Prior startup or high-growth company experience Work Environment * Hybrid role: must be able to work in-office in Chicago at least 1 day per week * Collaborative, hands-on engineering culture * Small ...
Quick apply
Prior startup or high-growth company experience Work Environment * Hybrid role: must be able to work in-office in Chicago at least 1 day per week * Collaborative, hands-on engineering culture * Small ...
Sales Representative
Chicago, IL · Remote
... changing startup environment Having an small business network is an extreme plus Compensation Full time commission Remote Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential ...
Sales Representative
Chicago, IL · Remote
... changing startup environment Having an small business network is an extreme plus Compensation Full time commission Remote Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential ...
We are an emerging startup company that is focused on bridging the gap between enterprise grade technology and business for small/medium sized businesses. We have a blog that is focused on technology ...
We are an emerging startup company that is focused on bridging the gap between enterprise grade technology and business for small/medium sized businesses. We have a blog that is focused on technology ...
Sales Representative
Chicago, IL · On-site
... startup environment • Having an small business network is an extreme plus • Compensation • Full time commission • Remote Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential ...
Sales Representative
Chicago, IL · On-site
... startup environment • Having an small business network is an extreme plus • Compensation • Full time commission • Remote Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential ...
Partnerships Manager - Founding Team
$80K - $110K/yr
... stage logistics startup. This role is central to the company's growth both in the short and ... Prospect, acquire, and grow a book of small to mid-sized clients * Develop deep knowledge of the ...
Quick apply
Partnerships Manager - Founding Team
$80K - $110K/yr
... stage logistics startup. This role is central to the company's growth both in the short and ... Prospect, acquire, and grow a book of small to mid-sized clients * Develop deep knowledge of the ...
Technical Support Engineer
Burr Ridge, IL · On-site
And you will identify and lead small-scale projects that improve plant reliability, efficiency, and overall performance * You will support the safe, efficient startup of new production facilities and ...
Technical Support Engineer
Burr Ridge, IL · On-site
And you will identify and lead small-scale projects that improve plant reliability, efficiency, and overall performance * You will support the safe, efficient startup of new production facilities and ...
Technical Support Engineer
Burr Ridge, IL · On-site
And you will identify and lead small-scale projects that improve plant reliability, efficiency, and overall performance * You will support the safe, efficient startup of new production facilities and ...
Technical Support Engineer
Burr Ridge, IL · On-site
And you will identify and lead small-scale projects that improve plant reliability, efficiency, and overall performance * You will support the safe, efficient startup of new production facilities and ...
Senior ML Engineer
Chicago, IL · Remote
$180K - $240K/yr
... small but mighty ML team building production-grade AI voice agents used by enterprise customers like AAA and Fanatics. You're an applied AI engineer who thrives in startup environments, writes clean ...
Quick apply
Senior ML Engineer
Chicago, IL · Remote
$180K - $240K/yr
... small but mighty ML team building production-grade AI voice agents used by enterprise customers like AAA and Fanatics. You're an applied AI engineer who thrives in startup environments, writes clean ...
Future Open Roles - Join Our Talent Network!
Chicago, IL · On-site
$107K - $146K/yr
We're a small, scrappy team working on a problem that actually matters. About the Roles We're ... Comfort working in dynamic or startup environments * Ability to manage ambiguity and shifting ...
Future Open Roles - Join Our Talent Network!
Chicago, IL · On-site
$107K - $146K/yr
We're a small, scrappy team working on a problem that actually matters. About the Roles We're ... Comfort working in dynamic or startup environments * Ability to manage ambiguity and shifting ...
We are a small and nimble team that works globally across the PepsiCo organization to identify ... Drive the startup evaluation and selection process through logical and analytical thinking with ...
New
We are a small and nimble team that works globally across the PepsiCo organization to identify ... Drive the startup evaluation and selection process through logical and analytical thinking with ...
New
We are a small and nimble team that works globally across the PepsiCo organization to identify ... Drive the startup evaluation and selection process through logical and analytical thinking with ...
New
We are a small and nimble team that works globally across the PepsiCo organization to identify ... Drive the startup evaluation and selection process through logical and analytical thinking with ...
New
Setter (600-Days*)
$25 - $38/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Setter (600-Days*)
$25 - $38/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Setter (600-Days*)
Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site
$25 - $38/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Setter (600-Days*)
Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site
$25 - $38/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
All previous startup staff were volunteers, interns, or contractors first. WHO WE ARE Want to help ... You will be a leader of a small team and should be able to rally diverse individuals around a ...
All previous startup staff were volunteers, interns, or contractors first. WHO WE ARE Want to help ... You will be a leader of a small team and should be able to rally diverse individuals around a ...
Set Up Technician - Injection Molding (12-hour Nights)
Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site
$24 - $38/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Set Up Technician - Injection Molding (12-hour Nights)
Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site
$24 - $38/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Setter (APU 4 C)
Vernon Hills, IL · On-site
$24 - $36/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Setter (APU 4 C)
Vernon Hills, IL · On-site
$24 - $36/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Marketing and Brand Manager
Chicago, IL · On-site
All previous startup staff were volunteers, interns, or contractors first. WHO WE ARE Want to help ... You will be a leader of a small team and should be able to rally diverse individuals around a ...
Marketing and Brand Manager
Chicago, IL · On-site
All previous startup staff were volunteers, interns, or contractors first. WHO WE ARE Want to help ... You will be a leader of a small team and should be able to rally diverse individuals around a ...
