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Senior System Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Senior System Software Engineer

Champaign, IL

$122K - $161K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. Over the past five years GPU accelerated data processing has moved from proof of concept to production ...

GDR Defense

Senior Electrical Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$120K/yr

Job Title: Senior Electrical Engineer Location: Champaign, IL Employment Type: Full-Time | ... Electrical System Modeling, including Arc Flash, Short Circuit, and Coordination Studies

Nvidia

Principal Systems Software Engineer

Champaign, IL

$135K - $181K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Principal Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. GPU accelerated data processing has moved from proof of concept to production deployments.

Zmodo AI Inc

Senior Frontend Developer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Salary: Senior Frontend Web and App Developer At Smartz Inc, we rely on our dynamic team of ... These requirements may include sharing information in the company's HRM system, regular testing ...

Zmodo AI Inc

Senior Frontend Developer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Senior Frontend Web and App Developer At Smartz Inc, we rely on our dynamic team of engineers to ... These requirements may include sharing information in the company's HRM system, regular testing ...

Smartz

Senior Frontend Developer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Senior Frontend Web and App Developer At Smartz Inc, we rely on our dynamic team of engineers to ... These requirements may include sharing information in the company's HRM system, regular testing ...

Smartz

Senior Frontend Developer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Senior Frontend Web and App Developer At Smartz Inc, we rely on our dynamic team of engineers to ... These requirements may include sharing information in the company's HRM system, regular testing ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSystem Engineer JobsSenior System Engineer JobsSenior System Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Senior System Engineer information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$56.1K

$124.9K

$176.3K

How much do senior system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior system engineer in Champaign, IL is $124,914.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,700.00 and $143,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior System Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSenior System EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNABachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like Cisco CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining IT systems and infrastructureDesigning, deploying, and managing network infrastructure and security
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise environmentsTelecommunications, IT, enterprise networks
Common Search/ComparisonSenior System Engineer vs Network Engineer

While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications, Senior System Engineers focus on overall system architecture and integration, whereas Network Engineers specialize in network infrastructure and security. The roles often overlap but serve different core functions within IT teams.

What is a senior system engineer?

Senior System Engineers are experienced IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining complex computer systems and networks within an organization. They play a critical role in ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of IT infrastructure. Their tasks often include troubleshooting system issues, optimizing performance, overseeing upgrades, and mentoring junior engineers. Senior System Engineers typically collaborate with other IT teams and departments to support business objectives and technological needs.

What are some common challenges faced by senior system engineers when managing large-scale IT infrastructure projects?

Senior System Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with cross-functional teams, ensuring system scalability, and maintaining high availability during upgrades or migrations. Managing complex environments requires balancing security, performance, and compliance, all while minimizing downtime. Effective communication and proactive planning are crucial to successfully navigating these challenges and delivering robust solutions that meet organizational needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior System Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of system architecture, network administration, and troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of experience. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Linux/Windows servers, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and handle complex technical challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring system reliability, security, and efficient operation in dynamic IT environments.

How much money does a senior system engineer make?

A senior system engineer typically earns between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have specialized skills in network infrastructure, scripting, and certifications like Cisco or Microsoft, which can influence salary levels.
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Senior System Engineer jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Senior System Engineer job openings:
Senior System Engineer jobs near you

Senior System Software Engineer

Nvidia

Champaign, IL

$122K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. Over the past five years GPU accelerated data processing has moved from proof of concept to production deployments. Many enterprises recognize accelerated computing is vital to handle their large data processing needs. Multi-node GPU deployments will reduce cloud computing costs and lower latency in batch ETL workloads. Apache Spark is the most popular data processing engine in data centers. At NVIDIA, we are developing an open source plugin to accelerate Spark applications on GPUs without any code changes.

What you'll be doing:

  • Enable C++ native execution of Spark operations on CUDA

  • Develop CUDA/C++ libraries to accelerate DataFrames and I/O operations on common file formats such as Parquet, ORC and JSON

  • Collaborate with distributed systems teams to craft solutions to distributed processing problems challenges at large scale

  • Work with open source communities to enhance libraries like RAPIDS, CCCL and UCX through technical discussion and code contributions

  • Provide recommendations and feedback to teams regarding decisions surrounding topics such as infrastructure, continuous integration and testing strategy

  • Build, test and optimize across different platforms

What we need to see:

  • 9+ years of experience in software development

  • 5+ years hands on experience with data platform development

  • BS/MS/PhD in computer science or a related field (or equivalent experience)

  • Proficiency in C++, Java, Scala

  • Experience supporting enterprise customers

  • Familiarity with the open source data platform ecosystem is a plus (Apache Spark, Velox, Presto, Apache Arrow, Apache DataFusion, etc.)

  • Experience using AI tools in software development

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 14, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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