For a techie on the lookout for their next big career step, Chicago is a great place to be. Home to a number of thriving tech companies, the city's range of new opportunities seems to be growing by the day. If you're ready to take the plunge and try something new, but you don't know exactly where to look, these companies are a great place to start.
Devbridge’s team of designers, engineers and product managers works with organizations like kCura, the Art Institute of Chicago and CME Group to build interactive web applications. Founded in Chicago in 2008, the company has already reached nearly 300 employees in four countries.
What they look for: “We look for candidates who are passionate about problem solving and who are obsessive about their craft,” said Managing Director Elijah Chang. “Our team members start with an experimental mindset, and they don’t shy away from questions and problems they don’t yet have the answers to.”
Sweet perks: Employees at Devbridge get three weeks of paid vacation a year on top of standard U.S. holidays. Named one of Inc. Magazine’s best workplaces in 2017, the company also provides a 401(k), regular team building events, a stocked kitchen, Friday lunches and leave for new parents.
Recently spun off as an independent public company, Cars.com is an online portal for car shoppers and owners. The company provides expert content, vehicle listings, a mobile app, research tools and reviews to simplify car ownership for consumers.
What they look for: “Cars.com is a lean, agile workplace that seeks out entrepreneurial minded makers and doers,” said Chief People Officer Cynthia Hiskes. “With our independence as a standalone public company in the rear view mirror and our new workspace designed to foster that spirit and execution, we are well-positioned for positive disruption and growth. Come and check-out what we have to offer as one of the original tech startups in Chicago — and learn more about how you can contribute to Cars.com’s success.”
Sweet perks: The team at Cars.com gets a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and opportunities to invest through its employee stock purchase plan. Employees also get tuition reimbursement, 529 college savings plans and adoption assistance.
Founded in 2014, project44 provides cloud-based software used by logistics providers, manufacturers, retailers and shippers to communicate about their shipments in real time. The company’s name derives from Highway 44, a bypass of Route 66 that ushered in a new era in logistics.
What they look for: “We believe that a company’s culture is only as good as the people who are a part of it,” said co-founder and CEO Jett McCandless. “We hire intelligent, creative, passionate people and then we empower the culture to define itself. We’re looking for employees who want to help us build not just an excellent product, but a wonderful place to work as well.”
Sweet perks: In addition to competitive salaries, benefits and stock options for every employee, project44 has a casual dress code and kitchen stocked with plenty of food and drink options. It also has brand new offices designed to reduce stress and promote interaction.
Veritas Health is a digital publisher of in-depth, doctor-authored information for patients with musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain. Its four websites have more than 20 million monthly views combined.
What they look for: "Since 1999, Veritas Health has maintained an entrepreneurial, start-up atmosphere," said CEO Stephanie Burke. "Successful employees are driven by a deep-rooted, ingrained energy to make a measurable, positive impact on their department and the company as a whole. We are passionate about doing exceptional work every day."
Sweet perks: Veritas Health’s employees enjoy a kitchen stocked with healthy snacks and drinks, catered weekly lunches and generous paid time off and vacation. The company also provides matching retirement savings plans, ergonomic workspace options and profit sharing.
Headquartered in the Loop, Envoy is a provider of technology and legal services that help companies maintain an international workforce. The company’s solutions provide companies with a unified location for sponsoring visas, tracking work authorizations and managing the paperwork required for U.S. employees seeking opportunities to work abroad.
What they look for: “First, Envoy employees must be passionate about our mission. As a team, we have the ability to add incredible value, making it easier for people to work anywhere in the world,” said Lindsay Dagiantis, VP of human resources. “This is no small feat, and it takes a huge amount of determination, creativity and collaboration. We are focused on hiring individuals hungry to serve our existing customers and grow our footprint, while demonstrating the boldness and curiosity to learn about the intricacies of immigration.”
Sweet perks: In addition to an excellent insurance plan and a 401(k) with an employee contribution, Envoy offers its employees generous time off and regular themed happy hours. The team also enjoys a fully stocked kitchen, standing desks and plenty of opportunities for training and growth.
Images via participating companies.
Looking for something different? Be sure to check out our jobs board for more opportunities.
.png)
