ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Capital One

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Lead Software Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you enjoy ... stack systems to create solutions that help meet regulatory needs for the company * Share your ...

Capital One

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Lead Software Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you enjoy ... stack systems to create solutions that help meet regulatory needs for the company * Share your ...

Caterpillar

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Lead Software Engineer in the Emerging Technology group is a hands-on technical leader ... or system performance measures, quality gates, automated testing, monitoring, and production ...

RBN Chicago

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Lead Software Engineer will be our most senior software engineer, leading and managing software ... systems including Linux and Windows Excellent communication skills Advanced degree in Computer ...

RBN

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Lead Software Engineer will be our most senior software engineer, leading and managing software ... systems including Linux and Windows Excellent communication skills Advanced degree in Computer ...

Capital One

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Lead Software Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you enjoy ... stack systems to create solutions that help meet regulatory needs for the company * Share your ...

Capital One

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

Lead Software Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you enjoy ... stack systems to create solutions that help meet regulatory needs for the company * Share your ...

Capital One

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Lead Software Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you enjoy ... stack systems to create solutions that help meet regulatory needs for the company * Share your ...

Capital One

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Lead Software Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you enjoy ... stack systems to create solutions that help meet regulatory needs for the company * Share your ...

Capital One

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Lead Software Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you enjoy ... stack systems to create solutions that help meet regulatory needs for the company * Share your ...

Capital One

Senior Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Senior Lead Software Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you ... stack systems to create solutions that help meet regulatory needs for the company * Share your ...

Capital One

Senior Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Senior Lead Software Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you ... stack systems to create solutions that help meet regulatory needs for the company * Share your ...

Humana

Lead Software Engineer - AI

Chicago, IL · On-site

Ensure all AI systems are designed, deployed, and monitored in compliance with HIPAA and Humana's Responsible AI standards, including participation in AIRB and Responsible AI Council review processes ...

Humana

Lead Software Engineer - AI

Chicago, IL · On-site

Ensure all AI systems are designed, deployed, and monitored in compliance with HIPAA and Humana's Responsible AI standards, including participation in AIRB and Responsible AI Council review processes ...

Sidley

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Lead Software Engineer will take technical ownership of the full-stack applications the team ... Make architectural decisions for new features and systems, weighing trade-offs and ensuring ...

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 ... Make architectural decisions for new features and systems, weighing trade-offs and ensuring ...

Humana

Lead Software Engineer - AI

Chicago, IL · On-site

Ensure all AI systems are designed, deployed, and monitored in compliance with HIPAA and Humana's Responsible AI standards, including participation in AIRB and Responsible AI Council review processes ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Software Systems Engineer JobsLead Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Lead Software Systems Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$88.2K

$193.2K

$245.2K

How much do lead software systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software systems engineer in Illinois is $193,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $161,800.00 and $245,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Lead Software Systems Engineer do?

A Lead Software Systems Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of complex software systems. They lead a team of engineers, coordinate project tasks, and ensure that software solutions meet technical and business requirements. This role often involves architectural planning, code reviews, and collaborating with stakeholders to define system functionalities. They also mentor junior engineers and help establish best practices within the development team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Software Systems Engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Software Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in software architecture, systems integration, and programming, usually backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), version control systems (Git), and frameworks for CI/CD, as well as certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, are highly valuable. Effective leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help guide teams and manage complex technical projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering robust, scalable solutions and ensuring successful project outcomes in dynamic environments.

How does a Lead Software Systems Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

As a Lead Software Systems Engineer, you will frequently work alongside product managers, QA specialists, and infrastructure teams to ensure that complex software systems are designed, developed, and deployed efficiently. Effective communication and coordination are vital, as you'll often translate business requirements into technical specifications, facilitate design reviews, and help resolve integration challenges across diverse teams. Success in this role depends on your ability to foster collaboration, balance multiple priorities, and provide technical leadership that guides the team toward project milestones while maintaining system quality and scalability.
Lead Software Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Software Systems Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $193,153 per year, or $92.9 per hour.

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL • On-site

Reply
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Replyexternal

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and deliver modern software systems, including architecture and implementation.

  • Mentor and guide a team of 5-15 software developers.

  • Develop and deliver production software using C#, React, SQL, and TypeScript, and establish CI/CD pipelines.

Job description

Valorem Reply is an award-winning digital transformation firm focused on delivering solutions around data-driven enterprise, IT modernization, customer experience, product transformation and digital workplace by leveraging the power of Microsoft technologies.  We provide hyper-scale and agile delivery of unique digital business services, strategic business models and design-led user experiences. Our innovative strategies and solutions securely and rapidly transform the way our clients do business.  
 
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 scalable distributed systems.
You will work closely with engineers, architects, and product stakeholders to design reliable systems and deliver production software. The role emphasizes automated CI/CD pipelines and modern engineering practices, including the use of AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code, Codex, and GitHub Copilot.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Lead the design and architecture of modern software systems.
Mentor and guide a team of 5–15 software developers.
Develop and deliver production software using C#, React, SQL, and TypeScript.
Design and implement applications deployed on Azure.
Establish and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitHub or Azure DevOps.
Use and promote AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code, Codex, and GitHub Copilot.
Conduct code reviews and enforce engineering standards.
Collaborate with architects, product managers, and stakeholders.
Minimum Requirements
  • 7+ years of professional software development experience.
  • 3+ years in a technical lead or senior engineering role.
  • Strong experience developing applications using C#, SQL, and familiarity with other non-relational databases.
  • Experience developing modern web applications using React and TypeScript.
  • Experience building distributed systems in cloud environments such as Azure.
  • Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines using GitHub or Azure DevOps.
  • Travel requirement: up to 20%.
Preferred Requirements
  • Experience designing microservice architectures.
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes.
  • Experience with event-driven systems or messaging technologies.
  • Experience establishing architecture standards across teams.
  • Experience delivering software in consulting or client-facing environments.
  • Experience using AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code, Codex, or GitHub Copilot.

About Reply
Reply specializes in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. Reply is a network of highly specialized companies supporting global industrial groups operating in the telecom and media, industry and services, banking, insurance and public administration sectors in the definition and development of business models enabled for the new paradigms of AI, cloud computing, digital media and the Internet of Things. Reply services include Consulting, System Integration and Digital Services.

The base compensation range for this full-time position is between [$140,000 - $180,000] plus benefits. Compensation decisions are supported through market data, where regional variances may exist based on cost of labor. We also take into consideration prior experience, relevant skills, education and/or training, certifications and, as applicable, other required qualifications. If you have questions regarding compensation, the talent acquisition team can provide relevant details during the interview process.

Reply is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to provide equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you need assistance and reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, email us at jobusa@reply.com. Visit our website at www.reply.com to learn more about our open roles.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.