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Senior Backend Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Hartford, IL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

... 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 ...

Leidos

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Maryville, IL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

... 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 ...

Leidos

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Dupo, IL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

... 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 ...

Leidos

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Venice, IL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

... 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 ...

Leidos

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Columbia, IL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

... 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 ...

Leidos

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Madison, IL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

... 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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBackend Engineer JobsSenior Backend Engineer JobsSenior Backend Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Senior Backend Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$19.2K

$142.9K

$200.2K

How much do senior backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend engineer in Illinois is $142,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,500.00 and $167,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior backend engineer?

Senior Backend Engineers are experienced software professionals responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the server-side components of web applications or systems. They work with databases, APIs, and application logic to ensure robust, scalable, and efficient backend operations. Their role often involves collaborating with frontend engineers, managing system architecture, reviewing code, and mentoring junior developers. Senior Backend Engineers also play a key role in optimizing performance, ensuring security, and integrating new technologies into existing systems.

What are some common challenges senior backend engineers face when scaling backend systems, and how are they typically addressed?

Senior Backend Engineers often encounter challenges related to system scalability, such as database bottlenecks, latency issues, and maintaining system reliability under increased load. Addressing these challenges typically involves optimizing database queries, implementing caching strategies, and designing microservices architectures to distribute workloads efficiently. Collaboration with DevOps and frontend teams is also crucial to ensure seamless integration and monitoring. Proactively identifying potential scalability issues and participating in code reviews are key responsibilities in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior backend engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Backend Engineer, you need advanced proficiency in server-side programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Node.js), database management, and experience with scalable system architecture, typically supported by a relevant degree and several years of professional experience. Familiarity with frameworks, APIs, containerization tools (like Docker and Kubernetes), and cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure) is essential, along with knowledge of version control systems like Git. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and mentorship skills help you collaborate across teams and guide junior developers. These skills ensure the delivery of robust, efficient, and maintainable backend systems that support business objectives and seamless user experiences.

How much does a senior backend engineer make?

A senior backend engineer's salary typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have expertise in programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js and may receive additional compensation through bonuses or stock options.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Backend Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Senior Backend Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Senior Backend Engineer job openings:

Senior Backend Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Backend Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,946 per year, or $68.7 per hour.

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Leidos

East Carondelet, 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 499 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.

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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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