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Software Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

With a back-end team in the Philippines, I'm currently hiring for a Senior Software Engineer / Staff Engineer to join our client's startup where they are already No1 order-taking system for drive ...

Startup Solutions Architect, Startups

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65 - $85.50/hr

The AWS Startup Solutions Architecture team is dedicated to working with these early stage startup ... e.g. software development, cloud computing, systems engineering, infrastructure, security ...

Full Stack Software Engineer RCM Platform Are you ready to join a cutting-edge healthcare startup dedicated to revolutionizing the industry through innovative technologies? Our client, National ...

Software Engineer * Full-Time * Chicago, IL Our talented development team is ready to expand and is ... We * are a startup that helps the real estate industry save time and money. Although our company is ...

New

As we continue to grow, we're seeking a Software Engineering Manager to join our R&D organization ... startup environment. Duties & Responsibilities * Lead and manage an agile Scrum team delivering ...

As we continue to grow, we're seeking a Software Engineering Manager to join our R&D organization ... startup environment. Duties & Responsibilities * Lead and manage an agile Scrum team delivering ...

... also is like a startup because the potential of our group is at least one order of magnitude ... Description Our Software development team designs and builds low-latency systems that allow us to ...

Blueprint is an early-stage, venture-backed startup based in Chicago focused on tracking and treating mental illness through innovative technology. They are seeking a Fullstack Software Engineer to ...

Senior Software Engineer (.NET / Angular) - Hybrid Location: Chicago, Il About the Company A ... Experience working in high-growth SaaS or startup environments * Experience leveraging analytics ...

Full Stack Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$125K - $145K/yr

Full Stack Software Engineer RCM Platform Are you ready to join a cutting-edge healthcare startup ... Join a startup company with over 100 healthcare clients and growing! * Fully remote role that has a ...

Full Stack Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$125K - $145K/yr

Full Stack Software Engineer RCM Platform Are you ready to join a cutting-edge healthcare startup ... Join a startup company with over 100 healthcare clients and growing! * Fully remote role that has a ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

You've previously worked at a startup or think you'll enjoy working on many things you've never even seen before. * Demonstrated software architecture and distributed systems experience. * Strong ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$126K - $166K/yr

You've previously worked at a startup or think you'll enjoy working on many things you've never even seen before. * Demonstrated software architecture and distributed systems experience. * Strong ...

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Showing results 1-20

Software Startup information

See Illinois salary details

$46.5K

$108.4K

$160.9K

How much do software startup jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for software startup in Illinois is $108,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those working at large tech companies or in specialized fields like machine learning or cloud infrastructure, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership responsibilities or equity compensation.

What is the difference between Software Startup vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware StartupSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in Computer Science or related field; coding skillsSame as startup; often a degree and coding proficiency
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, innovative, often small teamsVaries; can be in startups, corporate, or agency settings
Employer & Industry UsageStartups in tech industry, entrepreneurial settingsBroad; tech, finance, healthcare, and more
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding startup roles vs traditional coding jobsClarifying job scope and environment

Software startups are dynamic, innovative environments focused on rapid growth and product development, often requiring versatile coding skills. Software developers work across various industries and settings, including startups, corporate firms, and agencies. While both roles demand similar technical credentials, startups emphasize adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, whereas traditional developer roles may focus more on specialized tasks within established companies.

Is it hard to get hired at a startup?

Getting hired at a startup can be competitive due to limited positions and high demand, but they often value skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Candidates with relevant technical expertise, such as coding or product development, and a strong cultural fit tend to have better chances. The hiring process may be faster and less formal than at larger companies.

What is a software startup?

A software startup is a newly established company that focuses on developing and bringing innovative software products or services to market. These companies typically operate in fast-paced environments and aim to solve specific problems through technology. Software startups often seek rapid growth by leveraging scalable software solutions and may attract funding from investors to fuel their expansion. They are known for their agility, experimental approaches, and potential for significant impact in the technology industry.

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

To thrive in a software startup, you need a strong background in software development, problem-solving, and adaptability, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, JavaScript, or Java), agile development tools, and cloud platforms is typically required. Initiative, flexibility, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are standout soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving innovation, responding quickly to changing demands, and ensuring the startup's growth and success.

What hot tech job pays $775,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, AI, or high-frequency trading, can earn total compensation around $775,000 or more in top tech companies. These roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes stock options or bonuses as part of their compensation packages.

What are some common challenges faced by team members working at a software startup, and how can they effectively navigate them?

Team members at software startups often encounter fast-paced change, shifting priorities, and resource constraints. Adapting quickly, communicating openly with colleagues, and being comfortable with ambiguity are essential for success. It's important to proactively seek feedback, embrace a collaborative mindset, and be open to learning new skills as the company evolves. Building strong relationships across teams and taking initiative can help you thrive and contribute meaningfully to the startup's growth.

What are the job titles in tech startups?

