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Mid Level Backend Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Spruce Infotech

Java Backend Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52 - $67.50/hr

We are looking for an experienced Backend Developer with strong expertise in API development using ... Experience with enterprise-level application development * Ex-NT candidates

Atria Group LLC

Mid Level Java Developer

Chicago, IL

Our company provides application analysis, design, development and programming, software engineering, systems development, testing, integration, and implementation, and management consulting services ...

Photon

Android Developer

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$56.75 - $74.50/hr

Perform and implement daily operational activities impacting mid-level components of the technology ... Evaluate compatibility of applications with existing APIs, backend systems, and mobile device ...

Nametag

Senior Backend Engineer

Chicago, IL

$120K - $190K/yr

Build internal tools and dashboards that improve operational visibility and developer workflows ... Final compensation is based on role, level, skills, experience, and education. Your recruiter or ...

New

Farmer's Fridge

Lead Back-End Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

As a Lead Back-End Engineer (SE IV), you will be expected to increase the team's ability to deliver ... Level up the team's aggregate skill through mentorship * Improve our engineering practices and ...

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Mid Level Backend Developer information

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for mid level backend developer in Chicago, IL is $59.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.80 and $70.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mid level backend developer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mid level backend developer?

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Backend Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Backend Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Mid Level Backend Developer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Mid Level Backend Developer job openings:

Mid Level Backend Developer jobs near you

Technical Lead / Lead Java Backend Developer

The AES Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Role: Technical Lead / Lead Java Backend Developer
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Work Model: Hybrid — currently two days per week onsite

Let’s create our future together at The AES Group!

About The AES Group:

The AES Group is a premier technology and engineering consulting company that has been bringing businesses and talent together for over 20 years to deliver innovative solutions that have the greatest positive impact on society. AES has helped over 40 business enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies, engage their customers, empower their employees, and transform their business operations with the power of cloud, data, AI, engineering, and other emerging technologies. 

Why Join This Opportunity?

  • Lead the development of a modern, enterprise-scale digital platform.
  • Guide and mentor a geographically distributed engineering team of at least eight members.
  • Work with Java 17, AWS cloud services, distributed systems, and high-availability architectures.
  • Take ownership of technical delivery, engineering KPIs, software quality, and team performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on business-critical applications and platform capabilities.
  • Gain exposure to architecture decisions, cloud-native development, DevOps, and enterprise technology standards.

Position Overview

The AES Group INC. is seeking a Technical Lead / Lead Java Backend Developer for one of our clients in the industrial technology sector.

This position requires a highly experienced, hands-on Java engineering leader who can contribute directly to backend development while leading a team of at least eight engineers. The successful candidate will be responsible for application design, technical delivery, engineering standards, team mentorship, KPI ownership, and the development of scalable, secure, and reliable cloud-based solutions.

This is not a frontend, UI, or primarily architecture-focused position. Candidates must demonstrate recent hands-on Java backend development experience, strong AWS knowledge, and measurable technical leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead a geographically distributed development team of at least eight engineers while remaining actively involved in hands-on backend development.
  • Design, develop, test, deploy, and support complex enterprise applications using Java 17 and modern backend engineering practices.
  • Build scalable RESTful web services and cloud-native solutions using AWS services.
  • Own and monitor engineering KPIs related to delivery, quality, reliability, availability, productivity, and operational performance.
  • Provide technical direction, code-level guidance, and application leadership to developers and support teams.
  • Establish software development standards, engineering best practices, code-review processes, and quality controls.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level developers while identifying opportunities for team development and performance improvement.
  • Lead the delivery of new functionality across cross-functional business and technology teams.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex application, integration, infrastructure, and production-support issues.
  • Participate in architecture discussions, technology evaluations, and recommendations for enterprise-wide solutions.
  • Perform integration testing and support customer acceptance testing through detailed planning and execution.
  • Promote reusable components, enterprise standards, high availability, security, and reliable system design.
  • Coordinate priorities, work assignments, technical dependencies, and delivery commitments with limited supervision.
  • Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, end users, engineering teams, and business partners.

Required Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

  • At least 10 years of experience designing and developing Java-based software applications.
  • At least three years of experience leading geographically distributed engineering teams.
  • Demonstrated experience directly leading a team of eight or more members.
  • Strong hands-on experience with backend application development.
  • Proven ownership of engineering KPIs, delivery metrics, software quality measures, or operational performance indicators.

Technical Skills

  • Advanced hands-on experience with Java 17.
  • Strong backend development expertise.
  • RESTful web services and API development.
  • AWS services, including IAM, Kinesis, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SQS, SNS, and KMS.
  • SQL query development; experience with Slick is preferred.
  • DevOps practices, automated delivery, and production support.
  • High-availability, reliable, secure, and scalable system design.
  • Working knowledge of application and solution architecture.
  • Integration testing and customer acceptance testing.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us on our journey!