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Lead Ruby On Rails Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Work primarily in Ruby on Rails or Python, showcasing proficiency and contributing to high-quality ... Apply software engineering best practices to improve processes, systems, and code robustness.

Work primarily in Ruby on Rails or Python, showcasing proficiency and contributing to high-quality ... Apply software engineering best practices to improve processes, systems, and code robustness.

Senior Software Engineer - Fullstack

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$160K - $185K/yr

Build and enhance backend systems using Ruby on Rails and Java. * Architect APIs, real-time systems ... Mentor engineers, provide architectural guidance, and help drive engineering excellence across the ...

Build and enhance backend systems using Ruby on Rails and Java. * Architect APIs, real-time systems ... Mentor engineers, provide architectural guidance, and help drive engineering excellence across the ...

Senior Software Engineer - Fullstack

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$160K - $185K/yr

Build and enhance backend systems using Ruby on Rails and Java. * Architect APIs, real-time systems ... Mentor engineers, provide architectural guidance, and help drive engineering excellence across the ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

... Ruby on Rails development Comfortable using test-driven development (TDD) practices Experience ... Take a lead role in development of our consumer-facing web applications. Development of scalable ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

... Ruby on Rails development Comfortable using test-driven development (TDD) practices Experience ... Take a lead role in development of our consumer-facing web applications. Development of scalable ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Ruby On Rails Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$123.7K

$151.6K

$174.7K

How much do lead ruby on rails developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead ruby on rails developer in Chicago, IL is $151,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,200.00 and $163,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lead Ruby On Rails Developer vs Ruby On Rails Developer?

AspectLead Ruby On Rails DeveloperRuby On Rails Developer
ResponsibilitiesOversees project architecture, mentors team, manages deadlinesDevelops features, fixes bugs, collaborates on code
ExperienceTypically 5+ years, leadership skills requiredUsually 2-4 years of experience
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project planning, code reviewsHands-on coding, feature development
CredentialsProven Ruby on Rails experience, leadership skillsRuby on Rails proficiency, relevant certifications optional

The main difference between a Lead Ruby On Rails Developer and a Ruby On Rails Developer lies in responsibility and experience. The lead role involves overseeing projects, guiding teams, and managing deadlines, while the developer focuses on coding and implementing features. Both roles require strong Ruby on Rails skills, but the lead position demands additional leadership and project management experience.

What is a Lead Ruby on Rails Developer?

A Lead Ruby on Rails Developer is a senior software engineer who specializes in building web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex applications, as well as leading a team of developers. Their role often includes making technical decisions, ensuring code quality, mentoring junior team members, and collaborating with other departments to deliver projects on time. Strong leadership, communication skills, and deep expertise in Ruby on Rails are essential for this position.

How does a Lead Ruby on Rails Developer typically collaborate with product managers and designers during the software development process?

As a Lead Ruby on Rails Developer, you’ll frequently work alongside product managers and designers to transform business requirements into technical solutions. This involves participating in planning meetings, offering input on feasibility and technical constraints, and ensuring that engineering efforts align with user experience goals. Clear communication and the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders are essential. Regular collaboration helps identify potential roadblocks early, streamline workflows, and deliver high-quality features on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Ruby On Rails Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Ruby On Rails Developer, you need deep expertise in Ruby, the Rails framework, and web application architecture, typically supported by a degree in computer science or substantial industry experience. Familiarity with tools like Git, relational databases (such as PostgreSQL), CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS) is commonly required, along with knowledge of testing frameworks like RSpec. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you manage teams and collaborate across departments. These capabilities ensure the delivery of robust, scalable applications and effective team performance in dynamic development environments.
What job categories do people searching Lead Ruby On Rails Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Ruby On Rails Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Software Engineer