Common job titles in tech startups include Software Engineer, Product Manager, UX/UI Designer, Data Scientist, Marketing Manager, Sales Representative, and Customer Support Specialist. These roles often require versatile skills, and titles can vary depending on the company's size and focus, with many roles overlapping or evolving rapidly.
Infographic showing various Software Startup job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,381 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Account Executive, Chicago (Software Startup)

Opply

Chicago, IL • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Account Executive - Chicago - VC Backed Software Startup
Location: In our Chicago office (60661) 3-5 days per week + travel to events within territory
Compensation: $70,000 - $80,000 base + uncapped OTE (Year 1 OTE $30,000)
About Opply
Opply is modernising how scaling food and consumer goods brands buy ingredients, solving a £1 trillion market inefficiency that's been overlooked for decades.
Right now, SMB brands waste 70% of stock and pay 40% above market rate because they lack access to enterprise-level supplier networks and smart automation. We've built an AI-powered platform that changes this entirely: automated ordering, predictive forecasting, supplier matching, and embedded credit that lets brands sell before they pay.
We're a scaling, VC-backed by Index Ventures, Anthemis, and Chalfen Ventures, with unicorn angels from GoCardless, Flow.io, and Trouva. We've won StartUp of the Year and Supply Chain Specialists of the Year, and we're scaling fast across the UK and internationally.
This is category-defining work in a massive, underserved market.
The Role
As an Account Executive at Opply, you'll own the sales cycle end-to-end: taking qualified opportunities from discovery through to close, building strong commercial relationships with scaling US food and consumer goods brands, and consistently converting pipeline into revenue.
This is a closing role. You'll be expected to run sharp discovery, quantify value, navigate stakeholders, handle objections, and negotiate commercially, while partnering closely with SDRs/BDRs, Growth, Marketing, and Product to improve conversion and expand what we can sell.
If you're competitive, commercially sharp, and want to accelerate in a fast-growth environment where you can have real impact, this is the role.
What You'll Be Doing
Own the Full Sales Cycle
  • Run discovery calls with founders and operators at scaling food and consumer goods companies
  • Diagnose operational pain, cashflow pressure, margin constraints, and supply chain risk
  • Build clear business cases and ROI logic (time saved, waste reduced, margin impact, cashflow benefit)
  • Lead product demos and map Opply's value to customer workflows and priorities
  • Manage the deal cycle through proposal, negotiation, and close

Close Revenue, Consistently
  • Forecast accurately and maintain clean, reliable pipeline in the CRM
  • Handle objections confidently (pricing, switching risk, incumbent suppliers, internal bandwidth)
  • Negotiate commercial terms and drive urgency through clear next steps
  • Partner with internal teams to remove blockers and increase win rates

Expand and Improve the Motion
  • Share market feedback to sharpen positioning, outreach, and product priorities
  • Identify patterns in lost deals and propose improvements to process, messaging, or packaging
  • Represent Opply at industry events - building relationships, credibility, and deal flow

Market Intelligence
  • Keep the CRM clean, accurate, and actionable (your pipeline is your reputation)
  • Share insights from the market with Growth, Marketing, and Product to sharpen targeting and messaging
  • Represent Opply professionally at industry events and in the broader market

What We're Looking For
You'll thrive here if you are:
  • A closer: You're at your best when you're running live deals and driving to signature
  • Consultative and structured: You ask smart questions, listen properly, and build strong cases for change
  • Commercially sharp: You can speak credibly about value, outcomes, and trade-offs
  • Resilient and consistent: You don't rely on "big wins"you build repeatable performance
  • High ownership: You take initiative, solve problems, and keep momentum even with ambiguity
  • Analytical - you can draw insights and report to wider business with ease.

Experience we expect:
  • 2- 5 years in sales or business development (B2B strongly preferred)
  • 1 year minimum in a closing role (B2B strongly preferred)
  • Track record of hitting or exceeding targets (consistent performance, not one-off wins)
  • Interest or experience in food/consumer goods is a plus, but hunger and aptitude matter more
  • Experience in selling software / technology to SMB markets

Why Now
Opply is at an inflection point. We're scaling with strong customer traction, scaling revenue, expanding internationally, and building out the commercial team to match our ambition.
You'll join early enough to have an outsized impact: shaping playbooks, owning territory, and growing into leadership as the business scales.
Training & Development
You won't be left to figure it out alone. We've built a structured development environment to turn high-potential sellers into confident commercial operators:
  • Full onboarding programme with clear ramp expectations and success metrics
  • Weekly 1:1 coaching and feedback loops to build consistency and confidence
  • Classroom learning and role plays for discovery, objection handling, and deal progression

What You'll Learn Here
This role is a career accelerator. You'll develop skills that compound:
  • Modern discovery: Combine qualitative insight with quantitative value logic to uncover real urgency
  • Commercial fluency: Speak credibly about cashflow, operational efficiency, and growth readiness
  • Market expertise: Deep understanding of the scaling F&B world (supply chain challenges, margin pressure, and what operators actually care about)
  • Unshakeable confidence: Built through repetition, feedback, and high standards

What We Offer
  • Compensation base salary ($70,000-$80,000) + uncapped OTE (Year 1 OTE $40,000)
  • Flexible hybrid working (balance autonomy with collaboration)
  • Regular team socials and global offsites to connect, collaborate, and celebrate
  • Health Insurance
  • Pension scheme

Department Commercial Locations Chicago Remote status Hybrid