7 companies to advance your career in tech — that are hiring right now

Written by Tessa McLean
Published on Apr. 09, 2015
7 companies to advance your career in tech — that are hiring right now

Chicago's tech explosion isn't only good for the local economy — it's great for job seekers. It may be time to make a move and grow your career at an exciting new startup. From coding to sales and marketing to growth hacking, some of the most exciting startups in the Chicago area are hiring right now, so have a look and see which opportunities best match your experience, skills, and attitude.

 

[ibimage==46263==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-center]

Kapow

Kapow Events offers an event marketplace where business professionals responsible for planning team building, client entertainment and company events can get access to exclusive promotions, venues, ideas and custom event development from our Kapow's event consultants. Behind Kapow’s online marketplace they boast a software engineering department that uses the latest technologies to build an efficient platform that is changing the industry. 
 
"Kapow Events is in the search for technologists and creative professionals who are eager to get the most out of their careers and want to build something great," Michael Cole, Interactive Designer, said. "At Kapow, our aim is not to just lead the events industry, but to reinvent it using homegrown technologies. We're combining Silicon Valley thinking with Chicago work ethic. And we'll enjoy a beer while doing it."
 
Location: 205 W Wacker Dr., Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60606
Perks: Large kitchen with unlimited snacking goodies, Iin-house fully stocked bar, stellar off site adventures 
Founded: 2012
 
 
[ibimage==46310==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-center]

Spothero

After accumulating $3,500 in parking tickets, Spothero co-founders Jeremy Smith and Mark Lawrence launched their startup to solve the parking problem. SpotHero allows users to find and reserve affordable parking spots via its mobile app and website for a day, a specific event, or a month-to-month basis. 
 
Funding: $7.5M
Location: 325 W Huron, Suite 806, Chicago, IL 60654
Founded: 2011

Spothero jobs here

 
[ibimage==46264==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-center]

Narrative Science

Narrative Science is a Chicago-based startup that uses artificial intelligence software to write news articles and reports. Its Quill™ platform analyzes data from disparate sources, understands what is important to the end user and then automatically generates perfectly written narratives to convey meaning from the data for any intended consumer or business audience, at unlimited scale.

“One of our core values is - it's a mission, not a job. We are looking for people to join our team who are excited to work on revolutionary technology, and also want to help shape the future of the company,” said CEO and co-founder Stuart Frankel. "We are constantly looking for great talent and meeting people who love what we do and want to be a part of Narrative Science."
 
Funding: $32.4M
Location: 303 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60601
Perks: Free gym access, complimentary food & drink, casual work environment
Founded: 2010
 
 
[ibimage==46265==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-center]

bswift

bswift’s speciality boosts cloud software and complementary services to streamline the HR, payroll and benefits process for employers. Its offerings include a Mobile Benefits Portal for employees to access their benefits information and a web-based insurance exchange platform so clients like First Niagara Benefits Consulting and Frenkel Benefits can establish their own private exchanges for employers.

"We are looking for individuals with an all-hands-on deck mentality – someone who wants to take bswift to the next level," Tracey Warren-Wohlford, Director of Recruitment, said. "bswift is the perfect combination of entrepreneurial and collaborative, offering both a challenging and rewarding environment. We strive to uphold higher standards for all and are willing do what it takes to ensure client satisfaction."
 
Location: 10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60606
Founded: 1996
 
 
[ibimage==46304==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-center]

Enova

Chicago-based Enova provides online loans to more than two million hard-working individuals worldwide. Using technology and analytics, the company can offer credit alternatives for those who can’t access traditional credit, helping them gain control of their financial stability and their lives.
 
“We of course look for smart, driven, talented people, but it's also important to us that a candidate fits well with our culture and values," said Sarah Doll, Enova's senior director of talent management. “Enova is a place for people who are excited about speaking up and continuously finding ways to make an impact. Our aim is to hire people who are the best at what they do and who we also want to work with every day."   
 
Location: 200 West Jackson Blvd. Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60606
Perks: Choice of hardware and software, Subsidized haircuts, manicures, massages and yoga, Fully stocked snack kitchens
Founded: 2004
 
 
[ibimage==46277==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-center]

GrubHub

If you don't know who GrubHub is, you've probably been living under a rock. This Chicago-born company is everyone's go-to for takeout and delivery in the city and they've got a killer office downtown.

“We are on a mission to make takeout better,” said Jennifer Marszalek, director of People at GrubHub. “Ideal candidates are creative problem solvers who are curious and tenacious in their quest to create innovative solutions to big problems.” 
 
Location: 111 W. Washington St., Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60602
Perks: Unlimited PTO for salaried employees, MealPerks benefit to help you order free food at the office, happy hours, book club and wellness activities
Founded: 2004
 
 
[ibimage==46315==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-center]

Spartz

Spartz sites are social communities that offer content that inspires, entertains, and educates. They're the team behind OMG Facts, Dose.com, MuggleNet, and more. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, Spartz is one of the fastest-growing digital media publishers.
 
Funding: $9.5M
Location: 358 W Ontario Street, Suite 2E, Chicago, IL 60654
Founded: 2009
 
 
Hiring Now
DFIN
Fintech • Information Technology • Legal Tech • Software • Financial Services • Data Privacy