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Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Naperville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sidley Austin LLP

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Lead Software Engineer will take technical ownership of the full-stack applications the team builds on React, .NET, Next.js, and Azure, including AI-powered features that help lawyers and staff ...

Sidley Austin LLP

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$123 - $169/hr

The Lead Software Engineer will take technical ownership of the full-stack applications the team builds on React, .NET, Next.js, and Azure, including AI-powered features that help lawyers and staff ...

Roadrunner

Lead Software Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

The Lead Software Engineer is responsible for elevating engineering execution, modernizing legacy platforms, and establishing scalable architecture patterns that support long-term growth. This is not ...

Roadrunner

Lead Software Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

The Lead Software Engineer is responsible for elevating engineering execution, modernizing legacy platforms, and establishing scalable architecture patterns that support long-term growth. This is not ...

Medium

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

We are seeking a Lead Software Developer to design and deliver modern software systems. This role combines hands‑on development with technical leadership, guiding engineering teams while building ...

Reply

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Software Developer to design and deliver modern software systems. This role combines hands-on development with technical leadership, guiding engineering teams while building ...

Reply

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Software Developer to design and deliver modern software systems. This role combines hands-on development with technical leadership, guiding engineering teams while building ...

Jobtailor

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex production issues * Create and maintain technical documentation, operational runbooks, and engineering standards * Own software delivery from design ...

Caterpillar

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$128K - $208K/yr

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and drive the delivery of scalable, secure, and customer-focused cloud solutions. JOB DUTIES: * Lead the design and development of ...

GN Group

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will be responsible for working closely with our hardware and software product teams to ensure our products are designed and engineered to deliver a best-in-class web ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Software Engineer JobsLead Software Engineer Jobs in Naperville, IL

Lead Software Engineer information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$82.9K

$145.7K

$197.7K

How much do lead software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software engineer in Naperville, IL is $145,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,800.00 and $168,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Software Engineer, you need advanced programming expertise, software architecture knowledge, and a degree in computer science or a related field, often supplemented by experience in leading development teams. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and methodologies like Agile or Scrum is typically expected. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for mentoring developers and managing projects. These skills ensure efficient project delivery, high-quality code, and effective team collaboration in complex technical environments.

How does a lead software engineer typically balance hands-on coding with leadership and mentoring responsibilities?

As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll find that your role involves a dynamic mix of technical work and team leadership. While you'll still contribute directly to codebases—often tackling complex or critical components—you'll also spend significant time guiding junior engineers, conducting code reviews, and facilitating technical discussions. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and communication skills, as well as the ability to delegate effectively. The role offers the opportunity to shape technical direction while fostering team growth and collaboration.

What does a lead software engineer do?

A lead software engineer oversees the development team, designs technical solutions, and ensures project deadlines are met. They often coordinate with stakeholders, review code, and mentor junior developers, using tools like version control systems and project management software. Strong technical skills and leadership abilities are essential for this role.

What does a lead software engineer earn?

A lead software engineer's salary typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have advanced skills in programming, system design, and team management, and may receive bonuses or stock options as part of compensation.

What is the average salary of a lead software engineer?

The average salary of a lead software engineer typically ranges from $110,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles often include additional benefits such as bonuses, stock options, and flexible work arrangements.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Software Engineer jobs in Naperville, IL?

For Lead Software Engineer jobs in Naperville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Software Engineer jobs in Naperville, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Software Engineer jobs in Naperville, IL are:

What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Lead Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Lead Software Engineer job openings:

Lead Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Software Engineer job openings in Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,673 per year, or $70 per hour.

Lead Software Engineer

Sidley Austin LLP

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Lead Software Engineer will take technical ownership of the full-stack applications the team builds on React, .NET, Next.js, and Azure, including AI-powered features that help lawyers and staff work more effectively. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will write and review code, set engineering standards, make architectural decisions, and mentor other engineers, while partnering with product managers, architects, and business stakeholders to ship reliable software.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design and delivery of full-stack applications using .NET, React/Next.js, and Azure, with ownership from architecture through production support.
  • Set engineering standards for code quality, testing, performance, and security, and hold the team to them through active code authorship and thorough code review.
  • Make architectural decisions for new features and systems, weighing trade-offs and ensuring solutions are maintainable, observable, and built to scale.
  • Lead the integration of AI and GenAI capabilities into Firm applications, including LLM-powered features, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, semantic search, and agentic workflows.
  • Mentor engineers through pairing, design reviews, and ongoing feedback.
  • Work with product managers, designers, and architects to turn business requirements into clear technical plans and realistic delivery milestones.
  • Own the reliability of production systems: set observability standards, lead incident response, and see issues through to root cause.
  • Apply security best practices across the stack, including authentication, authorization, and data protection, with particular care given the sensitivity of legal data.
  • Partner with DevOps and Infrastructure on CI/CD pipelines, container platforms (Azure Kubernetes Service, Azure Container Apps), and cloud deployment patterns.
  • Stay current on relevant technologies and bring well-reasoned recommendations to the team.
  • Participate in hiring, including technical interviews and onboarding new engineers.

Education and/or Experience:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
  • A minimum of 8 years of professional software engineering experience, with a track record of progression into a lead, staff, or principal-level role.
  • Strong full-stack development skills, including .NET (C#), React, Next.js, and REST/GraphQL API design.
  • Ability to architect and deliver production-grade applications with attention to reliability, performance, and security.
  • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure services used in application development (e.g., Azure App Service, Azure Container Apps/AKS, Azure SQL, Azure Service Bus, Azure OpenAI Service).
  • Experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Cosmos DB).
  • Strong understanding of software engineering fundamentals: system design, design patterns, testing strategy, and distributed systems.
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions), version control (Git), and Agile development practices.
  • Experience leading engineers, including setting technical direction, running design and code reviews, and helping team members grow.
  • Clear communicator, comfortable working with technical peers and non-technical stakeholders alike.

Preferred:
  • Experience building or integrating AI and GenAI features in production, such as LLM APIs (e.g., Azure OpenAI, Anthropic Claude), RAG pipelines, vector search, semantic ranking, or agentic workflows.
  • Familiarity with AI orchestration and workflow automation tools (e.g., LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, Claude SDK, Temporal, n8n).
  • Experience with workflow automation platforms, both low-code integration tools (e.g., n8n, Power Automate) and durable execution engines (e.g., Temporal).
  • Experience with .NET Aspire for building and orchestrating cloud-native .NET applications.
  • Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, Azure Container Apps).
  • Familiarity with cloud-native and serverless architectures on Azure.
  • Experience with automated testing frameworks and test-driven development.
  • Background in professional services industries (legal, financial services, accounting, or consulting).
  • Relevant Azure certifications (e.g., AZ-204 Azure Developer Associate, AZ-305 Azure Solutions Architect Expert).

Other Skills and Abilities:
The following will also be required of the successful candidate:
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Good judgment
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
  • Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
  • Able to work under pressure
  • Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

#LI-OE1
#LI-Hybrid
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future
The target salary range for this role is:
$122,900 - $169,000 if located in Illinois.
Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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