend Developer expect to work on during their first year?

As a Junior Python Backend Developer, you can expect to work on tasks such as building and maintaining RESTful APIs, writing automated tests, fixing bugs, and contributing to database design. You'll likely start with smaller components or features, collaborating closely with senior developers and front-end teams to ensure smooth data flow and application performance. Over time, you'll gain exposure to code reviews, deployment processes, and may gradually take on more complex assignments as you build your expertise and confidence.
Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE)- Python

Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE)- Python

Paychex

Chicago, IL • On-site

$133K - $209K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Paychex rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 156 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

183rd of 428 rated business services


Job description

Imagine Your Future with Us! Since 1971, Paychex has been at the forefront of simplifying HR, payroll, and benefits for American businesses. Our digital HR technology and advisory solutions cater to the changing needs of employers and their employees. With our award-winning training and endless opportunities for growth and development, you can build a lifelong career with us. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and innovative culture. Our leaders are here to support your career journey; they and our dedicated employees embody the values that drive us to support each other, our clients, and our communities. Join us to pursue your passion and unleash your potential.
Overview
We are seeking a Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE) embeds directly with customers to implement, customize, and operationalize complex software, acting as a bridge between engineering and customer success by solving specific problems, unblocking integrations, and feeding insights back to product teams, blending technical skills with customer empathy and often involving travel to client sites. They adapt core products to unique needs, accelerating adoption and delivering value in real-world environments
You will act as the senior technical lead for customizing and extending our embedded platform-owning integrations, API-driven experiences, application-layer enhancements, and customer solution delivery.
This role includes hands-on development work across Python, React, AWS, and Django, as well as direct collaboration with customers, partners, and indirect channel teams to ensure successful adoption of our platform
Responsibilities
Customer Collaboration & Developer Relations
  • Serve as the primary technical interface for customers, partners, and indirect channel teams.
  • Host technical discussions, requirement-gathering sessions, and architecture reviews directly with customers.
  • Provide developer support, guidance, and best practices for integration and implementation.
  • Represent the embedded team in developer-facing demos, product enablement, and partner technical workshops.
  • Translate customer needs into actionable engineering tasks, ensuring platform capabilities align with business goals.

Platform Customization & Embedded Engineering
  • Lead the design and implementation of custom features, enhancements, and integrations across our platform.
  • Develop application-layer components and service extensions using Python, Django, and REST-based APIs.
  • Build and integrate customer-facing portal/UI components in React.
  • Leverage AWS services to build scalable, cloud-backed integrations.

Architecture, API & Systems Integration
  • Own the documentation and development of APIs, SDKs, and interface design documents (IDDs).
  • Ensure seamless integration between on-device components, microservices, and customer systems.

Technical Troubleshooting & Tier-3 Support
  • Diagnose and resolve complex issues.
  • Provide senior-level technical escalation support for customers and internal teams.
  • Lead root-cause analysis and drive long-term corrective improvements across the platform.

Project Delivery & Leadership
  • Lead customer-specific development initiatives from ideation through deployment.
  • Own timelines, deliverables, and technical direction for customization projects.
  • Mentor junior engineers and influence cross-team engineering best practices.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer related discipline or equivalent work experience
  • 7 years of experience in Related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Expertise in Python, with experience building backend services or integration layers (Django strongly preferred).
  • Proficiency in React for developing customer-facing interfaces or partner tools.
  • Experience with AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, S3, CloudWatch, IAM, or related services).
  • Strong experience with embedded systems development.
  • Experience with API design, interface documentation, and integration workflows.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including customers and indirect channel partners.
  • Proven success in customer-facing engineering, developer support, or solutions engineering roles.

Compensation
In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share that the starting base pay range for this position is $133,630 - $209,990. Please keep in mind that this range is the base pay only and does not consider other components that make up the total rewards package for the position. If you are hired at Paychex, your overall compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience which may result in total compensation outside of this range.
Live the Paychex Values
  • Act with uncompromising integrity.
  • Provide outstanding service and build trusted relationships.
  • Drive innovation in our products and services and continually improve our processes.
  • Work in partnership and support each other.
  • Be personally accountable and deliver on commitments.
  • Treat each other with respect and dignity.

  • What's in it for you?
    • We value your well-being: We provide over 21 comprehensive rewards, including medical coverage, virtual wellness classes, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) + employer match, adoption assistance, financial assistance, and much more.
    • We value your time: From paid time off to company holidays, culture days, and comprehensive work-life balance programs, we will ensure you have the flexibility you need to be your best.
    • We value your development: Our award-winning training and development programs empower our employees with ongoing learning opportunities to give you the building blocks to grow your career.
    • We value your perspective: Our company culture reflects the diversity of our employees. We want you to be you and your voice to be heard.
    • We value our communities: We offer paid time off for volunteerism and promote many company-wide and local initiatives that benefit organizations you care about.

    • Note: The benefits described apply to full-time employees. Benefits for part-time, contract, and intern roles may vary.
      Not sure if you meet every requirement?
      At Paychex, we know that great talent comes in many forms. If you're passionate about the role but don't check every box, we still encourage you to apply. You might be the right fit - either for this position or another opportunity with us.
      Paychex is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated fairly and evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and merit. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment.

    What Paychex employees say

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    About Paychex

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Consult with America's businesses, leveraging Paychex key referral channels and partnerships to educate stakeholders on our services, and provide consultative solutions to increase market share and drive revenue.

    Industry

    Human resources consulting services

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Rochester, NY, US

    Year founded

    1971

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