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Software Engineering Consultant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Inspire11

ML Engineering Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

The ML Engineering Consultant role involves designing scalable machine learning infrastructure ... software engineering principles • Proficiency in cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP) • ...

Inspire11

ML Engineering Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Strong software engineering principles * Experience designing and building cloud-native AI ... consultations (and discounted rates on referred lawyers), online legal forms, assistance with ...

Northern Trust

Lead, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$108K - $169K/yr

The Northern Trust Company seeks a Lead, Software Engineering to design, build, and test software ... consultation and interview sessions with Business and IT Partners across Business Units; 3 years of ...

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Software Engineering Consultant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$95

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How much do software engineering consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for software engineering consultant in Chicago, IL is $95.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70.62 and $85.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software engineering consultant?

Software Engineering Consultants are technology professionals who provide expert advice, guidance, and hands-on assistance to organizations on software development projects. They help businesses design, develop, and implement software solutions tailored to specific needs, often optimizing existing systems or recommending new technologies. Their work can include code reviews, system architecture design, process improvement, and troubleshooting technical challenges. Software Engineering Consultants often work on a contractual basis, bringing specialized expertise that may not exist within a company’s in-house team.

What are some common challenges faced by software engineering consultants when working with client teams?

Software Engineering Consultants often navigate the challenge of quickly adapting to new technologies, workflows, and company cultures unique to each client. They must build trust with client teams, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and deliver solutions within tight deadlines. Balancing multiple projects and managing expectations requires strong organization and adaptability. Consultants also need to stay current with industry best practices to provide valuable insights and maintain credibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software engineering consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineering Consultant, you need advanced programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and a degree in computer science or a related field, often supplemented by experience in software architecture. Familiarity with development frameworks, cloud platforms, and tools like Git, along with certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Scrum Master, is highly valued. Strong communication, adaptability, and client management skills help you effectively translate technical solutions into business value. These competencies enable consultants to deliver tailored, high-quality solutions that meet diverse client needs and drive project success.

What is the difference between Software Engineering Consultant vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Engineering ConsultantSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; certifications like PMP or AWS are commonBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; coding certifications optional
Work EnvironmentConsults across multiple projects/clients, often in diverse industriesWorks primarily within a single company or project team
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, tech companies, freelanceTech companies, startups, in-house teams
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for strategic, high-level rolesCompared for hands-on coding and development roles

While both roles involve software skills, a Software Engineering Consultant typically provides expert advice across multiple projects and industries, focusing on architecture and strategy. A Software Developer primarily writes code within a specific team or company. The choice depends on whether you prefer consulting or hands-on development work.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineering Consultant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Software Engineering Consultant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineering Consultant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineering Consultant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Software Engineering Consultant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineering Consultant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $198,172 per year, or $95.3 per hour.

ML Engineering Consultant

Inspire11

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Inspire11 is a modern business and technology consulting firm dedicated to delivering exceptional results and empowering employees. The ML Engineering Consultant role involves designing scalable machine learning infrastructure, developing Generative AI solutions, and ensuring security and compliance while monitoring models in production.
Responsibilities:
• Designing scalable machine learning infrastructure, including implementing CI/CD pipelines for model deployment
• Monitoring models in production
• Developing Generative AI solutions
• Ensuring security and compliance
• Preprocessing and analyzing datasets
• Developing and fine-tuning ML models to optimize for performance
• Communicating results to stakeholders
Qualifications:
Required:
• Designing scalable machine learning infrastructure, including implementing CI/CD pipelines for model deployment
• Monitoring models in production
• Developing Generative AI solutions
• Ensuring security and compliance
• Preprocessing and analyzing datasets
• Developing and fine-tuning ML models to optimize for performance
• Communicating results to stakeholders
• Exhibit strong software engineering principles
• Proficiency in cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Familiarity with CI/CD and DevOps
• Expertise in data preprocessing and ML techniques
• Experience with model evaluation and libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch
• Proven experience in ML engineering
• Strong programming skills (Python, R)
• Cloud services and infrastructure knowledge
• Agile methodologies understanding
Company:
Inspire11 is a service, digital, and management consulting firm dedicated to making an impact for clients, employees, and communities. It is a sub-organization of Insight. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Chicago, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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