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Software Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Principal, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership and hands-on execution across complex, cloud-native software initiatives. This role ...

Principal, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership and handson execution across complex, cloudnative software initiatives. This role combines ...

TransUnion's Job Applicant Privacy Notice Personal Information We Collect Your Privacy Choices Team Overview Directors, Software Engineering for Chicago IL, location. Provide strategic and technical ...

New

You'll maintain Senior Software Engineer-level technical proficiency and occasionally contribute directly to high-impact engineering tasks, particularly around software quality and testing. Key ...

Software Engineering Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$240K - $310K/yr

You have experience leading software engineering teams and developing engineers. You bring a strong technical foundation in software development and system design, with proficiency in compiled ...

Deep software engineering experience in complex distributed systems * Strong technical competence which allows you to be responsible for the technical domain * Hands-on approach and ready to deep ...

New

You'll maintain Senior Software Engineer-level technical proficiency and occasionally contribute directly to high-impact engineering tasks, particularly around software quality and testing. Key ...

Amyx, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineering Lead to join their Dept. of Defense client at Scott Air Force Base in O'Fallon, IL. The role focuses on supporting software development and Agile delivery ...

Showing results 41-60

Software Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$61.5K

$143K

$199.1K

How much do software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering in Illinois is $142,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,300.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is software engineering a well paying job?

Software engineering is generally a well-paying profession, with median salaries often higher than many other fields, especially for those with strong programming skills and experience in popular languages like Java, Python, or C++. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and industry, but the role typically offers competitive compensation and benefits. Continuous learning and certifications can further enhance earning potential.

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

To thrive as a Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages such as Python, Java, or C++, along with a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals and a relevant degree. Familiarity with development tools like Git, cloud platforms, version control systems, and knowledge of software development methodologies are typically required. Problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills that help engineers collaborate and deliver high-quality solutions. These skills and qualities are essential to create efficient, maintainable software and to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and project requirements.

What is the difference between Software Engineering vs Software Development?

AspectSoftware EngineeringSoftware Development
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CSWA or AWSBachelor's in Computer Science or related, coding bootcamps
Work EnvironmentDesigning, planning, and managing software projectsWriting, testing, and debugging code
Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare, and more for complex systemsCommon in startups, small teams, and for app development

Software engineering involves designing and managing software projects, focusing on architecture and lifecycle. Software development primarily centers on coding and building applications. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, software engineers often handle broader project planning, whereas developers focus on coding tasks.

What are some common challenges software engineers face when working on large-scale projects, and how can they be addressed?

Software engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as managing codebase complexity, coordinating with distributed teams, and ensuring consistent coding standards. To address these issues, teams typically implement version control systems, conduct regular code reviews, and use agile methodologies to break tasks into manageable sprints. Effective communication tools and clear documentation also play a crucial role in keeping everyone aligned and minimizing misunderstandings.

What is software engineering?

Software engineering is the discipline of designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems. It involves applying engineering principles and systematic methods to ensure software is reliable, efficient, and meets user requirements. Software engineers work with programming languages, frameworks, and tools to solve problems and build solutions for various industries. The field encompasses many specializations, including front-end development, back-end development, DevOps, and more.

What jobs can a software engineer do?

A software engineer can work in roles such as application developer, systems engineer, web developer, mobile app developer, or software architect. They often design, develop, test, and maintain software solutions using programming languages like Java, Python, or C++, and may work in various industries including technology, finance, healthcare, and gaming.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineering jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Software Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Software Engineering jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Software Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,954 per year, or $68.7 per hour.

Principal, Software Engineering

Northern Trust

Chicago, IL • On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Northern Trust rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Northern Trust:
Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.
Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world's most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership and hands-on execution across complex, cloud-native software initiatives. This role combines deep engineering expertise with mentorship, architecture influence, and strong collaboration across global teams. The ideal candidate is passionate about engineering excellence, AI-assisted development, and building high-quality, scalable products using modern development practices.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership & Hands-On Development
  • Act as a hands-on technical leader, designing, developing, and reviewing high-quality, production-ready software.
  • Lead development using Java as the primary language, following clean code, TDD, and spec-driven development principles.
  • Drive adoption of AI-assisted development capabilities (e.g., Copilot-style tools, intelligent automation) to improve developer productivity and code quality.
  • Influence and review application and solution architecture for scalability, security, performance, and maintainability.
  • Partner with architects and senior engineers to define and enforce engineering standards and best practices.
Cloud & Platform Engineering
  • Design, build, and deploy applications on Microsoft Azure, leveraging cloud-native services.
  • Contribute to cloud architecture decisions with a strong understanding of:
    • Azure compute, networking, storage, and security
    • Cloud-based databases (SQL & NoSQL) and performance considerations
  • Support and continuously improve DevOps pipelines, CI/CD practices, and infrastructure automation.
  • Enable resilient, observable, and cost-efficient systems in the cloud.
Quality, DevOps & Automation
  • Champion Test-Driven Development (TDD) and automated testing at all levels (unit, integration, system).
  • Enable and evolve test automation frameworks and practices across teams.
  • Closely collaborate with DevOps and SRE partners to:
    • Improve release reliability and deployment frequency
    • Reduce operational risk and technical debt
    • Strengthen monitoring, alerting, and production readiness
Engineering Excellence & Team Enablement
  • Mentor and groom engineers to elevate technical skills, design thinking, and ownership mindset.
  • Provide guidance through code reviews, design discussions, and technical deep dives.
  • Foster a culture of high engineering standards, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Act as a trusted technical advisor to product, QA, and platform teams.
Collaboration & Communication
  • Work closely with cross-functional stakeholders including Product, Architecture, QA, and Operations.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Collaborate effectively with globally distributed teams across North America, EMEA, and India, accommodating time-zone overlaps when required.
  • Proactively identify risks and propose pragmatic solutions.
Required Qualifications
Technical Skills
  • 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a strong hands-on track record.
  • Deep expertise in Java and modern application frameworks.
  • Strong experience with Azure cloud services and cloud-native application development.
  • Solid understanding and practical application of:
    • Test-Driven Development (TDD)
    • Spec-driven / contract-first development
    • CI/CD and DevOps practices
  • Working knowledge of cloud databases, data modeling, and performance tuning.
Professional Skills
  • Proven ability to lead by influence rather than authority.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving, design, and decision-making abilities.
  • Comfortable operating in fast-paced, evolving environments.
Preferred / Added Weightage
  • Microsoft Azure Architect Certification (strongly preferred).
  • Experience integrating or enabling AI-assisted engineering tools within development workflows.
  • Exposure to large-scale modernization, cloud migration, or distributed systems.
  • Experience working in regulated or enterprise-grade environments.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
  • Engineering teams consistently deliver high-quality, secure, and scalable products.
  • Robust DevOps and automation practices reduce friction and improve time-to-market.
  • Engineers grow in capability, confidence, and ownership.
  • Architecture decisions balance innovation, stability, and long-term maintainability.
  • Global collaboration is effective, respectful, and outcome-driven.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)
Salary Range:
$137,400 - 233,600 USD
Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.
Working with Us:
As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.
Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve! Join a workplace with a greater purpose.
We'd love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world's most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today. #MadeForGreater
Reasonable accommodation
Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com .
We hope you're excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.
Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.

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