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Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Waukegan, IL

ECHO is seeking a hands-on Software Engineering Manager to lead a team responsible for enterprise integrations, API services, platform engineering, and full-stack application development. This role ...

Software Engineer Manager

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site +1

$165K - $180K/yr

ECHO is seeking a hands-on Software Engineering Manager to lead a team responsible for enterprise integrations, API services, platform engineering, and full-stack application development. This role ...

ECHO is seeking a hands-on Software Engineering Manager to lead a team responsible for enterprise integrations, API services, platform engineering, and full-stack application development. This role ...

The Director of Software Engineering is a senior technology leader responsible for driving the ... Reporting into the DVP of Engineering, the Director partners closely with Product Management ...

Director, Software Engineering

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$251K/yr

Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Systems Engineering, V&V, Cybersecurity, Quality, Operations, and PMO to ensure integrated planning, release readiness, risk mitigation, and ...

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Software Engineering Manager information

See Waukegan, IL salary details

$94.5K

$161K

$190.5K

How much do software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering manager in Waukegan, IL is $160,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $164,400.00 and $164,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software engineering manager do?

A software engineering manager oversees a team of people who are working on the development of new computer software or the enhancement of existing computer programs. Because this is a management job, your duties may include coordinating and planning with other departments within the company and with company executives. In addition to management skills, you need a firm understanding of the technical aspects of software engineering. Another aspect of this career involves understanding the market and competitor’s products so that your software can compete and meet market demands.

What does a software engineering manager do?

A Software Engineering Manager oversees a team of software engineers, guiding the development of software projects from planning to implementation. They are responsible for managing the team's workflow, ensuring high-quality code, and meeting project deadlines. In addition to technical leadership, they also handle hiring, mentoring, and performance reviews. Their role bridges the gap between technical execution and business objectives, ensuring that software solutions align with strategic goals.

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

To thrive as a Software Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in software development, team leadership, and project management, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development tools, agile methodologies, version control systems, and, in some cases, certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are valuable. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and mentoring skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for successfully guiding technical teams, delivering projects efficiently, and fostering a collaborative and innovative engineering culture.

What are some common challenges faced by software engineering managers when leading diverse development teams?

Software Engineering Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing technical leadership with people management, aligning team members with different backgrounds and skill sets, and ensuring effective communication across remote or cross-functional teams. Navigating these challenges involves fostering an inclusive environment, setting clear expectations, and adapting management styles to individual team members’ needs. Successful managers also prioritize regular check-ins and feedback to keep projects on track and support professional growth within the team.

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

AspectSoftware Engineering ManagerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, debugging, and implementing features
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across tech companies, startups, and large enterprisesCommon in all software development settings
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, leadership responsibilitiesFocus on technical skills, coding tasks

The main difference between a Software Engineering Manager and a Software Developer lies in their roles and responsibilities. Managers oversee teams, coordinate projects, and handle strategic planning, while developers focus on coding and technical implementation. Both roles are essential in the software development lifecycle, but they serve different functions within an organization.

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineering Manager jobs in Waukegan, IL?

For Software Engineering Manager jobs in Waukegan, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineering Manager jobs in Waukegan, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineering Manager jobs in Waukegan, IL are:

What cities near Waukegan, IL are hiring for Software Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities near Waukegan, IL with the most Software Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineering Manager job openings in Waukegan, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,955 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Software Engineering Manager 2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$153K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 26 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 available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. 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!
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) seeks to fill multiple Manager Level 2 Software and Digital Technologies (SWDT) positions for front-line managers in our Mission Systems Survivability (MSS) and RF Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS) product line in our Rolling Meadows, IL location. The selected candidate will report to the MSS or EWS Department Manager of SWDT supporting the Rolling Meadows, IL site. Minimal travel is expected.
The successful manager will:
  • Be responsible for driving strong technical, cost, and scheduling performance in support of division contracts.
  • Be responsible for staffing projections and execute staffing plans in accordance with staffing projections.
  • Be responsible for regular communication with direct employees, including increasing inclusion and engagement, mentoring and career development, employee training, and performance management.
  • Be accountable for recruiting talent, to include candidates for entry-level positions as well as experienced candidates for mid and senior-level positions.
  • Be responsible for reviewing organizational metrics with applicable program and organizational leadership.

This position will be full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location
Basic Qualifications:
  • BS/BA degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related discipline with a minimum of 8 years related Software Engineering experience or MS degree with 6+ years related Software Engineering experience.
  • Experience and depth of understanding in software engineering principles, and the full engineering lifecycle, including Agile for embedded software engineering.
  • High proficiency in technical problem solving, to include decomposition, root cause analysis, solution development, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Experience leading small-to-medium technical teams in successful delivery of technical solutions, engineering artifacts, and operational software.
  • US citizenship
  • Must be able to obtain full secret clearance prior to starting.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related discipline with 5 years' experience in an agile environment
  • Applied knowledge of Product Line Management.
  • Ability to connect the company's capabilities to existing and potential customers to support business development.

Primary Level Salary Range: $153,800.00 - $230,800.00
The 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