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Software Engineer Independent Contractor Jobs in Chicago, IL

AI Software Engineer - Remote

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$80 - $120/hr

Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating reinforcement learning environments that ...

Software Engineer - Sentinel

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$70 - $175/hr

This position is 100% on-site at a contractor facility in the Huntsville, AL area. Remote or hybrid options are not available. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO As a Software Engineer (SWE) you will be ...

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Back to Careers Full-Time, Hybrid or Remote Chicago, IL / Remote Software Engineer Engineering This ... Go Abacus Corporation and each of its affiliated entities are legally separate and independent. Go ...

Strong oral and written communication skills Ability to work both independently and as a ... software engineering process concepts from requirements reviews, code inspection to component ...

Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member * Flexibility to adapt to new and changing environments * Knowledge of telephony * Familiar with software engineering process ...

Lead Software Engineer Java

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150 - $190/hr

... contractors, and vendors * Develops secure and high-quality production code, and reviews and debugs ... Ability to tackle design and functionality problems independently with little to no oversight ...

The Advanced Software Engineer will work independently on complex technical problems, contribute to ... We are not only committed to this policy by our status as a federal government contractor, but also ...

The Advanced Software Engineer will work independently on complex technical problems, contribute to ... We are not only committed to this policy by our status as a federal government contractor, but also ...

Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating reinforcement learning environments that ...

Embedded Software Engineer

IL

$135K - $178K/yr

This position requires strong analytical skills, a solid foundation in software engineering principles, and the ability to work independently across most phases of the development cycle. The ideal ...

... independently solving complex technical problems and influencing technical direction. * Strong ... Our software product, engineering, and operations teams set the bar for talent in our industry. We ...

About Software Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you passionate about building real-world ... Comfortable working independently and in cross-functional teams Bonus : * Familiarity with Git or ...

About Software Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you passionate about building real-world ... Comfortable working independently and in cross-functional teams Bonus : * Familiarity with Git or ...

About Software Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you passionate about building real-world ... Comfortable working independently and in cross-functional teams Bonus : * Familiarity with Git or ...

About Software Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you passionate about building real-world ... Comfortable working independently and in cross-functional teams Bonus : * Familiarity with Git or ...

About Software Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you passionate about building real-world ... Comfortable working independently and in cross-functional teams Bonus : * Familiarity with Git or ...

About Software Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you passionate about building real-world ... Comfortable working independently and in cross-functional teams Bonus : * Familiarity with Git or ...

About Software Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you passionate about building real-world ... Comfortable working independently and in cross-functional teams Bonus : * Familiarity with Git or ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Engineer Independent Contractor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.4K

$152K

$211.7K

How much do software engineer independent contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer independent contractor in Chicago, IL is $151,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,600.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software engineer independent contractor?

A Software Engineer Independent Contractor is a self-employed professional who provides software development services to clients on a contractual basis. Unlike full-time employees, independent contractors work on specific projects, often for multiple clients, and handle their own taxes, benefits, and work schedules. They may be responsible for designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software solutions based on client requirements. This role offers flexibility and autonomy but requires strong time management and business skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software engineer independent contractor?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Independent Contractor, you need proficient coding abilities, problem-solving skills, and a solid understanding of software development methodologies, often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with popular programming languages, project management tools, code repositories like Git, and relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Scrum Master are commonly expected. Excellent self-management, communication, and client relationship skills help you stand out in this position. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality solutions, maintaining professionalism, and ensuring client satisfaction while working independently.

What are the typical challenges faced by software engineer independent contractors, and how can they be addressed?

As a Software Engineer Independent Contractor, common challenges include managing multiple projects simultaneously, adapting to different client expectations, and ensuring consistent communication across remote teams. Successful contractors often establish clear project scopes, set realistic timelines, and utilize productivity tools to stay organized. Building strong client relationships and proactively addressing feedback can help mitigate misunderstandings and foster repeat business. Additionally, investing in ongoing learning and networking can open opportunities for higher-value projects and career growth. Embracing flexibility and self-discipline is key to thriving in this dynamic, self-driven work environment.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Independent Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Independent Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Software Engineer Independent Contractor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Software Engineer Independent Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineer Independent Contractor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,971 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

AI Software Engineer - Remote

YO AI Labs

Chicago, IL โ€ข Remote

$80 - $120/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Senior Software Engineer

Job Type: Contractor (~15 hours/week)
Location: Remote

Job Summary

We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating reinforcement learning environments that evaluate AI models on complex software engineering tasks using Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools.

You will design reproducible environments, deterministic verification, and reference solutions for tasks such as bug fixing, feature implementation, codebase refactoring, and performance optimization. No prior AI experience is required.

Key Responsibilities
  • Create reinforcement learning environments for software engineering tasks.
  • Design tasks involving bug fixing, feature development, refactoring, and performance optimization.
  • Build deterministic verification systems and golden reference solutions.
  • Evaluate AI agents' ability to reason through complex codebases and use MCP tools effectively.
  • Develop realistic, reproducible software engineering scenarios.
  • Ensure tasks accurately measure coding ability, problem-solving, and tool usage.
  • Document solutions and provide clear technical feedback.
Required Skills
  • Strong proficiency in Python 3, Java, Rust, C++, or TypeScript.
  • Strong understanding of algorithms and data structures.
  • Experience with bug fixing and debugging complex software issues.
  • Proven experience in feature implementation and codebase refactoring.
  • Strong knowledge of performance optimization and tuning.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Strong attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with large-scale or distributed codebases.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML systems is a plus but not required.
  • Experience with rigorous code reviews and software engineering best practices.
  • Experience working effectively in remote or cross-functional teams.
Hiring Process
  1. Submit an application and screening questions.
  2. Complete an AI interview (~30 minutes).
  3. Complete a technical assessment, if required.
  4. Hiring Manager review.
Compensation

Compensation is output-based, with payment provided per task that meets project specifications. Minimum weekly submission requirements may apply.

Availability

Selected experts should be prepared to begin their first tasks within 24–48 hours of completing onboarding.