Software Engineer I (Chicago, IL - US)

Interested in joining a growing company where you will work with talented colleagues, enhance a supportive and energetic culture, and be part of the climate solution? At Energy Solutions, we focus on the big impacts. And we believe that market-based programs can be a powerful force to deliver large-scale energy, carbon, and water-use savings. Since 1995, we’ve harnessed that power to offer proven, performance-based solutions for our utility, government, and institutional customers.

We are currently seeking a motivated Software Engineer I to join our Information Systems team and help design, develop, test, and enhance innovative software solutions. In this role, you’ll collaborate with experienced engineers and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality applications, implement new features, troubleshoot technical issues, and support the full software development lifecycle. Working in an Agile environment, you’ll gain hands-on experience with modern technologies while following coding best practices, security standards, and development processes.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about technology, eager to learn, and driven to build reliable solutions that create real business value. If you're ready to grow your skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and build a strong foundation for a successful engineering career, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a hybrid work opportunity. ES has offices in Oakland, CA; Orange, CA; New York, NY; Portland, OR; Chicago, IL; and Boston, MA.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support the development, testing, maintenance, and enhancement of software applications and services under the guidance of senior engineers.

• Create and execute unit tests to verify software functionality and quality.

• Troubleshoot routine software defects and technical issues and escalate complex issues when appropriate.

• Document code changes, testing activities, and technical solutions to support maintainability and knowledge sharing.

• Participate in sprint reviews, planning activities, and team discussions related to assigned work.

• Support testing and validation activities to help ensure successful software delivery.

• Participate in Agile ceremonies, including daily stand-ups, sprint planning sessions, reviews, and retrospectives.

• Apply Agile development practices and established software engineering standards in assigned work.

• Apply feedback received through code reviews, mentoring, and technical guidance to improve development skills.

• Support deployment and release validation activities across development, testing, and production environments.

• Monitor assigned applications and communicate issues requiring investigation or escalation.

• Support application maintenance activities and assist with resolving routine user or system issues within assigned areas of responsibility.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

• 1 year of relevant experience, which may include internships, co-op programs, academic projects, open-source contributions, or professional software development experience.

• Experience working within a software development environment utilizing established development processes and tools.

• Foundational understanding of software engineering principles, programming concepts, and problem-solving methodologies.

• Exposure to software development lifecycle activities including development, testing, deployment, maintenance, or application support.

• Foundational proficiency in one or more programming languages or development platforms such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, Mendix, or similar technologies.

• Basic understanding of SQL and relational database concepts.

• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.

• Understanding of software testing concepts and code validation practices.

• Basic understanding of Agile, Scrum, or other iterative development methodologies.

• Ability to troubleshoot routine technical issues and seek guidance when appropriate.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage assigned work while meeting established quality expectations.

• Ability to learn new technologies, frameworks, and development tools.

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating effectively with team members.

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $100,000, with a target compensation of $80,000 - $90,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a generous retirement package. Energy Solutions provides an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, other pre-tax contribution plans and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

AI Use

At Energy Solutions we believe in the importance of authentic interactions and equitable opportunities. We base our candidate selection on one’s own skills, knowledge, and experience. To ensure the integrity and fairness of our interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (including Generative AI) or other means to generate or assist with responses during interviews is strictly prohibited. This practice supports our commitment to create a transparent and equitable space where skills, knowledge and experience can truly shine.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Energy Solutions is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Energy Solutions conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Office Locations and a Remote Workforce

Energy Solutions operates as a predominantly remote workforce with offices in six different locations. Employees who reside within 40 miles of an office (except New York) will be assigned to that location, though in-office attendance requirements may vary by team. At this time, we are not accepting applications from candidates residing in the following states: Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

Background Check Information

Information will be requested to perform the compulsory background check. A drug screen and authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely are preconditions of employment. Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable Accommodations

Energy Solutions is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, and/or completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email accommodation@energy-solution.com.

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