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Senior Back End Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... senior levels, you'll thrive here. We're hiring a Backend Software Engineer to support a ... high‑visibility, data‑driven application used across the organization for analytics and ...

... senior levels, you'll thrive here. We're hiring a Backend Software Engineer to support a ... high‑visibility, data‑driven application used across the organization for analytics and ...

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

We're expanding our engineering team in Chicago, a major hub for our customers and the heart of U.S. freight operations. In this role, you'll be a full member of our core engineering team, but ...

Sr. Developer - Java Backend

Chicago, IL

$124K - $161K/yr

String experience in Java 8, Spring Boot, Restful API development Hands-on experience in Pivotal Cloud Foundry (PCF) and Microservices SonarQube experience is required

This role suits someone who's comfortable context-switching between recruiting profiles - one day sourcing a Senior Backend Engineer, the next partnering with a VP of Sales on a regional AE build-out ...

.NET Developer

Chicago, IL

$49.75 - $65.75/hr

Net back-end developer, with some front-end experience Needs WCF Able to confidently speak about ... Nagesh Sr.Technical Recruiter Integrated Resources, Inc. IT Life Sciences Allied Healthcare CRO ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Back End Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$62K

$135.5K

$184.6K

How much do senior back end developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior back end developer in Illinois is $135,507.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,800.00 and $151,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior back end developer?

Senior Back End Developers are experienced software engineers who specialize in building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power web and mobile applications. They collaborate with front end developers and other team members to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of applications. Their responsibilities often include designing system architecture, optimizing code for scalability, implementing security best practices, and mentoring junior developers. Senior Back End Developers typically have several years of experience and a deep understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, or Node.js.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior back end developer?

To thrive as a Senior Back End Developer, you need advanced programming skills (such as in Python, Java, or Node.js), a deep understanding of server-side architecture, and experience with databases, often backed by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with frameworks (like Django or Spring), RESTful APIs, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), and version control systems (such as Git) is typically required, along with relevant certifications. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you deliver robust solutions and mentor junior developers. These skills ensure scalable, secure, and maintainable back-end systems that are vital for reliable business operations.

What are some common challenges senior back end developers face when working on large-scale systems?

Senior Back End Developers often encounter challenges such as ensuring system scalability, maintaining high performance under increased load, and designing robust APIs that can evolve over time. They must also address complex data consistency issues and integrate with multiple third-party services or legacy systems. Collaborating closely with front end, DevOps, and QA teams is crucial to align on architecture decisions and streamline deployment processes, making strong communication and problem-solving skills essential.

What is the difference between Senior Back End Developer vs Backend Engineer?

AspectSenior Back End DeveloperBackend Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, experience in backend developmentBachelor's in CS or related field, experience in backend systems
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with front-end developers, product managers, and QA teamsWorks on server-side logic, database integration, and API development
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and enterprise software firmsUsed across similar industries, often interchangeably with Senior Back End Developer

Both roles require similar technical skills and educational backgrounds, focusing on server-side development. The main difference lies in the seniority level and scope of responsibilities, with Senior Back End Developers typically taking on more leadership and complex project tasks compared to Backend Engineers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Back End Developer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Back End Developer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Back End Developer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Back End Developer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Senior Back End Developer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Senior Back End Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Back End Developer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 72% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,507 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Leidos

National Stock Yards, IL • On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Description

If you’ve been building your skills in backend development, object‑oriented programming, and mission‑driven engineering, and you’re ready for work that actually moves the needle, this is the kind of opportunity cleared engineers pursue when they want to grow while making real impact. If you take pride in your craft, enjoy solving meaningful technical problems, and want your work to support a mission with visibility at senior levels, you’ll thrive here.

We’re hiring a Backend Software Engineer to support a high‑visibility, data‑driven application used across the organization for analytics and reporting. You’ll help build and maintain core backend services, develop RESTful APIs, support data‑driven functionality, and contribute to ongoing system enhancements within a Linux‑based environment. Your work will directly support system reliability, performance, and data accuracy for mission stakeholders. Our primary development team operates out of Gaithersburg, MD, but we also support onsite engineers in Chantilly, VA, Alexandria, VA; Aurora, CO; St. Louis, MO; and Tucson, AZ, giving top talent multiple paths to join the mission.

And while the requisition requirements may seem standard fare, the position is not; as it will join a high performing team that is changing the way digital engineering and mission operations intelligence is enabled for our customer. 

Why This Role Stands Out

  • High Impact: Your work supports a widely used application that drives real‑time decision‑making

  • High Visibility: Collaborate with engineering teams and mission stakeholders across programs

  • Career Growth: Build deeper expertise in backend development, API design, and scalable systems

  • Challenging Work: Contribute to complex backend features — not routine maintenance tasks

Essential Responsibilities

  • Backend Development: Design, develop, test, and maintain backend application components using Java or Python

  • REST API Development: Develop and maintain RESTful services to support application functionality and system integrations

  • Object-Oriented Programming: Apply object-oriented design principles to build scalable and maintainable systems

  • Database Development: Write and modify SQL queries to support application functionality and data retrieval

  • Data Source Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external teams to understand data sources, formats, and access methods, and support integration into backend systems

  • Linux Environments: Develop and troubleshoot applications within Linux-based environments

  • Data Processing & Business Logic: Implement backend logic for data transformation, processing, and system workflows

  • Bug Fixing & Enhancements: Identify, debug, and resolve application-level defects and performance issues

  • Code Quality: Follow coding standards, participate in code reviews, and support documentation efforts

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field with 4–8 years of experience; or a Master’s degree with 2–6 years of experience

  • US Citizenship

  • Active TS/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph

  • Professional experience developing object‑oriented applications in Java or Python

  • Hands‑on experience building and maintaining RESTful APIs

  • Basic to moderate experience with SQL capability, including writing queries and working with relational databases

  • Working knowledge of Linux‑based environments

  • Ability to work independently on defined tasks within established technical frameworks and deliver reliable results

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Apache Airflow or similar workflow orchestration technologies

  • Experience with Spring Boot, Django, or similar backend frameworks

  • Exposure to CI/CD pipelines (GitLab, Jenkins, etc.)

  • Familiarity with containerization (Docker, OpenShift)

  • Exposure to cloud environments (AWS or Azure)

  • Experience working in Agile development environments

#NSBA

#MARU

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:August 28, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


What Leidos employees say

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Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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