Backend Software Developer Jobs in Illinois
Backend Software Developer jobs in Illinois are among the most active in the Midwest, with strong demand concentrated in fintech, enterprise software, healthcare technology, and logistics platforms at every level from entry-level to principal engineer. Chicago anchors the market, while Naperville and Champaign-Urbana generate consistent openings through tech-forward firms and university-affiliated ventures. Well-established Illinois employers such as Morningstar, Zebra Technologies, and Discover Financial Services have long-running backend engineering teams with recurring needs across API development, cloud infrastructure, and distributed systems work. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Backend Software Developer jobs
Job responsibilities
Executes software solutions, design, development, and technical troubleshooting with ability to think beyond routine or conventional approaches to build solutions or break down technical problems
Manage the delivery of a scrum
Produces architecture and design artifacts for complex applications while being accountable for ensuring design constraints are met by software code development
Leverages enterprise-authorized AI coding assist tools within the work environment to improve code quality, delivery speed, and productivity across complex deliverables (e.g., code generation/refactoring, unit test creation, documentation), while validating outputs through peer review, automated testing, and secure coding standards; contributes learnings and reusable patterns to improve broader team effectiveness.
Applies knowledge of tools within the Software Development Life Cycle toolchain, including approved AI-assisted development and automation capabilities, to improve the value realized by automation at scale.
Develops secure high-quality production code, and reviews and debugs code written by others
Proactively identifies hidden problems and patterns in data and uses these insights to drive improvements to coding hygiene and system architecture
Adds to team culture of diversity, opportunity, inclusion, and respect
Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills
Formal training or certification on software engineering concepts and 10+ years applied experience
Advanced knowledge in Java on Spring Boot programming language, microservices patterns, and REST API development.
Hands-on practical experience delivering system design, application development, testing, and operational stability
Hands-on experience using enterprise-authorized AI-assisted software development tools within the work environment (e.g., for coding, test creation, troubleshooting, or documentation) with demonstrated ability to critically evaluate, validate, and refine AI-generated outputs for correctness, performance, and security.
Proficiency in automation and continuous delivery methods
Proficient in all aspects of the Software Development Life Cycle, software engineering principles, design patterns, and best practices
Experience in developing, debugging, and maintaining code in a large corporate environment with one or more modern programming languages and database querying languages like Oracle, MySQL or NoSQL databases like Cassandra.
Advanced understanding of agile methodologies such as CI/CD, Application Resiliency, and Security
Demonstrated proficiency in software applications and technical processes within a technical discipline (e.g., cloud, artificial intelligence, machine learning, mobile, etc.)
Hands on experience working with high throughput, low latency distributed systems ensuring efficient communication and integration between different systems
Proven record of providing end-user support with excellent problem-solving abilities
Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills
10+ years of experience in Java Development
Advanced knowledge in reactive programming technology, building microservices
Knowledge of On-prem and/or public cloud
Knowledge in Cockroach or Cassandra / distributed database
We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role, experience, skill set and location. Those in eligible roles may receive commission-based pay and/or discretionary incentive compensation, paid in the form of cash and/or forfeitable equity, awarded in recognition of individual achievements and contributions. We also offer a range of benefits and programs to meet employee needs, based on eligibility. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage, on-site health and wellness centers, a retirement savings plan, backup childcare, tuition reimbursement, mental health support, financial coaching and more. Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process.
We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs. Visit our FAQs for more information about requesting an accommodation.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans
ABOUT THE TEAM
J.P. Morgan's Commercial & Investment Bank is a global leader across banking, markets, securities services and payments. Corporations, governments and institutions throughout the world entrust us with their business in more than 100 countries. The Commercial & Investment Bank provides strategic advice, raises capital, manages risk and extends liquidity in markets around the world.
Job responsibilities
Executes software solutions, design, development, and technical troubleshooting with ability to think beyond routine or conventional approaches to build solutions or break down technical problems
Manage the delivery of a scrum
Produces architecture and design artifacts for complex applications while being accountable for ensuring design constraints are met by software code development
Leverages enterprise-authorized AI coding assist tools within the work environment to improve code quality, delivery speed, and productivity across complex deliverables (e.g., code generation/refactoring, unit test creation, documentation), while validating outputs through peer review, automated testing, and secure coding standards; contributes learnings and reusable patterns to improve broader team effectiveness.
Applies knowledge of tools within the Software Development Life Cycle toolchain, including approved AI-assisted development and automation capabilities, to improve the value realized by automation at scale.
