MERN stack: Software Developer - Contract/Contract to Hire - Chicago, IL

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA, Inc.); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is seeking a Software Developer (MERN) for a CONTRACT role with a financial services client in Chicago, IL.

You will design, develop, test, and deploy MERN-based applications, work independently under limited guidance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has 6–10 years of full-stack experience, strong SQL skills, AWS experience, and a track record of writing clean, well-documented code.

Qualifications

• 6 to 10 years of professional experience in full-stack MERN development.
• A solid foundation in SQL and database design.
• Experience with Git version control and collaborative workflows.
• Practical knowledge of AWS deployment best practices.
• Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Knowledge of testing, debugging, and documentation best practices.
• Experience mentoring other developers is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, code, test, and debug software using the MERN stack and SQL.
• Meet project plan goals under limited guidance and collaborate with the team.
• Identify and repair coding problems to ensure quality and performance.
• Provide technical support to clients and internal teams.
• Monitor trends from support calls to advise on improvements.
• Mentor other analysts and developers on the team.
• Manage source code with Git, including branching and pull requests.
• Deploy and maintain applications on AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS).
• Follow best practices for testing, documentation, and security.
• Stay current with emerging technologies to improve processes and performance.

Skills

MERN stack

SQL databases

Git workflows

AWS deployment

Independent worker

Problem solving

Communication skills

Testing & debugging

Documentation

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

TypeScript

Job description

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Software Developer (MERN) for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Financial/Insurance clients in Chicago, IL.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, develop, code, test, and debug software programs and small technical modules using the MERN stack and SQL.
• Meet project plan goals under limited guidance from Lead developers and collaborate with the team to develop and communicate project plans.
• Assist in identifying and repairing coding problems to ensure software quality and performance.
• Provide technical support to clients and internal teams, including help desk support for escalated issues.
• Monitor trends and results from technical support calls to advise senior team members on the performance and improvement of existing systems.
• Act as a technical resource and mentor for other analysts and developers on the team.
• Manage source code using Git, including branching, merging, and pull requests, ensuring adherence to version control best practices.
• Deploy and maintain applications on AWS infrastructure, utilizing services such as EC2, S3, Lambda, and RDS.
• Follow and promote software development best practices, including code quality, testing, documentation, and security standards.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to continuously improve development processes and system performance.

Required Skills

• 6 to 10 years of professional experience in full-stack web development with a focus on the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js).
• Strong proficiency in SQL databases, including complex query writing and database design.
• Experience with Git version control and collaborative workflows.
• Practical knowledge of AWS cloud services and deployment best practices.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to provide technical support and mentorship.
• Deep understanding of software development best practices, including testing, debugging, and documentation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools.
• Knowledge of TypeScript and additional modern JavaScript frameworks.
• Leverage AI-driven tools to optimize programming efficiency and accelerate software development

By applying for a job with SGA, you agree to allow SGA to process your application for this and future opportunities in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Also, to ensure timely processing, you agree to be contacted by our AI recruiter via email, text, or phone. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply, but you can reply STOP to any SMS message to opt-out of texts and may contact SGA at [e-mail] to opt-out of AI communications. The choice not to engage with AI will not adversely impact your consideration for placement. AI is not used to make any hiring determinations.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at https://sgainc.com/.

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company EEO page to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.