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Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Software Engineer
Team: Systems
Location: Hybrid in Chicago (IL)
Employment Type: Full-time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Start Date: ASAP
About Braven
Braven is a national nonprofit that prepares promising college students to secure a strong first opportunity after college graduation through a career-accelerating program.
We work with higher education and employer partners to offer a life-changing experience that begins with a semester-long course for college students, followed by support that lasts through graduation.
Together, our ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream.
To learn more, take a look at Braven's Jobs Report.
About the Role
In order to achieve its ambition of serving 80,000-100,000 Fellows over the next decade, Braven is hiring a Software Engineer who will focus on the user experience to have a real impact on students' lives. We want students using our platform to feel empowered, connected, and engaged. To accomplish this, we aggressively prioritize which projects we work on, aiming to provide the most value in the simplest way possible. We constantly iterate to improve our services as we see what works and what doesn't. We're agile and we like to have fun!
You will play a crucial role in our mission: prototyping new features, helping peers grow through code reviews, and learning new technologies. Braven is entering an exciting growth phase, in which we need to balance agility in developing new features with discipline to ensure we utilize software engineering best practices.
This role is on the Systems team and reports directly to the Senior Director, Software Engineering.
What You'll Do
Focus on full-stack project initiatives (90%)
  • Work primarily in Ruby on Rails or Python, showcasing proficiency and contributing to high-quality, maintainable applications.
  • Take ownership of well-defined tasks and deliver reliable, impactful solutions.
  • Apply software engineering best practices to improve processes, systems, and code robustness.
  • Keep end-users at the forefront of your work, prioritizing solutions that have a meaningful impact and enhance students' experiences.
  • Solve technical challenges with creativity and a focus on enhancing team capabilities.
Improve the team via reviews, documentation, and cross-functional communication (10%)
  • Provide constructive feedback on code and architecture proposals to promote team excellence.
  • Support junior engineers through guidance and collaboration, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
  • Create and maintain clear documentation for architectures, design decisions, and team protocols.
  • Contribute to scrums and sprints by sharing updates, addressing blockers, and refining tasks with the team.
  • Stay current with industry trends, security practices, and compliance requirements to ensure alignment with best practices.
  • Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in a technical field or equivalent professional experience
  • 3+ years of professional software engineering experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficient in full-stack development, with experience in Ruby on Rails and React, and expertise in backend, frontend, and database design, using BigQuery, PostgreSQL, and Git.
  • Strong organizational and task management skills, with the ability to prioritize work, ensure attention to detail, and make sound technical decisions independently.
  • Flexible and solutions-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • Excellent communication skills, bridging technical and non-technical teams and managing stakeholder expectations effectively.
  • Collaborative team member with peer coaching experience, contributing to knowledge sharing, team growth, and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
  • Personal attributes of emotional intelligence, autonomy, empathy, and the ability to maintain composure in challenging situations, emphasizing a proactive, forward-looking approach in software development.
  • Excellent communication skills, bridging technical and non-technical teams and managing stakeholder expectations effectively.
  • Demonstrated commitment to building strong and welcoming cultures that help to develop others.
  • Exemplification of Braven's core values.
  • Experience that has informed your belief in Braven's mission and has prepared you to work with, or for, Braven's student Fellow population.
Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the preferred qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.
Work Demands
  • Ability to work in-person in Chicago (IL) 3 days per week
  • Travel 2-3 times per year
Additional Requirements
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Braven doesn't offer employment visa sponsorship
Application & Interview Process
While the interview process may vary slightly, the general process will be:
  • Phone screen with Talent Team member
  • Performance Task
  • Interview with Hiring Manager
  • Panel Interview with Key Partners
  • Reference Checks
Benefits
Compensation and Benefits
Braven offers competitive base salaries based on the midpoint of the market among not-for-profit organizations of similar size, with opportunities for salary growth over time. We believe in compensating staff members fairly in relation to each other, their qualifications, and their impact on behalf of the organization, and take internal and external equity seriously. Given our commitment to equity, Braven does not negotiate salary offers; instead, each salary offer is determined carefully using external and internal benchmarking.
Starting salary within the range is determined by role scope and qualifications, with new hires starting at the lower end to allow for growth with performance. Braven does not base compensation on individual candidate salary expectations and is committed to maintaining internal equity. The salary ranges, by geographic market, for this role are set forth $92,000-$114,900. This is a full-time, regular, exempt, and benefits eligible position where you will be working at 100% capacity.
Braven also provides competitive, comprehensive benefits, recognition, and career development. While Braven reserves the right to change benefits at any time, current benefits include:
  • Unlimited vacation time in addition to org-wide holidays and week-long shutdowns in July and the end of the calendar year (this is a minimum of 19 days per year)
  • Braven supports your path to parenthood and beyond with $25,000 in lifetime Carrot benefits for fertility, family-building, and hormonal health
  • Match of your 401K contribution up to 5% of your base annual salary, starting your first full month
  • Coverage of 85% of health insurance premium for employee and dependents
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • A one-month paid sabbatical after 4 years on staff

Please note that Braven is firm in its compensation philosophy; therefore, only candidates who believe that our total rewards package matches what they are looking for in their next opportunity are encouraged to apply.
Location
We gather in the office 3 days per week (on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and work remotely 2 days per week (although certain commitments might adjust that from time to time). Therefore, this role requires teammates to live within commuting distance of Chicago (IL). We believe in the magic, connection, and collaboration that happens when people work together face-to-face, and we believe in giving people flexibility to focus, balance personal priorities, and save themselves two commutes per week.
Braven is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor. We encourage talented individuals of all backgrounds to apply.