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Systems Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description About the Role The Talent Development Manager is responsible for designing, delivering ... HRIS platforms. Preferred Qualifications * DDI certification or comparable facilitation ...

Audience Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

FOX 32 is seeking an Audience Development Manager to spearhead the growth and engagement strategies ... Strong understanding of content management systems and user experience design. * Superior ...

Product Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$118K - $147K/yr

As a Product Development Manager (PDM) within its Advanced Solutions Group (ASG), you will be ... Familiarity with United Rentals' internal systems and existing relationships across multiple ...

Audience Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

FOX 32 is seeking an Audience Development Manager to spearhead the growth and engagement strategies ... Strong understanding of content management systems and user experience design. * Superior ...

That belief drives us to challenge the status quo and build systems designed for the way modern ... As we continue to expand, we are seeking a Partner Development Manager to join our team! Why this ...

Design and deliver leadership development programs across all levels, from first-time managers ... Familiarity with HR systems and talent platforms such as Workday or SuccessFactors We're also ...

... solution management. Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Sales and Business development ... Qualifications Bachelors or Masters in Electronics/ Control Systems or equivalent Additional ...

... system. This position is responsible for the management of a team of industry-focused sales development representatives. Primary focus will be on individual and teamwide lead generation achievement ...

Leadership Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K/yr

Design and deliver leadership development programs across all levels, from first-time managers ... Familiarity with HR systems and talent platforms such as Workday or SuccessFactors We're also ...

Showing results 41-60

Systems Development Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.9K

$112.4K

$170.6K

How much do systems development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems development manager in Chicago, IL is $112,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,400.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Systems Development Manager vs Software Development Manager?

AspectSystems Development ManagerSoftware Development Manager
Primary FocusOversees the development and integration of complex IT systems and infrastructureManages the design, development, and deployment of software applications
Required SkillsSystems architecture, project management, technical leadershipSoftware engineering, coding, agile methodologies
Work EnvironmentIT departments, enterprise systems, cross-functional teamsSoftware teams, product development, tech startups
Common CertificationsITIL, PMP, Cisco certificationsCertified ScrumMaster, PMP, Java or Microsoft certifications

While both roles involve managing technical teams, the Systems Development Manager focuses on integrating and managing complex IT systems, whereas the Software Development Manager concentrates on software product development. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a systems development manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Development Manager, you need a solid background in software development, systems architecture, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development frameworks, agile methodologies, and tools like Jira or Git, as well as certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master, is highly valuable. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive teams and projects to successful outcomes. These abilities are crucial for delivering reliable systems, meeting organizational goals, and effectively managing both people and technology.

What is a systems development manager?

Systems Development Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of information systems within an organization. They manage teams of software developers, analysts, and engineers to ensure projects meet business objectives, stay within budget, and are completed on schedule. Their role often involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and liaising between technical teams and senior management to align technology solutions with organizational goals.

How does a systems development manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

A Systems Development Manager routinely works with cross-functional teams such as software engineers, QA analysts, business analysts, and IT operations to ensure project objectives are met efficiently. They facilitate clear communication between stakeholders, coordinate timelines, and manage resource allocation. This role often involves leading regular meetings, resolving technical and organizational roadblocks, and ensuring alignment on project goals, which fosters a collaborative and productive work environment.
What are popular job titles related to Systems Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Systems Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Systems Development Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Systems Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Development Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,381 per year, or $54 per hour.

Project Development Manager

Scale Microgrid Solutions

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

This is a senior individual contributor role with strategic oversight responsibility for leading full lifecycle development of on-site power generation and infrastructure projects to support speed-to-power for hyperscale data centers.

You will originate land opportunities, secure site control, manage interconnection strategy, oversee permitting and commercial structuring, and drive projects to notice to proceed and financial close. This role owns outcomes: it requires strong market knowledge, commercial discipline, regulatory awareness, on-the-ground expertise, and the ability to coordinate internal and external stakeholders without directly managing large teams.

This role will report to our VP, Development - Data Centers, and can be a hybrid role based in Ridgewood, NJ, NYC, Chicago, or West Palm Beach, FL offices.

Key responsibilities will include:

Project Origination & Strategy

  • Identify and originate development opportunities to develop, own, and operate on-site energy infrastructure to support hyperscale data center loads
  • Evaluate capacity, energy, and ancillary service market fundamentals.
  • Develop market entry strategies aligned with ISO planning cycles.
  • Lead site selection and land control strategy.
  • Assess transmission constraints and nodal pricing dynamics.

 

Development Execution

  • Oversee environmental and permitting strategy in coordination with environmental leadership.
  • Lead interconnection application strategy and coordinate directly with ISOs, utilities, and transmission owners.
  • Manage consultant teams, including engineering, environmental, and transmission advisors.
  • Develop and maintain integrated development schedules and budgets
  • Identify and mitigate fatal flaw risks.
  • Drive projects toward financial close and construction readiness.

 

Strategic Oversight

  • Provide executive-level reporting on development pipeline status.
  • Present risk matrices and exposure analysis to leadership.
  • Advise on portfolio strategy and expansion regions.
  • Support the evaluation of joint ventures and M&A opportunities

 

Work Environment

  • Office-based role with travel to projects as required.
  • Fast-paced development environment with shifting regulatory and market dynamics.
The Ideal Candidate:

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, Energy Systems, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in power project development within organized wholesale markets.
  • Experience developing natural gas generation or utility-scale energy assets.
  • Proven ability to independently drive projects from early-stage to advanced development.
  • Strong commercial negotiation skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

 

Preferred

  • Experience with gas-fired generation paired with large data center loads.
  • Advanced financial modeling capabilities.
  • Experience in structuring tax equity or infrastructure capital partnerships.
  • MBA or advanced degree.

 

Leadership Competencies

  • Strategic thinker with strong market intuition.
  • High ownership mindset.
  • Comfortable operating with limited direction.
  • Strong risk evaluator.
  • Skilled at balancing technical, regulatory, and commercial variables.
  • Executive presence with the ability to influence without authority.
This is a great opportunity to have a long-term impact on a fast-paced, private equity-backed growth business. Some of the core virtues embraced by Scales' employees include:
       Do the Right Thing
       Act Like an Owner
       Hustle
       Demand Results
       Go Together
       Evolve or Disappear
 
We offer a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits program including medical benefits, paid vacation and holidays, and 401K matching.
 

About Scale Microgrids
Scale is redefining resilience, with advanced microgrids that go beyond traditional backup power solutions to give businesses the power to adapt and thrive amid all of today's growing energy challenges. As a vertically-integrated provider of turnkey advanced microgrid systems, Scale combines project design, engineering, and execution expertise with microgrid-as-a-service financing to offer our customers systems that are optimized to deliver maximum value from day one while ensuring ultra-reliable operations and fast time-to-power.
 
Scale is backed by EQT, a firm with ~$250B in assets, bringing a depth of experience, resources, and capital that will enable Scale to continue pursuing our vision of powering the world with distributed energy. The investment enables Scale to own and operate billions of dollars in distributed generation assets.  To learn more about Scale Microgrids, please visit https://www.scalemicrogrids.com.
 

About EQT
EQT is a leading purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 246 billion in total assets under management, divided into two business segments: Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence, and market leadership. To learn more about EQT, please visit https://eqtgroup.com.
 

Scale strives to attract and retain a workforce that reflects the composition of our customer base and communities. We are committed to providing a work environment that provides everyone with equal access and opportunity to contribute and drive meaningful outcomes.  We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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