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Junior Systems Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Early Warning Services

Sr Systems Engineer - IAM

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$107K - $147K/yr

Mentors, Coaches, and trains junior systems engineers; models strong sense of responsibility, ownership, and pride in delivering quality results. * Support the company's commitment to risk management ...

Next Step Systems

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer, Chicago IL This Senior Systems Engineer position is fully onsite ... Lead/mentor junior team members. - Take ownership of and leading projects from start to finish ...

Next Step Systems

Senior Trading Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Senior Trading Systems Engineer, Chicago, IL This Senior Trading Systems Engineer position is 100 ... Lead/mentor junior team members. - Take ownership of and leading projects from start to finish ...

Atria Group LLC

Junior Developer

Barrington, IL

$66K - $86K/yr

... engineering, systems development, testing, integration, and implementation, and management ... As a junior developer and support engineer, this role would be primarily customer facing. The ...

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All JobsSystems Developer JobsJunior Systems Developer JobsJunior Systems Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Junior Systems Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$24.7K

$91.7K

$141.6K

How much do junior systems developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior systems developer in Chicago, IL is $91,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $89,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Junior Systems Developer vs Junior Software Engineer?

AspectJunior Systems DeveloperJunior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in Computer Science or related field; some certifications like CompTIA or Cisco are commonSimilar credentials; often holds a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering; certifications like Microsoft or AWS may be relevant
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly on system infrastructure, networks, and hardware integration within organizationsFocuses on developing, testing, and maintaining software applications across various platforms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in IT departments, tech companies, and organizations with complex infrastructure needsCommon in software firms, tech startups, and companies developing software products

While both roles require technical skills and similar educational backgrounds, Junior Systems Developers primarily focus on system infrastructure and hardware integration, whereas Junior Software Engineers concentrate on software development and programming. The choice depends on whether you prefer working with systems and networks or software applications.

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

To thrive as a Junior Systems Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C#), basic software development principles, and often a relevant degree or diploma in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development environments, version control systems like Git, and possibly certifications such as CompTIA or Microsoft Fundamentals are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and learn quickly on the job. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable systems, adapting to new technologies, and contributing effectively to software projects.

What is a Junior Systems Developer?

A Junior Systems Developer is an entry-level IT professional who assists in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software systems and applications. They typically work under the supervision of senior developers, helping to write code, debug programs, and support the development process. Junior Systems Developers often collaborate with other team members to ensure that software solutions meet user requirements and function efficiently. This role is ideal for individuals starting their careers in software development and seeking to build foundational technical and problem-solving skills.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Systems Developers during their first year on the job?

Junior Systems Developers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex legacy systems, adapting to new development tools and workflows, and balancing multiple project priorities. It's common to feel overwhelmed at first, but most teams provide mentorship and code reviews to support your learning curve. Collaboration with senior developers and open communication are key to overcoming obstacles and growing your technical skills.
What are popular job titles related to Junior Systems Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Junior Systems Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Systems Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Systems Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Systems Developer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Systems Developer job openings:
Junior Systems Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Systems Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,658 per year, or $44.1 per hour.
Junior Trading Systems Engineer

Junior Trading Systems Engineer

Hudson River Trading

Chicago, IL

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Hudson River Trading (HRT) is seeking a Junior Trading Systems Engineer to join our growing Trading Systems Infrastructure team. This team designs, builds, and maintains the infrastructure that powers our global trading, and is responsible for ensuring optimal performance and uptime of the ultra low-latency operating systems, automation software, and development tools that allow our trading strategies to run worldwide 24/7.
As a Junior Trading Systems Engineer, you'll work on projects focusing on our real-time production trading environment and tackle problems that require high availability, high throughput, and ultra low-latency solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for coding and automation, is eager to learn new skills to help build an elegant stack, and has the ability to handle challenging technical issues within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. 
Responsibilities

  • Manage worldwide Linux-based trading infrastructure by contributing to the planning and execution of complex technical projects and tasks
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software issues across the stack 
  • Plan and implement system installations and upgrades 
  • Deploy, configure, and test internal and external applications 
  • Improve documentation and reduce technical debt
  • Benchmark the performance of the trading stack, working with subject matter experts across the organization
  • Join an on-call rotation schedule to cover trading hours and weekend shifts, as needed

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of relevant experience managing Linux systems: you can install packages, manage users, control services, and know where to look for system logs, and you understand TCP/IP networking, default gateways, and how to debug connectivity problems
  • Familiarity installing and configuring Linux systems, from hardware and networking to kernel to applications 
  • Knowledge of Debian/Ubuntu is desirable
  • Basic familiarity with configuration management tools, particularly SaltStack - some knowledge of Puppet, Ansible, Chef, or CFEngine is also desirable
  • Proven programming experience: you don't just know what big-O notation is, you've also built working software and can explain and defend your design
  • Basic shell (bash) scripting experience
  • Experience using JIRA
  • Strong cross-functional communication and organization skills
  • Experience with production systems, as well as some cloud experience in AWS or GCP, is desirable but not required

The estimated base salary range for this position is 120,000 to 160,000 USD per year (or local equivalent). The base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This role will also be eligible for discretionary performance-based bonuses and a competitive benefits package.

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