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

Work with senior engineers on projects and solutions within the larger business initiative. * Handle business-critical IT tasks and systems that provide commercial advantage in the global marketplace.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Junior DevOps Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$54.50 - $74.50/hr

Junior (3-5 Years) About the Role Apex Systems is looking for a seasoned Junior DevOps Engineer to support a migration of the organization's Kubernetes ingress layer from NGINX Ingress Controller to ...

New

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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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 Aug 22, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior systems developer?

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 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 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 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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Systems Developer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Systems Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Systems Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,658 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Junior Systems Engineer

Jobtailor

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities
  • Assist with maintenance of essential IT infrastructure, including operating systems, security tools, applications, servers, email systems, laptops, desktops, software, and hardware.
  • Work with senior engineers on projects and solutions within the larger business initiative.
  • Handle business-critical IT tasks and systems that provide commercial advantage in the global marketplace.
  • Enable faster and smarter business processes and develop analytics for meaningful insights.
  • Work under the guidance of senior IT staff to communicate project status, activities, and achievements.
  • Perform server administration tasks (ex: user/group, security permissions, group policies, print services); research event-log warnings and errors; and monitor resources to ensure that systems architecture components work together seamlessly.
  • Monitor data-center health using existing management tools, and respond to hardware issues as they arise; help build, test, and maintain new servers when needed.
  • Maintain internal infrastructure requirements, including laptop and desktop computers, servers, routers, switches, firewalls, printers, phones, security updates; support internet, intranet, LANs, WANs, and network segments.
  • Assist the help desk and other teams with troubleshooting to identify root cause, and provide technical support when needed.
  • Perform routine and scheduled audits of all systems, including backups.
  • Create and maintain critical systems documentation.
  • Maintain and administer cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure.
  • Implement planned infrastructure projects such as server and network implementations.
  • Assist in security management including network and endpoint security.
Requirements
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, System Administration, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience required
  • 1-2 years of database, network administration, or system administration experience
  • System administration and IT certifications in Linux, Microsoft, or other network related fields are a plus
  • Working knowledge of server and workload virtualization
  • Basic knowledge of systems and networking software, hardware, and networking protocols
  • Experience with scripting and automation tools
  • A proven track record of implementing IT strategy and plans
  • Basic knowledge of implementing and effectively developing helpdesk and IT operations best practices
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in system administration, network management, and IT infrastructure maintenance, with a focus on implementing effective IT strategies and providing technical support. Proficient in managing cloud environments and ensuring system security and performance.

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