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Software Engineer Level 1 Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Capital One

Senior Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Capital One Senior Lead Software Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to be on the forefront ... level. This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days. No agencies ...

Capital One

Senior Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Capital One Senior Lead Software Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to be on the forefront ... level. This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days. No agencies ...

JCSI

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Contribute to application and feature-level design decisions * Improve CI/CD pipelines, DevOps ... High ownership: You will be one of the key U.S.-based engineers contributing directly to the ...

Motorola

Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$63K - $97K/yr

Department Overview Our RF Site Software Engineering organization, a key component of the ASTRO ... system-level automated testing. We use Agile methodologies to organize our work and we are ...

Motorola

Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$56K - $85K/yr

Our RF Site Software Engineering organization, a key component of the ASTRO Networks business ... system-level automated testing. We use Agile methodologies to organize our work and we are ...

Capital One

Lead Software Engineer - Backend

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Capital One Software Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to be on the forefront of driving a ... level. This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days. No agencies ...

CACI

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

... low-level programming such as device-driver and OS programming Understanding of processor ... software engineering process concepts from requirements reviews, code inspection to component ...

New

Calfus Inc.

Software Engineer

Mundelein, IL · On-site

As one of the fastest-growing companies in our industry, we take pride in fostering a culture of ... Exposure to a cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or GCP) at the level of spinning up compute, storage, and ...

New

CACI International, Inc.

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... Familiarity with low-level programming such as device-driver and OS programming * Understanding of ...

Capital One

Lead Software Engineer, Back End

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Capital One Software Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to be on the forefront of driving a ... level. This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days. No agencies ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSoftware Engineer Level 1 JobsSoftware Engineer Level 1 Jobs in Chicago, IL

Software Engineer Level 1 information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.4K

$151.9K

$211.7K

How much do software engineer level 1 jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer level 1 in Chicago, IL is $151,943.00, 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 level 1?

Software Engineer Level 1 jobs are entry-level positions in the software development field, typically for recent graduates or those with limited professional experience. These engineers work under the supervision of more experienced developers, assisting with coding, debugging, testing, and maintaining software applications. They are expected to have a foundational knowledge of programming languages, software development principles, and problem-solving skills. Level 1 software engineers often participate in team meetings, contribute to project documentation, and learn industry best practices. The role serves as a stepping stone to more advanced engineering positions.

What types of projects and technologies does a software engineer level 1 typically work on, and how are tasks assigned within the team?

As a Software Engineer Level 1, you will usually work on foundational components of larger projects, such as coding specific features, fixing bugs, or writing unit tests under the guidance of more experienced engineers. Tasks are often assigned by a team lead or project manager, with regular check-ins to ensure alignment and offer mentorship. The technologies you work with depend on the company's stack but commonly include languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, and tools such as Git for version control. Collaboration is key, and you'll regularly participate in code reviews, daily stand-ups, and pair programming sessions to build both your technical skills and teamwork abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software engineer level 1, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Level 1, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, version control systems such as Git, and basic software development tools is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help you collaborate effectively and adapt to new challenges. These skills and qualities are essential for contributing to projects, growing professionally, and ensuring successful software delivery in a team environment.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Level 1 vs Software Engineer Level 2?

CriteriaSoftware Engineer Level 1Software Engineer Level 2
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; entry-level experienceSame as Level 1, often with 1-3 years of experience
Work EnvironmentJunior team member, supervised tasks, learning-focusedMore independent, handles complex tasks, mentorship roles
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and corporate IT teamsProgression within same environments, increased responsibilities

Software Engineer Level 1 typically involves entry-level tasks with supervision, while Software Engineer Level 2 requires more experience and independence, handling more complex projects and mentoring junior staff. The transition reflects increased skills and responsibilities within the same industry and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Software Engineer Level 1 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Level 1 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 $151,943 per year, or $73 per hour.

Space Systems Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2 (TS/SCI)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL

$87K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: 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.

At Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you will engineer the enduring icons of modern space exploration and global security, from manufacturing the vital Solid Rocket Boosters for NASA's Artemis missions and the engineering behind the James Webb Space Telescope, to pioneering on-orbit logistics with our uncrewed Cygnus cargo spacecraft and Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), alongside developing next-generation national defense constellations and strategic missile systems.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSS), Rolling Meadows, IL is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to add to its Software and Controls Department to contribute to full-cycle product development of new software subsystems and defense electronics as well as customization of current systems to support customer needs. As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be supporting a team of experienced engineers performing requirements analysis and system design, coding, test, and verification activities using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. These products and systems power the next generation of products. Our products are integrated with our customers' machines and systems, and many of the applications are highly customized and unique. We are interested in highly motivated candidates with embedded software design experience with a focus on software interactions with safety-critical real-time systems, digital signal processing, and secure software solutions.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance at the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work

Basic Qualifications:

  • Active or Current Top Secret clearance with SCI

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another STEM discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience; OR Master's degree in the fields listed above.

  • Experience developing software in C/C++

  • Experience with scripting languages such as: Python, JavaScript, Perl, Unix/DOS shell scripts

  • Working knowledge of electronic test equipment (Oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers)

  • Experience with hands-on lab testing of electronic equipment

  • Basic understanding of digital signal processing concepts

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Working knowledge of RTOS (RTLinux, VxWorks, Integrity, FreeRTOS) concepts and operation

  • Experience with Linux Embedded real-time OS development (Yocto)

  • Experience developing in a hybrid Linux/Windows environment

  • Working knowledge of Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)

  • Understanding of Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and architectures

  • Experience developing software for microcontroller platforms (CortexM4, TI, STM, etc)

  • Experience developing drivers and BSPs for custom hardware platforms

  • Experience with System on a Chip (AMD, Xilinx, Altera) software/FPGA integration

  • Experience with digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms

  • Experience with hands-on hardware testing, debugging and board bring-up

  • Experience with GNU Radio and/or Redhawk SDR development

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSoftwareJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00The 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

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