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

Lead Back-End Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Staff Software Engineer-Backend

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Senior Backend Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Be Seen First

Ability to work independently and contribute quickly in a senior-level development environment ... backend TypeScript developers first . The ideal candidate has built production backend services ...

Java Angular

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$54 - $69.75/hr

4 Full Stack Engineers (React or Angular, Java/Spring, AWS), Capital One/Chicago, Hybrid, CTH - GC ... 2 Mid level role: 5+ years Please include Linkedin, github, hacker rank links etc if they have ...

Showing results 21-40

Mid Level Backend Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$59

$86

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:

Lead Back-End Engineer

Farmer's Fridge Careers

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Farmer’s Fridge is on a mission to make it simple for everyone to eat well. We serve healthy, handcrafted meals and snacks from our growing network of 2200+ Smart Fridges (software-enabled vending machines). We are striving to change the food system from the ground up – one Fridge at a time. 

We are a team that cares – about the business, the impact our product makes, and each other. We are data-driven, innovative, and quick to move on a good idea. We are looking for people who want to collaborate in an entrepreneurial, inclusive culture and have a passion to succeed. 

About the Role: As a Lead Back-End Engineer (SE IV), you will be expected to increase the team’s ability to deliver high-quality software solutions by contributing to development efforts, driving improvements in practices, and mentoring other team members. A successful individual will also bring their expertise to team discussions to improve software quality and act as a thought-partner for others on the team. Our software engineers take pride in crafting great software but take even more pride in product ownership, taking ideas from concept to release and beyond. This role will provide you the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and solve fascinating problems.

You'd be joining Fridge Tech, the team that builds the software and integrates with the hardware that runs our Fridges. This role sits on the Fridge back end — the application living on each machine that handles the critical path of successfully vending an item to a customer.

This is also a role with real influence over how we use AI. We're actively building our standards for LLM-assisted development, and we expect our engineers to be fluent with these tools and be ready to continue exploring.

In a typical week, the Lead Back End Engineer will...

  • Own projects end-to-end, from technical design through implementation, testing and deployment
  • Work on complex problems that set our company up for short and long-term success
  • Build POCs quickly to prove out ideas and resolve uncertainty
  • Lead technical architecture discussions and contribute in the ones other engineers are leading
  • Perform timely PR reviews
  • Explore what's newly possible with the latest AI tooling and help shape our broader strategy around it
  • Level up the team's aggregate skill through mentorship
  • Improve our engineering practices and standards to accelerate the pace of delivery
  • Work across greenfield and legacy systems, refactoring and modernizing existing services where it makes sense
  • Raise the testing floor on the systems they touch
  • Partner with Product to stay aligned on business goals
  • Have creative liberty to operate and push the boundary
  • Help out the menu development team by tasting new recipes

In a Lead Back End Engineer, we're looking for someone who…

  • Has 10+ years of software engineering experience, and a clear understanding of software best practices
  • Has strong experience with Go or an equivalent language
  • Has experience integrating with hardware and third-party device firmware, and operating in Linux-based environments
  • Has AWS cloud experience (a plus)
  • Has experience working on side projects they are passionate about (a plus)
  • Is very comfortable and passionate about using LLMs to solve problems thoughtfully
  • Has a deliberate approach to LLM-assisted development, stays current as the tooling changes, and helps the team do the same
  • Has an innate ability to solve difficult problems and take full ownership, while adapting to changing requirements
  • Is comfortable working in a legacy codebase and/or a greenfield project, and has a passion to significantly improve standards
  • Has curiosity, attention to detail, a high sense of urgency and is a team player
  • Makes the engineers around them better through mentorship, code review and setting a standard others follow
  • Communicates technical challenges and solutions extremely well, focused on outcomes and clarity
  • Is comfortable digging into data to inform decisions, flag issues and measure whether what we built worked
  • Has a proven ability to learn new skills quickly and a continuous desire to improve
  • Wants to build technology that directly impacts the company's profitability goal, and sets the company up for success long-term
  • Has the ability to work productively in a hybrid environment
  • Has a passion for making healthy food accessible to all
 

The base salary range for this role is $165,000 - $180,000. The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements.

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for company performance-based bonuses and equity.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans available)
  • 401(k) with immediate employer match vesting
  • Paid time off (including vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
  • Paid sabbatical after 5 years of service
  • Employee discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Benefits at Farmer's Fridge:

In This Together - We stay connected, whether in person or virtually. We encourage business transparency through monthly town hall meetings and weekly financial updates. We set out to make the best product on the market, and we believe we’ve done it. We value your input in the new menu creation process. From regular tasting panels, where employees provide new menu feedback. 

Happier Workdays - Each day at work should fill you with joy. We're a fun and passionate group, and we don't take ourselves too seriously. Bring your unique self to work, dress comfortably, and always feel free to share your thoughts and opinions. We encourage curiosity; there's no hierarchy here when we're all swapping ideas.  

Never run on empty - Daily Farmer's Fridge meal and office snacks are just some of the offerings to make sure you aren't distracted by a growling stomach. Recharge with our paid sabbatical program after five years of service. 

Innovate & Elevate - We're all teachers and learners. You'll grow and help grow the company through cross-functional collaboration, open access to leadership, and regular business updates. You have a direct impact on the company’s bottom line. You can also impact your bottom line by participating in our 401(k) plan that includes a company match with immediate vesting.


 

Farmer’s Fridge Diversity Statement:

"Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Farmer’s Fridge, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.”
Farmer’s Fridge is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including hiring, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. View our disclosures related to External Agencies and Applicants below: https://www.farmersfridge.com/careerdisclosures

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