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Software Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kunai

Technical Program Manager

Chicago, IL

$132K - $172K/yr

Bring a software engineering lens to technical scoping, sequencing, and tradeoff discussions with ... Technical Program Manager running programs involving application engineering, modernization ...

Clearwater Analytics

Sr. Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

Clearwater Analytics is seeking a Sr. Program Manager responsible for identifying and finalizing ... with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms and delivery model • Strong computer skills ...

Synch-Solutions

RPA Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

The RPA Program Manager will interface with stakeholders throughout the enterprise to help drive ... Minimum of 5 years of professional experience leading software automation and/or integration ...

Zebra Technologies

Program Manager Senior

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$122K - $122K/yr

The Program Manager Senior position will play an important role in advancing how Zebra manages ... Intermediate to advanced skills with project / portfolio management software (e.g., Smartsheet)

Zebra Technologies

Program Manager Senior

Lincolnshire, IL · Hybrid

$122K - $122K/yr

The Program Manager Senior position will play an important role in advancing how Zebra manages ... Intermediate to advanced skills with project / portfolio management software (e.g., Smartsheet)

SES

Program Manager, In-flight Connectivity

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98K - $144K/yr

Lead cross-functional teams spanning aircraft engineering, software, certification, regulatory, quality, supply chain, and installation * Build and manage integrated program schedules, action ...

SES

Program Manager, In-flight Connectivity

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98/hr

Lead cross-functional teams spanning aircraft engineering, software, certification, regulatory, quality, supply chain, and installation * Build and manage integrated program schedules, action ...

Clearwater Analytics

Sr. Program Manager

Chicago, IL

$119K - $120K/yr

Job Summary: The Program Manager is responsible for identifying and finalizes project ... Proven experience implementing software solutions within the Financial Services, Market Data and/or ...

MX1

Program Manager, In-flight Connectivity

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98/hr

Lead cross-functional teams spanning aircraft engineering, software, certification, regulatory, quality, supply chain, and installation * Build and manage integrated program schedules, action ...

Vizient

Technical Program Manager, Spend

Chicago, IL

$77K - $135K/yr

Strong knowledge of Agile software development methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, and Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) practices. * Experience managing enterprise cloud-based software ...

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All JobsSoftware Program JobsSoftware Program Manager JobsSoftware Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Software Program Manager information

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How much do software program manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for software program manager in Chicago, IL is $63.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58.17 and $70.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software program manager?

Software Program Managers are professionals who oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of software projects within an organization. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure that software products meet business goals and quality standards. Their role involves risk management, stakeholder communication, and resolving any issues that could impact project success. Software Program Managers act as a bridge between technical teams and business leaders to ensure alignment throughout the software development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Software Program Manager vs Software Project Manager?

AspectSoftware Program ManagerSoftware Project Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple related projects, aligns them with business goals, manages interdependenciesManages individual software projects, focuses on scope, schedule, and deliverables
CertificationsPMI-ACP, PMP, Agile certifications often preferredPMP, Scrum Master, Agile certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-project coordination, stakeholder communicationDay-to-day project execution, team management, task tracking
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations managing multiple projectsCommon in both small and large teams focusing on specific projects

While both roles involve project management skills, a Software Program Manager oversees multiple related projects to ensure strategic alignment, whereas a Software Project Manager focuses on the successful delivery of individual projects. The Program Manager handles broader coordination and stakeholder communication, often requiring similar certifications but with a focus on program-level objectives.

Are software program managers in high demand?

Software program managers are in high demand due to the growth of technology companies and the need for coordinated project delivery. They often require strong leadership, technical knowledge, and experience with project management tools like Agile or Scrum. The role is expected to grow as organizations increasingly rely on software development and digital transformation.

How does a software program manager typically collaborate with development and QA teams to ensure project success?

A Software Program Manager works closely with both development and QA teams to align project timelines, clarify requirements, and address roadblocks as they arise. They facilitate regular meetings, such as stand-ups or sprint reviews, to ensure everyone is on the same page and that priorities are being met. By acting as a bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders, Program Managers help ensure that quality standards are maintained while deadlines are achieved. Effective communication and proactive issue resolution are key aspects of their collaboration with these teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software program manager?

To thrive as a Software Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, software development life cycles, and a relevant degree, often complemented by experience in leading technical teams. Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, and Agile or Scrum certifications is typically required for planning and tracking progress. Strong communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for aligning teams and managing expectations. These competencies are vital to deliver projects on time, within scope, and to ensure effective collaboration among cross-functional teams.

What are popular job titles related to Software Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Software Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Software Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Software Program Manager job openings:

Software Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Program Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,383 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Technical Program Manager

Kunai

Chicago, IL

$132K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Kunai builds full-stack technology solutions for banks, credit and payment networks, infrastructure providers, and their customers. Together, we are changing the world's relationship with financial services. At Kunai, we help our clients modernize, capitalize on emerging trends, and evolve their business for the coming decades by remaining tech-agnostic and human-centered.

As part of your first client engagement, you will help drive the retirement, remediation, and migration of legacy applications across a large payments platform program, working closely with engineering teams to define scope and sequence the work.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Manage a portfolio of legacy application retirement and migration projects across a payments platform program
  • Partner with engineering and architecture teams to define disposition paths for legacy systems: retire, remediate, or migrate to new infrastructure
  • Bring a software engineering lens to technical scoping, sequencing, and tradeoff discussions with engineering leads
  • Build and maintain project plans, timelines, and dependency maps across multiple concurrent workstreams and products
  • Identify risks and blockers early, and drive them to resolution with the right technical and business stakeholders
  • Track progress against milestones and report status clearly to program leadership and client stakeholders
  • Coordinate across engineering, infrastructure, security, and compliance teams to keep migrations on track
  • Facilitate program-level ceremonies (planning, status reviews, retros) to keep teams aligned
  • Maintain clear documentation of application disposition decisions and migration progress
  • Flag scope or timeline changes early and help the team adjust plans accordingly

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

  • 7+ years experience as a Technical Program Manager running programs involving application engineering, modernization, migration, or retirement, ideally leading multiple products or a portfolio in large organizations
  • Software engineering background and/or enough technical depth to scope and sequence work directly with engineering teams
  • Exposure to product management, with an understanding of how technical roadmaps connect to product priorities
  • Experience in banking, payments, credit, debit, settlements, or another regulated financial services environment
  • Familiarity with cloud migration concepts and target infrastructure (AWS or similar)
  • Working knowledge of Agile delivery practices and tools like JIRA and Confluence
  • Experience managing risk, dependencies, and stakeholder communication across multiple workstreams
  • A clear communicator who can translate technical detail for both engineers and business stakeholders
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable keeping several moving parts on track at once

Our success over the past 20 years is rooted in our exceptional team, which thrives in a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning.
We are proud to offer our employees a range of benefits, including competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and flexible work arrangements, all designed to help them thrive. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to cultivating an environment where people feel valued, have a voice, and are given the tools to grow—both personally and professionally—while pushing the boundaries of innovation in the fintech industry.

Minimum Degree Required:

  • Bachelor's Degree, in lieu of a degree, demonstrating in addition to the minimum years of experience required for the role, three years of specialized training and/or progressively responsible work experience in technology for each missing year of college is required