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Mid Level Backend Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

GRVTY

Mid-Level Systems Engineer

Virginia, IL · On-site

What You'll Be Owning GRVTY is seeking a Mid-Level Systems Engineer with a TS/SCI + Poly clearance ... DevOps roles. * CI/CD Knowledge: Proven experience configuring CI/CD pipelines and automated ...

Diverse Lynx

Senior UI Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$61.75 - $80.25/hr

... backend services Collaborate with backend, DevOps, and product teams to deliver end-to-end ... level) Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code Participate in code reviews and architecture ...

Geneva Trading

Mid-level Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Geneva Trading is seeking a Mid-Level System Engineer to join our Core Infrastructure team in Chicago. This is a high-impact role where you will manage the intersection of elite hardware, Linux ...

Cameo

Staff Software Engineer-Backend

Chicago, IL

$175K - $215K/yr

And now we're looking for passionate, hardworking humans to help take Cameo to the next level. Our ... As a staff backend engineer, you'll go deep on our backend (node.js) and data layer (MongoDB ...

Cameo

Staff Software Engineer-Backend

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

And now we're looking for passionate, hardworking humans to help take Cameo to the next level. Our ... As a staff backend engineer, you'll go deep on our backend (node.js) and data layer (MongoDB ...

Honor

Senior Backend Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$160K - $180K/yr

As a Senior Backend Engineer at Honor: * You care about building systems that have real-world ... Honor offers generous equity packages that increase with position level and responsibilities, and a ...

blueStone

Ruby Developer

Chicago, IL

Looking for an mid level software developer to work on our Backend platform. If you are interested in working in a startup environment and you're passionate about web development, then you'll fit ...

Five to Nine

Backend Rails Engineer (Remote)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

We're looking for a Backend Rails Engineer who's passionate about transforming workplace programs ... Mid-range to Senior Experience of professional full-stack web development. * Solid understanding of ...

FIS

Senior Backend Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

As a Lead Software Engineer with strong back-end expertise, you'll start your day aligning with ... Throughout the day, you'll lead technical design discussions, provide high-level estimates (LOEs ...

Worldpay, Inc.

Senior Backend Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

As a Lead Software Engineer with strong back-end expertise, you'll start your day aligning with ... Throughout the day, you'll lead technical design discussions, provide high-level estimates (LOEs ...

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All JobsMid Level Backend Developer JobsMid Level Backend Developer Jobs in Illinois

Mid Level Backend Developer information

See Illinois salary details

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How much do mid level backend developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for mid level backend developer in Illinois is $55.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.87 and $66.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Mid Level Backend Developer might face when working on large-scale applications?

As a Mid Level Backend Developer, you may frequently encounter challenges related to maintaining code quality and ensuring scalability as applications grow. Managing database performance, optimizing API responses, and integrating with legacy systems are common tasks that require both technical skill and problem-solving ability. Collaboration with frontend developers, DevOps engineers, and QA testers is essential to ensure smooth deployments and consistent user experiences. Staying up-to-date with new frameworks and technologies, while balancing project deadlines, is also a key part of the role.

What are Mid Level Backend Developers?

Mid Level Backend Developers are software engineers who specialize in developing and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power web and mobile applications. They usually have a few years of professional experience and are proficient in programming languages like Java, Python, Node.js, or Ruby. These developers are responsible for ensuring that data flows efficiently between the server and users, optimizing performance, and collaborating with front-end developers and other team members. Their role often includes troubleshooting server issues, writing automated tests, and implementing security best practices.

What is the difference between Mid Level Backend Developer vs Junior Backend Developer?

AspectMid Level Backend DeveloperJunior Backend Developer
Experience2-4 years0-2 years
SkillsProficient in backend frameworks, databases, API developmentBasic understanding of backend concepts, learning frameworks
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping features, troubleshooting, code reviewsAssisting in tasks, learning codebase, bug fixing
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with teams, independent problem-solving

The main difference between a Mid Level Backend Developer and a Junior Backend Developer lies in experience and skill level. Mid level developers have more hands-on experience, handle complex tasks independently, and contribute significantly to project development. Junior developers are still learning, focusing on foundational tasks and gaining industry knowledge. This distinction helps employers identify the right candidate for different stages of project involvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mid Level Backend Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mid Level Backend Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, a solid understanding of server-side logic, and experience with relational and non-relational databases. Familiarity with frameworks (such as Spring or Express), RESTful API development, version control systems (like Git), and containerization tools (like Docker) is typically required. Effective problem-solving, collaboration, and clear communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for building reliable, scalable backend systems and working efficiently within development teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Developer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Backend Developer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Mid Level Backend Developer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Mid Level Backend Developer job openings:
Mid Level Backend Developer jobs near you
Principal Backend Engineer|Architect

Principal Backend Engineer|Architect

LUDEX, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description


Principal Backend Engineer | Architect

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 1 day/week in-office)
Company: Ludex, Inc.

About Ludex

Ludex is a consumer-facing technology platform transforming the sports and trading card hobby through AI-driven scanning, data, and marketplace tools. We build products used by millions of collectors and enterprise sellers, and we move fast. If you thrive in a startup environment where ownership, velocity, and impact matter, you’ll feel at home here.

Role Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Principal Engineer to help design, build, and scale the backend systems that power Ludex’s consumer and Enterprise products. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys building high-performance, scalable applications, working close to the product, and operating with an entrepreneurial mindset.

You will play a critical role in architecture decisions, performance optimization, and the evolution of our platform as we scale users, data volume, and revenue.

This role requires a high level of ownership and autonomy. You will be responsible for making key backend architecture decisions and driving execution in a fast-moving startup environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using Node.js, NestJS, and TypeScript
  • Build and optimize APIs that support consumer-facing products and enterprise workflows
  • Design, manage, and optimize PostgreSQL databases and data models for performance and reliability
  • Work with AWS infrastructure (e.g., EC2, RDS, S3, Lambda, CloudWatch, etc.)
  • Collaborate closely with frontend engineers, product, and other teams to deliver end-to-end features
  • Ensure high standards for code quality, efficiency, security, and performance
  • Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks across services and databases
  • Participate in architecture discussions and contribute to long-term technical strategy
  • Support deployments, monitoring, and system reliability in production environments
  • Thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, balancing speed with sound engineering judgment
Required Qualifications
  • 7+ years of professional backend engineering experience
  • Strong proficiency with Node.js and TypeScript
  • Hands-on experience with NestJS or similar backend frameworks
  • Deep experience working with relational databases, particularly PostgreSQL
  • Proven experience building and scaling consumer-facing applications
  • Experience working with AWS in production environments
  • Strong understanding of API design, data modeling, and system architecture
  • Ability to write clean, efficient, maintainable, and well-tested code
  • Strong ability to independently evaluate technical approaches and make architecture decisions in a startup environment.
  • Proven experience owning backend systems end-to-end, including design, implementation, deployment, and ongoing evolution.
  • Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with evolving requirements
  • Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Nice to Have
  • DevOps experience, including CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, or deployment automation
  • Experience with system monitoring, observability, and performance tuning
  • Experience supporting high-scale or data-intensive applications
  • Prior startup or high-growth company experience
Work Environment
  • Hybrid role: must be able to work in-office in Chicago at least 1 day per week
  • Collaborative, hands-on engineering culture
  • Small team, high ownership, and real influence on product direction
Why Ludex
  • Build products used by millions of passionate collectors
  • High-impact role with real ownership and visibility
  • Opportunity to shape architecture and engineering standards
  • Fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment without heavy bureaucracy

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