Develops secure high-quality production code, and reviews and debugs code written by others
Proactively identifies hidden problems and patterns in data and uses these insights to drive improvements to coding hygiene and system architecture
Adds to team culture of diversity, opportunity, inclusion, and respect
Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills
Formal training or certification on software engineering concepts and 10+ years applied experience
Advanced knowledge in Java on Spring Boot programming language, microservices patterns, and REST API development.
Hands-on practical experience delivering system design, application development, testing, and operational stability
Hands-on experience using enterprise-authorized AI-assisted software development tools within the work environment (e.g., for coding, test creation, troubleshooting, or documentation) with demonstrated ability to critically evaluate, validate, and refine AI-generated outputs for correctness, performance, and security.
Proficiency in automation and continuous delivery methods
Proficient in all aspects of the Software Development Life Cycle, software engineering principles, design patterns, and best practices
Experience in developing, debugging, and maintaining code in a large corporate environment with one or more modern programming languages and database querying languages like Oracle, MySQL or NoSQL databases like Cassandra.
Advanced understanding of agile methodologies such as CI/CD, Application Resiliency, and Security
Demonstrated proficiency in software applications and technical processes within a technical discipline (e.g., cloud, artificial intelligence, machine learning, mobile, etc.)
Hands on experience working with high throughput, low latency distributed systems ensuring efficient communication and integration between different systems
Proven record of providing end-user support with excellent problem-solving abilities
Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills
10+ years of experience in Java Development
Advanced knowledge in reactive programming technology, building microservices
Knowledge of On-prem and/or public cloud
Knowledge in Cockroach or Cassandra / distributed database
We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role, experience, skill set and location. Those in eligible roles may receive commission-based pay and/or discretionary incentive compensation, paid in the form of cash and/or forfeitable equity, awarded in recognition of individual achievements and contributions. We also offer a range of benefits and programs to meet employee needs, based on eligibility. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage, on-site health and wellness centers, a retirement savings plan, backup childcare, tuition reimbursement, mental health support, financial coaching and more. Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process.
We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs. Visit our FAQs for more information about requesting an accommodation.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans
ABOUT THE TEAM
J.P. Morgan's Commercial & Investment Bank is a global leader across banking, markets, securities services and payments. Corporations, governments and institutions throughout the world entrust us with their business in more than 100 countries. The Commercial & Investment Bank provides strategic advice, raises capital, manages risk and extends liquidity in markets around the world.
See All 8 Backend Software Developer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBackend Software Developer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Backend Software Developer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in backend software developer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in at least one backend language such as Java, Python, Go, or Node.js
- Experience designing and maintaining RESTful APIs and microservices architectures
- Familiarity with relational and NoSQL databases including PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB
- Working knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Experience with version control systems and CI/CD pipelines in a team environment
Backend Software Developer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a backend software developer in Illinois?
Backend software developer roles in Illinois require no state-issued license or registration, so the path runs through education and demonstrated technical skill. Most Illinois employers expect at minimum a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, though candidates from coding bootcamps with strong portfolios do break in. Building projects that demonstrate backend fundamentals and contributing to open-source work strengthens any application considerably.
How much do backend software developers make in Illinois?
Backend software developers in Illinois earn a median of about $132,110 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $80,980 for the lowest 10% to over $194,740 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire backend software developers in Illinois?
Employers hiring backend software developers in Illinois right now include SMARTZ, Photon, and Comcast, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's deep concentration of fintech, insurance technology, and enterprise software firms means backend roles here frequently involve high-transaction systems and regulated data environments.
Which Illinois cities have the most backend software developer jobs?
Chicago and Champaign account for the largest share of backend software developer openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because it is home to the region's major financial services, healthcare technology, and logistics firms, while Naperville and other suburban Chicago corridors attract enterprise software companies and corporate technology centers that generate consistent backend hiring outside the city core.
Are there remote backend software developer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. Backend software development is well suited to remote and hybrid arrangements because the work is code- and tool-based with no physical presence requirement. About 33% of backend software developer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how broadly Illinois tech employers have adopted flexible work models. Roles in cloud infrastructure, API development, and platform engineering tend to carry the highest share of remote listings.
How can I get hired as a backend software developer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a junior or associate software engineer role through a new-graduate program at a large Illinois employer. Companies like Morningstar, Zebra Technologies, and major Chicago-area financial institutions run structured new-grad cohorts that onboard candidates directly from university or intensive training programs. Candidates transitioning from QA engineering, data analysis, or IT support roles also move into backend development by demonstrating scripting ability and database knowledge, with a personal project portfolio serving as the most effective credential when a formal degree is still in progress.
Where can I find and apply to backend software developer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to backend software developer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated in real time. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and preferred location, and apply directly to each opening without any intermediary step.
See All 8 Backend Software Developer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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