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Software Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer (Contract)

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join Carefeed's engineering team. We're a ... Join a fast-growing startup making a real impact in the lives of senior care providers and their ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

$126K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join Carefeed's engineering team. We're a ... Join a fast-growing startup making a real impact in the lives of senior care providers and their ...

Rockstar is recruiting for a seed-stage tech startup that is building the modern operating system for global procurement. Backed by top venture investors, they have grown their customer base 5x in ...

The edge engineering team writes software and procedures to make quality testing of these cameras ... Experience at a small & quickly growing startup Benefits * Competitive salary and equity

Junior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We are looking to fill an entry level software engineer to learn from our top ... Ability to adapt to the dynamic and changing nature of a startup company and developer roles Our ...

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Honeycomb is a rapidly growing global startup, generously backed by top-tier investors and powered by an exceptional team of thinkers, builders, and problem-solvers. Dual-headquartered in Chicago and ...

Founding Sr. Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Sports / Software Company Size: >50 What They Do: Our client is a sports media and technology ... in a fast-moving startup environment. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Lead the design, development, and ...

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

$140K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Honeycomb is a rapidly growing global startup, generously backed by top-tier investors and powered by an exceptional team of thinkers, builders, and problem-solvers. Dual-headquartered in Chicago and ...

Software Engineering Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$180 - $240/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

## Software Engineering ManagerApplylocations: Remotetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob ... Startup or high-growth company experience is a plus.**Other Useful Details**Employee Type: Full ...

Staff Software Engineer - GenAI

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

$133.78 - $228.24/hr

  • Retirement

## Staff Software Engineer - GenAIApplylocations: Oak Brook, IL: Remote - Californiatime type: Full ... Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, startup-like environment within an established companyOther:

Showing results 41-60

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.

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.

Software Engineer (Contract)

Civis Analytics

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

$90K/yr

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Please note that candidates must currently live in the following states: DC, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont. Virginia
Civis is hiring a Software Engineer (Contract) to build and ship high-quality software across the full stack in service of our clients' most important missions. This is a 6-month contract role for an early-career engineer who is ready to work across the stack. React on the front end, Python/Ruby/Node on the back end, and SQL alongside a team of engineers, designers, and product managers who care deeply about what they build and who they build it for.
Responsibilities
  • Develop high-quality software
  • Support and collaborate with other engineers, data scientists, and product managers
  • Review and debug code
  • Effectively apply Civis best practices methodology and enforces design standards
  • Ensure project documents are complete, current, and archived appropriately
  • Ability to research, prototype and recommend software solutions
  • Collaborate with other teams within the organization
  • Engage the project on an emotional level as well as technical

Minimum Qualifications
  • 1 - 2 years of professional experience as a software developer/engineer
  • Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and experience building and integrating with AI tools such as Claude Code and GitHub Copilot
  • Experience developing user interfaces with modern JavaScript frameworks (specifically React)
  • Experience developing web applications with frameworks such as Rails, Django or NodeJS
  • Experience developing web applications with ReactJS, AngularJS and/or VueJS
  • Comfort working with SQL databases
  • Love of problem-solving
  • An ability and eagerness to constantly learn and teach others
  • Passion for solving large, complex problems for customers

Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate degree in Computer Science or a related subject
  • Significant experience with one or more of the following:
    • Python, Ruby, and/or Go (golang)
    • Flask
    • Developing AI applications
    • Designing and building APIs
    • Query optimization, database administration, analytics databases, and/or NoSQL
    • Automated software testing and continuous integration
    • Cloud application deployment and monitoring
    • Proficiency working with Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    • Data visualization for the web (using D3 or similar)
    • Statistics and predictive modeling (using tools like pandas, scikit-learn, NumPy, SciPy, R, STATA)
    • Prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or fine-tuning workflows

Who we are
At Civis, we have opportunities for applicants who are newcomers, seasoned professionals, and anywhere in between. Our teams are energized by complex challenges and value diversity of thought. Opportunities to stand out and inspire happen daily and we trust and encourage you to act on your ideas - no matter how big they are. We offer you the tools and community you need to do your best work. Each of us is committed to holding ourselves accountable for results, challenging the status quo and finding new ways to grow our company and each other.
Why join our team?
  • 6 Month contract term through December 31, 2026
  • Salary: $90,000 annually
  • The opportunity to be part of a growing tech startup focused on solving interesting and meaningful problems, invested in internal promotion, and committed to fostering a diverse, equal and inclusive workplace.
  • Competitive benefits, including unlimited PTO, 401K match with immediate vesting, health, dental, and vision benefits, paid parental leave, breastfeeding support including breastmilk shipping services for traveling moms, flexible work from home policy, commuter benefits, wellness initiatives including weekly group meditations, monthly on-site massage therapy, and pet insurance.
  • Modern office, conveniently located in the Loop. Close to public transportation, great restaurants and beautiful city views.

Civis Analytics embraces the individuality of our employees and we celebrate each other's differences. Our products, services, and culture benefit from and thrive on the unique perspectives brought by each person in our community. We're proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, age, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact internalrecruiting@civisanalytics.com
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
EEO IS THE LAW
EEO Supplement
Pay Transparency
Civis embraces the individuality of our employees and we celebrate each other's differences. Our products, services, and culture benefit from and thrive on the unique perspectives brought by each person in our Civis community. We're proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, age, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact internalrecruiting@civisanalytics.com
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
EEO IS THE LAW
EEO Supplement
Pay Transparency
Employee and Applicant Privacy Notice