1

Senior Systems Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Chicago, IL We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering ...

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Chicago, IL We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering ...

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Chicago, IL We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering ...

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Chicago, IL We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering ...

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Chicago, IL We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering ...

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Chicago, IL We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Oakton College is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to oversee the day-to-day operations and ... system programming tasks to ensure system security and proper operations of servers and ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Lisle, IL · Hybrid

$103K - $141K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Systems Analyst, Salesforce Administration, to support and enhance our Salesforce platform, with a strong focus on Experience Cloud (Communities/Portals). This role partners ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Systems Analyst, Salesforce Administration, to support and enhance our Salesforce platform, with a strong focus on Experience Cloud (Communities/Portals). This role partners ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Lisle, IL · Hybrid

$103K - $141K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Systems Analyst, Salesforce Administration, to support and enhance our Salesforce platform, with a strong focus on Experience Cloud (Communities/Portals). This role partners ...

Sr Systems Engineer - IAM

Chicago, IL

$107K - $147K/yr

Overall Purpose The Senior Systems Engineer - IAM sits within the Identity Platform Engineering team, part of the broader Identity and Access Management department, and serves as the technical anchor ...

Sr. Systems Admin

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

As a Senior Systems Administrator you will be a key member of there LAMP development team ... Other duties may be assigned. • Manage and execute clients' website updates including programming ...

Senior Systems Integration Engineer Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our MxD team as we strive to ...

Job Summary : 1872 Consulting is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to oversee the migration from an on-prem Windows Server/VMWare environment to a cloud environment (Azure). The role involves ...

Senior Trading Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Senior Trading Systems Engineer, Chicago, IL This Senior Trading Systems Engineer position is 100 ... Programmer Analyst, Chicago Recruiters, Information Technology Jobs, IT Jobs, Chicago Recruiting ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Systems Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36

$59

$83

How much do senior systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior systems programmer in Chicago, IL is $59.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.04 and $67.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior systems programmer?

Senior Systems Programmers are experienced professionals who design, implement, and maintain low-level software that enables computer systems and hardware to function efficiently. They often work on operating systems, device drivers, and system utilities, ensuring optimal performance and stability. Their responsibilities may include troubleshooting complex system issues, optimizing code, and collaborating with other IT teams to support large-scale computing environments. Senior Systems Programmers typically have strong knowledge of languages like C, C++, and assembly, as well as deep understanding of operating system internals.

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

To thrive as a Senior Systems Programmer, you need strong expertise in computer science fundamentals, systems programming languages (like C/C++ or Assembly), and operating system internals, often backed by a relevant degree and significant experience. Proficiency with debugging tools, version control systems (such as Git), and familiarity with mainframe or server platforms are typically required, with certifications in specific technologies being advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating across teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These combined skills ensure robust, efficient, and secure system operations, which are critical for business continuity and technological advancement.

What are some common challenges faced by senior systems programmers, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Systems Programmers often encounter challenges such as managing complex legacy codebases, ensuring system scalability, and integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure. Addressing these challenges typically involves maintaining thorough documentation, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, and staying current with industry best practices through ongoing learning. Proactive communication and effective troubleshooting skills are also essential for resolving issues efficiently and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Senior Systems Programmer vs Systems Analyst?

AspectSenior Systems ProgrammerSystems Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CompTIA or MicrosoftBachelor's in Information Systems, Business, or related; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentIT departments, software development teams, technical supportBusiness units, IT departments, client-facing roles
Employer & IndustryTech companies, large enterprises, government agenciesBusinesses across industries, consulting firms, government
Search & Comparison IntentTechnical skills, programming, system maintenanceBusiness processes, system requirements, user needs

The main difference is that Senior Systems Programmers focus on coding, maintaining, and optimizing computer systems and software, while Systems Analysts primarily analyze business needs and design system solutions. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Systems Programmer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Systems Programmer job openings:

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Chicago, IL • On-site

Peraton
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$86K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Responsibilities
Shape the Future of America's Skies with Peraton
Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep our nation's skies safe, secure, and connected.
We're seeking innovative professionals who thrive in high-impact, mission-driven environments and are excited to help transform the future of air traffic management. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world's most vital transportation infrastructures while collaborating with leaders in aviation, engineering, data science, and systems integration.
At Peraton, you won't just support the mission-you'll help define it.
NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer
Location: Chicago, IL
We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering activities that support the design and implementation of new large-scale radio network equipment at more than a thousand FAA air traffic control centers across the United States. Applicants must have experience with site surveys, radio network configurations, racks and cable routings and have familiarity with safety and risk management issues while creating site installation engineering packages (detailed drawings, BOM, installation steps and schematics).This position will work closely with our FAA client, Peraton CAD drafters and schedulers, and third-party installation teams, and must be attentive to detail, have strong problem-solving ability and display strong communication skills.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct large-scale radio network planning, including site surveys, radio network configurations, racks and cable routings.
  • Create site installation engineering packages (detailed drawings, BOM, installation steps and schematics) to support implementation and deployment of radio communication equipment.
  • Develop system design packages that support site preparation, procurement, and installation activities.
  • Support development of site engineering packages required for radio equipment installations.
  • Perform requirements definition and system decomposition.
  • Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to support system modeling and documentation.
  • Conduct trade-off analyses to support engineering decisions and system design optimization.
  • Provide technical leadership and engineering guidance to project teams and junior engineers.
  • Facilitate engineering discussions, working groups, and design reviews across technical stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including field engineering, deployment teams, and program leadership to ensure design alignment with operational requirements.
  • Ensure designs comply with program standards, engineering best practices, and technical requirements.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 6 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 3 years with PhD; 10 years with an AS degree; 12 years in lieu of degree
  • US Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain a public trust clearance
  • Experience with systems engineering processes, including requirements definition, system decomposition, and architecture development.
  • Experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles.
  • Ability to perform engineering trade studies and technical evaluations.
  • Experience providing technical leadership or mentorship within engineering teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to support technical working groups and design reviews.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting radio communication systems with telecommunications infrastructure for interface, or similar technical deployments.
  • Familiarity with site survey analysis and site engineering documentation.
  • Experience supporting large federal or aviation-related programs.
  • Proficiency with engineering and design tools such as SysML, UML, and CAD.

#BNATCS
Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

What Peraton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Peraton logo

About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017