This Position Is Located Jobs in Chicago, IL

Junior positions (0‑2 years) range from $80,000 to $110,000. Mid‑level roles (3‑5 years) command $110,000 to $150,000. Senior engineers (5‑8 years) earn $150,000 to $190,000, while tech leads and principal engineers can surpass $200,000, especially in high‑cost areas.

Core skills include Java, Python, or Go, Kubernetes, Terraform, and CI/CD tooling. Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, Cisco CCNA/CCNP, and CompTIA Security+ boost credibility. On‑premise expertise in VMware vSphere, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Palo Alto PAN‑OS is also highly sought after.

Most onsite roles require daily presence for security, compliance, and real‑time support. However, many employers offer hybrid schedules: 3 days onsite, 2 days remote, or a flexible work‑from‑office model to accommodate personal circumstances while preserving onsite responsibilities.

Typical advancement follows: Junior Engineer → Mid‑Level Engineer → Senior Engineer → Tech Lead → Engineering Manager → Director of Engineering. Each step adds leadership responsibilities, architectural ownership, and opportunities to influence product strategy.

Key trends include the rise of edge computing requiring local data processing, increased focus on cybersecurity for on‑premise assets, and the integration of hybrid cloud strategies. Companies are also expanding onsite support for AI/ML workloads that demand low‑latency access to proprietary data.