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Senior Software Engineer Startup Jobs in Chicago, IL

Permute AI, Inc

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180K - $280K/yr

Permute (www.permute.ai) Overview Permute is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and deploy production-grade AI systems in a fast-moving startup environment. This role is for ...

New

Carefeed

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join Carefeed's engineering team. We're a ... Join a fast-growing startup making a real impact in the lives of senior care providers and their ...

Carefeed

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join Carefeed's engineering team. We're a ... Join a fast-growing startup making a real impact in the lives of senior care providers and their ...

Carefeed

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

$126K - $166K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join Carefeed's engineering team. We're a ... Join a fast-growing startup making a real impact in the lives of senior care providers and their ...

IMG LIVE

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$131.25 - $175/hr

Senior Software Engineer page is loaded## Senior Software Engineerlocations: Remote-CA: Remote-WA: Remote-CO: Remote-NY: Remote-OR(PT)posted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR28401## **Senior ...

MessageControl

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

As a Software Engineer at MessageControl you'll be building intelligent products to protect people ... You've previously worked at a startup or think you'll enjoy working on many things you've never ...

MessageControl

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$126K - $166K/yr

As a Software Engineer at MessageControl you'll be building intelligent products to protect people ... You've previously worked at a startup or think you'll enjoy working on many things you've never ...

Zion Cloud Solutions

Senior Software Engineer

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer Location : Deerfield, IL Job Type : Full Time Zion Cloud Solutions LLC is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with a Bachelor s degree in Computer Science ...

Inspira Financial

Sr. Software Engineer (Remote)

Oak Brook, IL · On-site +1

$123K - $163K/yr

We are seeking talented Senior Software Engineers who can create complex .NET back-end solutions and scalable user experiences while collaborating with an experienced team of product development ...

Braven, Inc.

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$111 - $153/hr

Senior Software Engineer Team : Systems Location : Hybrid in Chicago (IL) or Newark (NJ) Employment Type : Full-time FLSA Classification Exempt Start Date : ASAP About Braven Braven is a national ...

Braven

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

$126K - $166K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Team : Systems Location : Hybrid in Chicago (IL) or Newark (NJ) Employment Type : Full-time FLSA Classification Exempt Start Date : ASAP About Braven Braven is a national ...

Braven

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Team : Systems Location : Hybrid in Chicago (IL) or Newark (NJ) Employment Type : Full-time FLSA Classification Exempt Start Date : ASAP About Braven Braven is a national ...

Braven

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Team : Systems Location : Hybrid in Chicago (IL) or Newark (NJ) Employment Type : Full-time FLSA Classification Exempt Start Date : ASAP About Braven Braven is a national ...

ULINE

Senior Software Engineer

Waukegan, IL

$116K - $153K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you an expert at developing software solutions from start to finish? Then you belong at Uline! Join ...

ULINE

Senior Software Engineer

Glenview, IL · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you an expert at developing software solutions from start to finish? Then you belong at Uline! Join ...

Trova Search

Sr. Software Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$123K - $163K/yr

Senior Software Engineer (.NET / Azure / Angular) Location: Oakbrook Terrace, IL (Hybrid - Onsite Mondays & Tuesdays)- MUST CURRENTLY RESIDE IN IL No C2C, third-party vendors, or sponsorship ...

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All JobsSoftware Engineer Startup JobsSenior Software Engineer Startup JobsSenior Software Engineer Startup Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Software Engineer Startup information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$77.8K

$147.6K

$197.8K

How much do senior software engineer startup jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software engineer startup in Chicago, IL is $147,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,200.00 and $166,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior software engineer do at a startup?

A Senior Software Engineer at a startup is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the core software products or services. They often take on a broad range of tasks, including coding, code reviews, system architecture, and mentoring junior team members. In a startup environment, they may also contribute to product decisions, help set technical direction, and quickly adapt to changing priorities. Their role is critical in building scalable, reliable solutions while fostering innovation and collaboration within a small, fast-paced team.

