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Small Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Strut Learning

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 ...

Nemera

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 ...

Strut Learning

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 ...

MP1 Solution

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.

MP1 Solution

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.

MP1 Solution

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.

MP1 Solution

Director of Finance

Naperville, IL · On-site

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.

Stark Pharma Solutions Inc

Senior Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Lead planning and execution of small to medium capital projects up to $5M. * Develop project scope ... Support construction, commissioning, qualification, and project startup activities. * Develop and ...

Unframe

Technical Recruiter

Chicago, IL · On-site

About Unframe Unframe is an AI-first startup helping the world's largest enterprises bring LLM ... We're a small, focused group that values ownership, speed, and collaboration. Ready to Build the ...

Sofive

Manager on Duty

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

We are a growing startup that is developing state-of-the-art soccer centers - modern sport complexes with small-sided soccer fields. We have 22 sites to date, with many more in the pipeline.

Eliyan

PD - IP Lead - Sr Staff, Physical Design

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$138K - $142K/yr

Join the leading chiplet startup! As an Eliyan Sr Staff / Principal Physical Design Engineer, you ... Expertise in physical design, timing closure, and signoff for small to large ASIC IP blocks ...

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All JobsSmall Startup JobsSmall Startup Jobs in Illinois

Small Startup information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$21

$36

How much do small startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Small Startup jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Small Startup jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Small Startup jobs in Illinois?

For Small Startup jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Small Startup jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Startup jobs in Illinois are:

Small Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Startup job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,503 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Marketing and Brand Manager

Strut Learning

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

NOTE: WE DO NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS THROUGH THIS SYSTEM. Per the instructions below you must fill out the GoogleForm to submit a full application. This also requires looking at our website and taking your EQ assessment. We will no longer respond to incomplete applications. Thank you for your interest and time.
In just 12 years, by 2030, 50% of school-aged children will be failing or not enrolled in schools. Education is the biggest human rights / civil rights issue of this generation. We are optimizing learning for the individual by focusing on a child's emotional intelligence through technology that increases all levels of learning.
Overview
STRUT is a NEW (2018) high growth, technology-based, social venture optimizing individualized learning through emotional intelligence. STRUT's tools support learning theory to shorten learning time, increase knowledge retention (and thus increase test scores and grades), increase engagement, and increase satisfaction in a measurable way.
We are currently seeking a Part-time/Full-time Brand and Marketing Manager who will work as a critical member to develop a marketing strategy, create marketing materials for funding, and manage media strategy. We are a fast-moving, high-growth potential startup. As such, this position is currently unpaid. We are prepared to offer college credit as needed and there is potential for this opportunity to translate to a long-term, permanent position later. As we grow, STRUT hopes to offer plenty of potential opportunities. STRUT strives for a model of 2/3 promotion from within, and 1/3 from outside. All previous startup staff were volunteers, interns, or contractors first.
WHO WE ARE
Want to help change the landscape of education and education technology? Our goal is to not only develop technology for learners but to develop strategies and technologies for the entire sector.
Want to get on the bottom floor of a new social cause startup? Create societal good with measurable impact while exponentially growing market valuation. Join a startup team with a founder whose previous 2 startups received series B ($15M) and series A ($2M) level of funding commitment in less than 1 year each. The goal is to prove the model and raise $2.5M in less than 1 year.
Join a founding team of 12 equity members that is rapidly growing. In his 2 previous startups, all staff members were cultivated and recruited from volunteer/ intern positions.
Leadership Development
STRUT wants leaders who follow, not followers or leaders who do not follow. We cultivate a culture of autonomy, growth-mindedness, individual and group empowerment, and fun. Members must be able to use (or learn to use quickly) relevant technology: project management, knowledge management, and communication tools. They must be able to identify obstacles and seek and recommend solutions. Must be disciplined, goal-focused individuals who can assess situations and make on-the-spot decisions that affect multiple aspects of the organization.
You must want to work in an organization that is fueled by passion, led by strong, experienced, leaders, but with the flair of a startup. Suits and ties need not apply. Only those who are willing to do anything it takes to succeed are welcomed. It is not about titles or badges.
We are physically located in Chicago; however, we operate with a strong, virtual team. You may work locally or virtually. In either case, the following skills are essential to success in this role:
  • Superior communication skills: Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, across a variety of mediums, including phone, email, social media, etc. Must be comfortable communicating with leadership at every level of the organization as well as undertaking targeted communications initiatives (i.e., "cold calling") in order to build relationships. In other words, you are not afraid to talk to people and put yourself out there in support of the organizational mission!
  • Strong leadership skills: You will be a leader of a small team and should be able to rally diverse individuals around a shared vision as well as mobilize them to complete key deliverables and meet critical deadlines. You are a consensus builder who is able to get people excited about a shared vision and develop consensus. You are skilled with conflict management and in the handling of group dynamics. You are comfortable operating as a part of a virtual team.
  • Social Media Experience: You are excited about the ability of social media to engage diverse audiences, move strategic messaging forward, and advance a marketing strategy. You are passionate about social justice and bringing, education, the potential of technology to transform our education system and enjoy developing campaigns and messaging to promote these things.

Key Competencies Required:
  • Experience using Google Suite of tools (Gmail, Drive, Hangouts, etc.), Microsoft Office Suite, Graphic design tools (like Canva)
  • Extremely detail-oriented, self-starter, who is able to work independently with little oversight and direction in a fast-moving startup environment
  • Ability to take ownership of a project/process, identify needs, and deliver on time at the highest quality.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice, advocacy, and education.
  • Must have at least 2 years of professional work experience or equivalent (e.g. research, internships)
  • Takes ownership of projects and delivers in advance of deadlines
  • Has a track record of success in academic and professional settings
  • Displays exceptional interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills (proactive communication)
  • Has a passion for social change, learning, education, technology and/ or startups
  • Is skilled (or wishes to be) in Foosball, Pacman Smash air hockey, and/or Pop-a-Shot (for when we get an office)

For immediate start.
To Apply
Consider the following before you apply:
  • Your interest in emotional intelligence, education, and/or education technology
  • Your desire and ability to work in a startup environment
  • Your ability to work in an autonomous virtual team with high levels of ambiguity and your proactive communication skills
  • Your general availability/duration
  • Your ideal position (do you want to grow into the role long-term or are you looking for a short-term role/internship?)

Fill out googleForm application:
  • https://forms.gle/t4Q6nBbFg3J46xEcA
  • We reply to EVERY applicant

Apply