Setter (APU 4 C)
$24 - $36/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Setter (APU 4 C)
$24 - $36/hr
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Ensure Injection Molding machines are running to standard and ensuring product quality meets specification at each startup. * Troubleshoot small and mid-size problems in processes, escalate to Setter ...
Director of Finance
Naperville, IL · Hybrid
This is not a back-office role -- the ideal candidate has thrived in startup or small-company environments, built and refined processes from the ground up, and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves.
Quick apply
Director of Finance
Naperville, IL · Hybrid
This is not a back-office role -- the ideal candidate has thrived in startup or small-company environments, built and refined processes from the ground up, and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves.
Small Startup information
See Illinois salary details
$11.65 - $13.89
7% of jobs
$13.89 - $16.14
9% of jobs
$16.59 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.14 - $18.38
45% of jobs
$18.38 - $20.63
10% of jobs
$22.31 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$20.63 - $22.87
6% of jobs
$22.87 - $25.11
6% of jobs
$25.11 - $27.36
4% of jobs
$27.36 - $29.60
2% of jobs
$29.60 - $31.85
3% of jobs
$31.85 - $34.09
3% of jobs
$34.09 - $36.34
4% of jobs
$11
$21
$36
How much do small startup jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for small startup in Illinois is $21.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What should I expect in terms of team structure and collaboration when working at a small startup?
At a small startup, teams are usually lean and highly collaborative, which means you may work closely with founders, early employees, and cross-functional partners. Everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, often wearing multiple hats and pitching in outside their official job descriptions. This environment fosters continuous learning and quick decision-making but also requires flexibility and open communication. You'll have the chance to see the direct impact of your work and may even influence key company decisions. For those seeking hands-on experience and growth, startups offer a dynamic atmosphere perfect for rapidly developing new skills.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a small startup?
To thrive in a Small Startup, strong entrepreneurial drive, versatility, and a willingness to take on multiple responsibilities are crucial, often supported by foundational business, technical, or marketing knowledge. Familiarity with productivity tools such as project management platforms, CRM systems, and basic accounting software is important. Adaptability, proactive problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that set individuals apart in fast-changing startup environments. These abilities enable rapid iteration, seamless teamwork, and the ability to navigate uncertainty, all of which are essential for startup success.
What is a small startup?
A Small Startup job typically involves working in a fast-paced, early-stage company where employees take on multiple roles. These jobs require adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to solve challenges with limited resources. Unlike large corporations, startups offer more hands-on experience, direct collaboration with founders, and opportunities for growth. However, they may also come with uncertainties such as fluctuating funding and evolving job responsibilities. Joining a startup can be a great way to gain exposure to various aspects of a business and make a significant impact early in your career.
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Job description
Principal Backend Engineer | Architect
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 1 day/week in-office)
Company: Ludex, Inc.
Ludex is a consumer-facing technology platform transforming the sports and trading card hobby through AI-driven scanning, data, and marketplace tools. We build products used by millions of collectors and enterprise sellers, and we move fast. If you thrive in a startup environment where ownership, velocity, and impact matter, you’ll feel at home here.
Role Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Principal Engineer to help design, build, and scale the backend systems that power Ludex’s consumer and Enterprise products. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys building high-performance, scalable applications, working close to the product, and operating with an entrepreneurial mindset.
You will play a critical role in architecture decisions, performance optimization, and the evolution of our platform as we scale users, data volume, and revenue.
This role requires a high level of ownership and autonomy. You will be responsible for making key backend architecture decisions and driving execution in a fast-moving startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using Node.js, NestJS, and TypeScript
- Build and optimize APIs that support consumer-facing products and enterprise workflows
- Design, manage, and optimize PostgreSQL databases and data models for performance and reliability
- Work with AWS infrastructure (e.g., EC2, RDS, S3, Lambda, CloudWatch, etc.)
- Collaborate closely with frontend engineers, product, and other teams to deliver end-to-end features
- Ensure high standards for code quality, efficiency, security, and performance
- Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks across services and databases
- Participate in architecture discussions and contribute to long-term technical strategy
- Support deployments, monitoring, and system reliability in production environments
- Thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, balancing speed with sound engineering judgment
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of professional backend engineering experience
- Strong proficiency with Node.js and TypeScript
- Hands-on experience with NestJS or similar backend frameworks
- Deep experience working with relational databases, particularly PostgreSQL
- Proven experience building and scaling consumer-facing applications
- Experience working with AWS in production environments
- Strong understanding of API design, data modeling, and system architecture
- Ability to write clean, efficient, maintainable, and well-tested code
- Strong ability to independently evaluate technical approaches and make architecture decisions in a startup environment.
- Proven experience owning backend systems end-to-end, including design, implementation, deployment, and ongoing evolution.
- Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with evolving requirements
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Nice to Have
- DevOps experience, including CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, or deployment automation
- Experience with system monitoring, observability, and performance tuning
- Experience supporting high-scale or data-intensive applications
- Prior startup or high-growth company experience
Work Environment
- Hybrid role: must be able to work in-office in Chicago at least 1 day per week
- Collaborative, hands-on engineering culture
- Small team, high ownership, and real influence on product direction
Why Ludex
- Build products used by millions of passionate collectors
- High-impact role with real ownership and visibility
- Opportunity to shape architecture and engineering standards
- Fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment without heavy bureaucracy
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About Ludex
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Software development
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
Chicago, IL, US
Year founded
2000