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Software Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

MessageControl

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

Miller Cooper

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 ...

Miller Cooper

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 ...

HirexHire

Sr. Software Engineer (React Native)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Sports / Software Company Size: >50 What They Do: Our client is a sports media and technology ... startup environments. This individual will work closely with leadership, product, and go-to-market ...

Blueprint

Lead Fullstack Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

HelloJoy is an early-stage, venture-backed startup based in Chicago focused on innovating mental health care through technology. The Lead Fullstack Software Engineer will play a crucial role in ...

ITW Avery Weigh-Tronix

Embedded Software Engineer

IL · On-site

$135K - $178K/yr

... startup behavior, communication failures, timing issues, memory, and interaction between firmware and hardware. Cross Functional & Customer Support • Resolve software-related user complaints and ...

TransMarket Group

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

... 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 ...

QT9 Software, Inc.

.NET Developer - QMS

Aurora, IL

$70K - $105K/yr

Founded in 2005, we have grown from a startup into a globally trusted software company while maintaining a collaborative, product focused culture. We design intuitive, configurable solutions that ...

Fortive

Software Engineer

Glenwood, IL

We are a global industrial technology innovator with a startup spirit. Our forward-looking companies lead the way in software-powered workflow solutions, data-driven intelligence, AI-powered ...

Civis Analytics

Software Engineer (Contract)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Virginia Civis is hiring a Software Engineer (Contract) to build and ship high-quality software ... The opportunity to be part of a growing tech startup focused on solving interesting and meaningful ...

Civis Analytics

Software Engineer (Contract)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Virginia Civis is hiring a Software Engineer (Contract) to build and ship high-quality software ... The opportunity to be part of a growing tech startup focused on solving interesting and meaningful ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSoftware Startup JobsSoftware Startup Jobs in Illinois

Software Startup information

See Illinois salary details

$46.5K

$108.4K

$160.9K

How much do software startup jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 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 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Software Startup jobs in Illinois?

For Software Startup jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Startup jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Startup jobs in Illinois are:

Software Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Startup job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,381 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

MessageControl

Chicago, IL • On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Description
MessageControl is a cybersecurity start-up in Chicago providing human layer email and messaging security. Our innovative technology protects users from phishing, spoofing, fraud, and other types of attacks.
Job Description
As a Software Engineer at MessageControl you'll be building intelligent products to protect people from sophisticated email attacks. In this position, your software development expertise will assist in successfully building new features and improving our security products. Our transparent and collaborative culture means we work both independently and together as a team on projects in an agile environment. This role will include front-end, back-end, infrastructure and CI/CD.
Your day-to-day
  • Build innovative new features and products to enhance email security for our customers.
  • Optimize our platform for performance and scalability.
  • Collaborate with other engineers and customers to develop new strategies for defending against email-based attacks.
  • Work with the team to troubleshoot complex issues.

Qualifications
What you bring to the team:
  • Ownership of all stages in the iterative development pipeline from design, to implementation, testing, deployment, monitoring and maintenance.
  • Write secure, maintainable frontend and backend code.
  • The ability to design fault tolerant systems so the team can move fast, without negatively impacting our customers.
  • Comprehensive ability to troubleshoot and remediate complex issues.
  • Curiosity about the techniques used in phishing/malicious email campaigns.
  • A passion to stay on top of security trends, experiment with and learn new technologies.
  • Ability to learn quickly in a loosely structured, rapidly changing work environment.

Desirable Skills and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
  • 4+ years professional software engineering experience.
  • Experience with frontend development (Angular and React).
  • 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 knowledge of AWS, GCP, or Azure.
  • Language polyglot (Javascript, PHP, Python, C#, etc.)
  • Bonus: Prior experience building cybersecurity products.
  • Bonus: Machine learning experience in a production environment.

Additional Information
Perks/Benefits:
  • Direct access to senior management - our leadership team works alongside our team members every day.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Company paid life insurance, short term disability and long term disability.
  • Flexible paid time off (PTO) policy, plus sick days.
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities by level and function.
  • Your choice of Windows or Mac laptop.
  • Onsite gym.
  • Casual dress in a fun, friendly and collaborative work environment.
  • The ability to have significant impact every day.

Location:
  • Thisposition is onsite at our office in the Chicago Loop. We're not offering remote employment at this time.

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