Associate Application Developer AWS - FutureNow - Chicago

Position: Associate Application Developer AWS 2026 - FutureNow - Chicago
Introduction

About the Client Innovation Center (Future Now)

IBM Consulting Client Innovation Centers (Future Now) are high-delivery, team-based environments where technologists work onsite to build real solutions for real clients.

At Future Now, associates collaborate closely with peers and experienced practitioners to design, build, test, and support enterprise applications  delivery centers are built for learning through delivery, combining hands-on project work, structured training, mentorship, and teamwork to help early-career professionals develop strong technical foundations and grow with confidence.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, learning quickly, and working in an in-person, collaborative delivery environment.

In this role, you'll work in one of our IBM Consulting Future Now Centers, where we deliver deep technical and industry expertise to a wide range of public and private sector clients around the world. Our delivery centers offer our clients locally based skills and technical expertise to drive innovation and adoption of new technology.

Your role and responsibilities

The Associate Application Developer at IBM is an entry-level role focused on contributing to the development, testing, and support of application components within larger systems.

This role is not about knowing everything on day one. It is about having strong computer science fundamentals, demonstrated coding ability, and the curiosity and discipline to learn modern technologies in a professional delivery setting. Associates are expected to contribute to established delivery teams and take on greater responsibility as their skills and experience develop.

As an Associate Application Developer, you will:

* Write, test, and debug application code with guidance from senior developers

* Contribute to application features, services, or integrations within an established system architecture

* Participate in Agile delivery activities such as stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives

* Collaborate with teammates to understand requirements and help implement technical solutions

* Apply secure coding, quality, and performance best practices

* Use version control and development tools to deliver code in a team-based environment

* Continue building technical and professional skills through training, mentorship, and hands-on delivery experience

Work Location & Onsite Expectations

This role is based in an IBM Client Innovation Center (Future Now) and requires regular onsite presence at the assigned delivery center. Working onsite enables hands-on learning, real-time collaboration, and mentorship that support faster growth and stronger delivery outcomes.

Travel may be required for up to 60% of the time or 3 days per week (home on weekends), based on project requirements.

Work Authorization

* IBM will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship requirements.

Education

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field

(Candidates with other degrees will be considered if they demonstrate equivalent technical skills.)

Required education

Bachelor's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

These qualifications are essential for success in the role.

Technical Fundamentals

* Strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including:

* Object-oriented programming concepts

* Data structures

* Algorithms

* Demonstrated ability to write and debug code in at least one primary programming language, such as Java, C#, Python, or JavaScript/Type Script

Applied Development Experience

* Hands-on coding experience through coursework, academic projects, internships, labs, or personal projects

* Familiarity with core software development concepts such as debugging, testing, and version control

Programming Languages & Tools

* Additional exposure to other languages, frameworks, or tools (e.g., Scala, SQL, Angular, React, or similar) through coursework or projects

* Ability to apply core programming concepts across different languages and environments

Candidates are not expected to be proficient in all listed technologies. Evaluation focuses on depth in at least one primary language and the ability to transfer foundational programming skills to new tools and frameworks.

Web, Cloud, and Platform Exposure

* Exposure through coursework or projects to web development concepts, APIs, or application frameworks (e.g., RESTful services, Spring Boot, .NET Core, Flask/Django, Node.js, or similar)

* Exposure to cloud computing concepts-such as deploying, hosting, or integrating applications-on platforms such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or IBM Cloud, through coursework, labs, or self-study

Business & Delivery Skills

* Ability to translate business or functional requirements into technical solutions, with guidance from senior team members

* Comfortable working onsite in a collaborative, team-based environment

* Strong…