Php Development Contractor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Department: MCC Information Technology
Salary/Grade: ITS/81
Target hiring range for this position will be between $99,000 - $112,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data/
Job Summary:
Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering is seeking a curious, collaborative, and adaptable Senior Software Developer to join our application development team.
This role focuses on designing, developing, and supporting modern web applications, internal platforms, and data-driven systems that support faculty, staff, researchers, and students across the McCormick community.
Our team maintains a portfolio of existing institutional applications while also building new systems focused on connected data, modern user experiences, automation, and emerging AI-enabled workflows. Current initiatives include the continued development of a centralized data warehouse platform, modernization of faculty systems and workflows, and exploration of AI-assisted tools and development practices.
The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex problems, collaborating closely with stakeholders, and learning new technologies in a rapidly evolving software landscape. We are looking for someone who is excited about modern software engineering practices, thoughtful system design, and building applications that improve how people work and interact with information. The ideal candidate is comfortable navigating ambiguity, taking initiative, and helping shape technical approaches in a collaborative environment.
This role balances hands-on development with thoughtful collaboration to support evolving institutional needs and modern application experiences.
This is a hybrid position with one day per week on-site and four days remote.
Specific Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning

• Provides application development leadership for new and existing software applications.
• Partners with user in designing features for technology.
• Provides recommendation on how to enhance system for future growth.
• Advises/recommends project and activities as related to system/architectural direction and strategy.

Administration

• Develops and implements procedures for data security, management and compliance
• Creates and maintains code documentation.
• Creates ad hoc administrative reports.
• Delivers system presentations and overviews.
• Evaluates feature/upgrade/change requests and recommends action.
• Researches new technologies to enhance current system.

Development

• Provides technical leadership on projects.
• Acts as subject matter expert (SME) in appropriate technologies and business domain.
• Designs, codes, tests, debugs and documents all phases of applications development.
• Codes software applications adhering to designs supporting internal business requirements or external user.
• Troubleshoots complex, difficult issues.
• Designs databases and data structures.
• Provides recommendations on how to enhance system to meet full business requirements.
• Determines project feasibility and how to integrate with current system.

Supervises

• Provides work direction to team members.
• Supervises staff such as team members, subordinates, contractors, vendors, students, etc.
• Coaches and mentors staff.
• Manages projects ensuring timelines and deliverables are met and meet expectations.
• Provides input to staff assignments.
• Provides input to performance evaluations for junior team members.

Miscellaneous
Performed other duties
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as computer science, information technology, or related field; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years relevant experience required.
• Digital repository
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Apache
• Code Repositories (Git, Subversion)
• Identity Management/Provisioning
• Information Security
• Ldap
• Linux Operating System
• Mac Os X Operating System
• Service Orienteted Architecture (SOA)
• SQL/MySQL/Postgres
• CSS
• HTML 5
• JavaScript
• JQuery
• PHP
• Python
• RubyOnRails
• SAS
• XML
• Laravel
• FERPA
• Critical Thinking
• Data Warehouse Design/Develop
• Database Design/ Data Structure
• Debugging
• Decision Making
• Judgment
• Problem Solving
• Troubleshooting
• Code Documentation
• Collaboration And Teamwork
• Facilitate Collaboration
• Functional Documentation
• Iterative & Incremental Development
• Workflow Development & Documentation

Other:

• CRM Applications, Centralized Data Platforms, Analytics & Reporting Systems
• RESTful APIs, Identity & Authentication Integrations, GIT
• Systems thinking, AI Workflow, Technical Documentation, Data Modeling

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Experience developing modern web applications using PHP/Laravel, Ruby on Rails, or similar MVC frameworks with PostgreSQL/MySQL or comparable relational databases.
• Strong understanding of relational database design including relationship types, ideal data storage formats and index performance.
• Knowledge of modern browser front-end development using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, responsive design principles, and modern web standards.
• Strong familiarity with Git-based version control workflows and collaborative software development practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve application, integration, and data related issues across multiple systems.
• Understanding of modern software engineering principles including maintainability, scalability, accessibility, security, and documentation.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt, learn, and contribute within a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
• Demonstrated interest in continuous learning, thoughtful problem solving, experimentation, and modern development practices.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of professional software development experience building modern web applications or software systems.
• Experience working with AI-assisted development tools, coding assistants, or AI-enabled development workflows.
• Experience experimenting with AI agents, LLM APIs, automation tooling, or intelligent application features.
• Experience designing or supporting PostgreSQL-based systems, data pipelines, analytics systems, or centralized data platforms.
• Experience designing user-centered applications with thoughtful UI/UX practices.
• Experience working within higher education, research, or highly decentralized organizational environments.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and modern hosting environments.
• Experience contributing to modernization efforts involving legacy systems and connected application architecture.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Exceptional interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute effectively within a collaborative development environment.
• Ability to apply critical thinking to technical, operational, and user-centered challenges.
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong curiosity about emerging technologies and willingness to explore modern development approaches.
• Ability to identify practical opportunities for automation and workflow improvement.
• Collaborative mindset focused on thoughtful problem solving, continuous learning, experimentation, and knowledge sharing.
• Understanding of user-centered design principles and modern application experiences.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and contribute to evolving technical solutions and modernization efforts.
• Interest in modern software engineering practices, AI-assisted workflows, and continuous improvement.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .