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Software Engineer Manager Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

... management, instrument control, numerical recipes and/or data analysis. Experience in Scrum and other Agile Software Development methodologies is helpful Knowledge of the C/C++ programming language ...

Role Summary A growing technology organization is seeking a Software Engineering Manager - Embedded Systems to lead a team of software engineers responsible for the design, development, and delivery ...

Frontend Web and App Developer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$97K - $113K/yr

Frontend Web and App Developer At Smartz Inc, we rely on our dynamic team of engineers to solve the ... software. * Excellent troubleshooting skills. * Good project management skills Experience ...

Frontend Web and App Developer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$97K - $113K/yr

Frontend Web and App Developer At Smartz Inc, we rely on our dynamic team of engineers to solve the ... software. * Excellent troubleshooting skills. * Good project management skills Experience ...

Frontend Web and App Developer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$97K - $113K/yr

Frontend Web and App Developer At Smartz Inc, we rely on our dynamic team of engineers to solve the ... software. * Excellent troubleshooting skills. * Good project management skills Experience ...

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Software Engineer Manager information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$99.6K

$169.6K

$200.8K

How much do software engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer manager in Champaign, IL is $169,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,300.00 and $173,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Engineer Managers when transitioning from an individual contributor role?

Software Engineer Managers often find the shift from coding-focused work to leadership responsibilities challenging. Instead of primarily writing code, their days are filled with mentoring team members, managing project timelines, and facilitating communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Balancing technical oversight with people management, and learning to delegate effectively, are critical skills to develop. Additionally, they must stay current with technology trends while focusing on team growth and performance.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Manager vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Engineer ManagerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; often leadership experienceBachelor's degree in CS or related field; coding skills
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, designing, and implementing software solutions
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, large enterprisesWidespread across industries, including tech, finance, healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, career progressionTechnical skills, coding responsibilities

The main difference between a Software Engineer Manager and a Software Developer lies in their responsibilities. The manager oversees teams, manages projects, and aligns technical work with business goals, while the developer primarily focuses on coding and building software solutions. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the manager also needs leadership and project management abilities.

How much do software engineer managers get paid?

Software engineer managers typically earn between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior managers or those in high-cost areas may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and stock options.

What is a Software Engineer Manager?

A Software Engineer Manager is a professional who leads a team of software engineers, overseeing the design, development, and deployment of software projects. They are responsible for managing team performance, setting goals, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. In addition to technical expertise, they also handle hiring, mentoring, and career development of team members. Software Engineer Managers often collaborate with other departments to align technical solutions with business objectives. Their role combines leadership, project management, and deep technical knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Manager, you need a solid background in software development, team leadership experience, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira), version control systems (such as Git), and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) is typically required, along with relevant certifications. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and mentoring abilities help you build effective teams and drive project success. These skills ensure you can lead technical initiatives, foster collaboration, and deliver high-quality software solutions in dynamic environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, engineering managers, and principal engineers in the technology industry can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or in high-cost-of-living areas. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options or equity. Achieving this level typically requires strong technical expertise, leadership abilities, and a track record of impactful projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-cost-of-living areas or working at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Roles requiring advanced skills in areas like machine learning, cloud infrastructure, or executive-level management are more likely to reach this compensation level.

What does a software engineer manager do?

A software engineer manager oversees software development teams, coordinates project planning, and ensures timely delivery of high-quality software products. They also handle team management, performance evaluations, and collaborate with other departments to align technical goals with business objectives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL? The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Manager jobs in Champaign, IL? For Software Engineer Manager jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Software Engineer Manager jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Software Engineer Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Manager job openings in Champaign, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,629 per year, or $81.6 per hour.
Software Engineering Manager

Software Engineering Manager

SteveRecruiter, LLC

Champaign, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Software Engineering Manager – Embedded Systems

Lead the team - Shape the technology - Build products that matter

Recent embedded C++ software development experience needed


Champaign, IL area – 2 hours south of Chicago, IL | Onsite | Relocation Available

Must Currently be in the US


We're looking for a hands-on Software Engineering Manager to lead a talented embedded software team developing next-generation hardware and software products. This is an opportunity to combine technical leadership with hands-on engineering, influencing architecture, product strategy, and the future direction of an established technology platform.

This is not a role where you'll spend your day in meetings. You'll mentor engineers, drive technical decisions, collaborate across engineering and the business, and remain involved in the design and development process.

What you'll be doing:

  • Hands-on leading and mentoring a team of approximately 10 embedded software engineers and technical professionals focused on embedded system development.
  • Lead development of C++ embedded software running on Linux and Windows platforms.
  • Drive architecture, design, development, testing, and maintenance of embedded software products.
  • Partner with Electrical Engineering to define next-generation hardware platforms.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Product Management, Sales, and other stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions.
  • Champion software engineering best practices including code reviews, unit testing, CI/CD, source control, and Agile development.
  • Support product validation, troubleshooting, and continuous product improvement.

What we're looking for:

  • BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of embedded software development experience.
  • Current C++ development experience on embedded platforms in Linux and/or Windows embedded environments.
  • Background with Git, Jenkins (or similar CI tools), Jira, automated testing, and Agile development.
  • Experience leading projects or mentoring software engineers; previous people management is a plus.
  • Knowledge of embedded hardware, communication protocols, and object-oriented design.

Nice to have:

  • Qt
  • Python
  • FPGA experience
  • AWS or cloud technologies
  • Image processing or rendering experience

If you've built embedded software products, enjoy leading engineers, and still like being close to the technology, we'd like to hear from you.

Champaign, IL area | $130K–$180K + comprehensive benefits

Interested? Let's talk.