While the moniker of “Silicon Prairie” may not have the same longevity or charm as the Windy City, it’s a fitting title for Chicago. The city is home to tech giants, innovative startups, and a burgeoning tech community. Not to mention the national corporations, bustling restaurant and hospitality scene, and sports companies—because these days, everyone needs a developer. There are so many companies currently hiring tech talent and we’re excited to help Chicagoans gain the skills to become software engineers.
“In my opinion Chicago is an amazing city,” Aimee M., a Flatiron School graduate, says. “Chicago is way more affordable than other tech hubs, yet there are plenty of opportunities in the tech world, not only with huge corporations, but also with plenty of startups.”
Aimee knows firsthand what the tech industry is like in Chicago. As an Automation Developer at Crate & Barrel, she's at the cutting edge of tech. “I have enjoyed working in a community and atmosphere that puts technology at the forefront and is always finding ways to innovate,” she says.
With opportunity comes tough decisions. That’s why we want to highlight five cool companies hiring software engineers and web developers. Whether it’s an established tech giant, city institution, or somewhere unexpected, you’ll enjoy working at these companies.
Double Good
Position: Senior Software Engineer
Location: Downtown Chicago
This popcorn company is doing more than serving up bags of goodness. Aside from a tasty product, Double Good gives 50% of every dollar to the fundraiser’s cause. As a Senior Software Engineer, you’ll work with a team of engineers on front-end and back-end services. Experience using “modern Javascript libraries and frameworks such as React and React Native, RESTful APIs and asynchronous JS, and experience in functional programming (eg., Clojure, Scala, Scheme, Python, Haskell, or equivalent)” is required.
Benefits include equity in Double Good, growth opportunities, regular social outings, and plenty of popcorn.
The Field Museum
Position: Web Developer
Location: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
The Field Museum is hiring a web developer to join its Web & Digital Engagement team and help improve the website among other projects. The web developer will work across multiple teams including the Exhibitions team and the Technology team. Requirements include experience with HTML, CSS, Javascript and JS frameworks (like React or Node.js). Benefits include 401K matching and free admission to the museum.
Salesforce
Position: Full-Stack Software Engineer (Senior/Lead/Principal) – Application Development
Location: Chicago, IL
Salesforce can be regularly found on numerous “Best of” lists. The company has been named one of the best places to work for by both Glassdoor and Fortune. Requirements for a full-stack software engineer include at least three years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree. Experience working with at least of the following is required: Java, Javascript, C++, C#, Ruby, Python. Understanding of languages like JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, XML, JavaScript, JSON, Ajax, SQL, or PL/SQL, is also required. There are remote positions and Chicago-specific positions available. Benefits include sponsored conferences, volunteer time off, and snacks.
Arity
Position: Senior Software Engineer
Location: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 875 Chicago, IL
Arity is a data and analytics startup founded by Allstate. The company says you can the best of both worlds like the stability that comes with a big company and the fun perks of a startup. Arity was featured as one of the coolest companies in Chicago by Chicago Inno and one of the best places to work by Built in Chicago. Arity is hiring for Android engineers and senior software engineers. Requirements for the Senior Software Engineer position include at least four years engineering software at scale, at least one year of technical leadership experience, and knowledge in Javascript, JS frameworks, API security, and testing frameworks.
Chicago Cubs
Position: Baseball Systems Software Engineer
Location: Chicago, IL
This one is a slight cheat, but it’s too good to pass up. The Chicago Cubs were hiring a software engineer last year. Working for a team as storied and iconic as the Cubs, unless you happen to be a White Sox fan, is a dream job for many. The role focused on the development of the internal information system and the creation of web interfaces.
The software engineer role with the Cubs further highlights that, in 2019, every company is a tech company.