What are some unique challenges senior software engineers face when working at a startup compared to a larger company?

Senior Software Engineers at startups often navigate a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment where priorities can shift quickly. Unlike at larger organizations with established processes and specialized teams, startup engineers may wear multiple hats, handling everything from architecture decisions to hands-on coding and even DevOps tasks. This role typically requires a high degree of autonomy and the ability to make impactful technical decisions with limited resources. The collaborative nature means frequent interaction with product managers, designers, and often even company leadership, creating opportunities for broad influence but also demanding strong communication and adaptability.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Engineer at a startup, you need advanced programming abilities, architectural design experience, and a solid understanding of software development lifecycles, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with modern frameworks, cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), version control systems (such as Git), and agile methodologies is essential, with certifications in relevant technologies being advantageous. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you navigate the dynamic startup environment and mentor junior team members. These skills are crucial to rapidly building scalable solutions, driving innovation, and supporting business growth in a fast-paced and often ambiguous setting.

What is the difference between Senior Software Engineer Startup vs Software Engineer Startup?

AspectSenior Software Engineer StartupSoftware Engineer Startup
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, 3+ years experienceBachelor's in CS or related field, 0-2 years experience
Work EnvironmentFast-paced startup, leadership responsibilities, mentorshipCollaborative team, learning-focused, entry-level to mid-level tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTech startups, scale-ups, innovative projectsEarly-stage startups, product development teams
Common Search & ComparisonHigher responsibility, technical expertise, leadershipLearning opportunities, foundational skills, growth potential

The main difference between a Senior Software Engineer Startup and a Software Engineer Startup lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Software Engineers typically have more experience, take on mentorship roles, and handle complex projects, while Software Engineers are often in entry to mid-level positions focused on skill development and supporting team tasks.

How much does a senior software engineer startup make?

A senior software engineer at a startup typically earns between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and company size. Compensation may also include stock options or equity, especially in early-stage startups, and often requires proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript.

Is there a shortage of senior software engineers?

There is a high demand for senior software engineers across many industries due to the ongoing need for advanced technical skills, experience with programming languages like Java, Python, and cloud platforms, and leadership abilities. This demand often results in competitive salaries and opportunities, especially for those with strong problem-solving skills and experience in fast-paced startup environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Startup jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Software Engineer Startup jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Software Engineer Startup job openings:

Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Software Engineer Startup job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,611 per year, or $71 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

Permute AI, Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$180K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Senior Software Engineer - AI Systems
Employment Type: Full-time
Company: Permute (www.permute.ai)
Overview
Permute is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and deploy production-grade AI systems in a fast-moving startup environment. This role is for builders who move quickly, think clearly in ambiguous situations, and take ownership of turning ideas into working systems.
We care as much about how you think and build as we do about your background. The ideal candidate is someone who can reason through new problems, prototype rapidly, and ship reliable systems in a fast-moving startup environment.
Responsibilities
  • Design and implement production AI systems and agent architectures end-to-end
  • Build and maintain LLM-powered agents and tool-integration pipelines
  • Develop infrastructure for model evaluation, benchmarking, and monitoring
  • Collaborate with product, research, and engineering teams to deliver AI features
  • Prototype and productionize new approaches in reinforcement learning and agent orchestration
  • Optimize system reliability, performance, and scalability in deployed environments
  • Operate effectively in ambiguous, rapidly evolving startup environments

Required Qualifications
  • Strong background in software engineering and system design
  • Solid foundation in algorithms, statistics, and optimization
  • Experience building AI agents, LLM systems, or ML-driven products
  • 5+ years building in/around AWS infrastructure

Preferred Background
  • Degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field
  • Experience with:
    • Production Applications end-to-end
    • Agent orchestration frameworks
    • Model evaluation frameworks and benchmarking
    • Safety, monitoring, and reliability for deployed ML systems

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