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Software Developer Contract Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Buffalo Grove, IL (Onsite) Employment Type: 6-Month Contract-to-Hire Compensation: Up to $70/hour ... Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded software and firmware applications using modern C+

PGS Worldwide is seeking a Software Engineer in Rolling Meadows, IL for a one-year contract role supporting a leading aerospace & defense company. The Software Engineer will support the Radio ...

Java Developer

Chicago, IL

$52.50 - $68/hr

Java Developer 6+ months contract in Chicago, Illinois. Need local profiles only. Fully onsite role ... Software developers will have the opportunity to design, develop, test, deploy, support, and ...

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies ...

Java Full stack Engineer

Chicago, IL

$54 - $69.75/hr

Senior Software Developer - Java Duration: Contract Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI Position Responsibilities * Craft, test and deploy robust Java applications aligned with business needs using ...

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies ...

Senior Java Full stack Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$59 - $75.25/hr

Contract * Design, develop, and maintain web applications using Next.js, ReactJS, and the Fitch ... Expertise in software engineering practices, specifically in enabling incremental and agile ...

Software Engineer 3

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$57.75 - $77.75/hr

Job #218473 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Software Engineer 3 for a contract opportunity in Rolling Meadows, IL. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Bachelor's degree in Software ...

Software engineer 2

Chicago, IL

$100K - $137K/yr

API Developer This position is on the API Management team within the Digital team. The team is ... Duration: 12-Month Contract w/ extension based on performance Location: Chicago, IL- Hybrid ...

Software Engineer / Principal Software Engineer This role focuses on designing, developing ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Niles, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay ...

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Software Developer Contract information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.2K

$112.3K

$166.7K

How much do software developer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for software developer contract in Chicago, IL is $112,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,400.00 and $130,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work arrangements and expectations for contract Software Developers?

Contract Software Developers are usually hired for specific projects or defined timeframes, which can range from several weeks to multiple months, often working remotely or on-site depending on client needs. They are expected to quickly understand project requirements, deliver code efficiently, and collaborate with both in-house teams and other contractors, maintaining flexibility to adapt to different workflows and tools. Because contract roles may not include the same onboarding experience as permanent positions, self-motivation and strong independent work habits are important. This work arrangement provides valuable exposure to various industries and technologies, often expanding a developer’s professional network and enhancing career versatility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Software Developer Contract position, and why are they important?

A successful Software Developer Contract requires strong programming abilities, solid knowledge of software development methodologies, and relevant project or domain expertise, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript, as well as tools such as Git, Agile frameworks, and certification in areas like AWS or Scrum, is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving skills, adaptability, effective communication, and an ability to quickly integrate into new teams are crucial soft skills. These competencies enable contract developers to deliver high-quality solutions while efficiently navigating diverse projects and rapidly changing work environments.

What is a Software Developer Contract job?

A Software Developer Contract job is a temporary or project-based position where a developer is hired for a specific duration, typically through a contract agreement. Contractors may work independently, for an agency, or directly with a company to develop, test, and maintain software applications. These roles often offer flexibility but may not include benefits like health insurance or paid time off. Contract developers are usually paid hourly or per project and may work remotely or on-site depending on the employer's needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Software Developer Contract jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Software Developer Contract jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Software Developer Contract jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Software Developer Contract job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Developer Contract job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,311 per year, or $54 per hour.
Software/Principal Software Engineer

Software/Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$135K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

As a Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the Targeting Business Unit. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.

This position can be filled at the Software or Principal Software level based on specific requirements.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.

This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

This position can be filled at the Software or Principal Software level based on requirements below.

Basic Qualifications for Embedded Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 2+ years of engineering experience, or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.)
  • Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or VxWorks Operating Systems
  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience, or 3+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc)
  • Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or VxWorks Operating Systems
  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++11
  • Knowledge with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc)
  • Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile.
  • Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Embedded Software on target hardware.
  • Experience with complex systems of systems that utilize Parallel Processing, Multi-Threading, Distributed Processing, Multi-Core, System-on-Chip, and Secure Processing.
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.
Primary Level Salary Range: $85,400.00 - $128,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $105,400.00 - $158,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939