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Senior Systems Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $195K/yr

Able to operate autonomously and work asynchronously, while also being an effective team player About The Role We're looking for a Senior Systems Software Engineer who can take ownership of the ...

Systems Software Engineer II

Detroit, MI · On-site

$171K - $202K/yr

Senior Systems Software Engineer This is the specialist level where incumbents have full and specializedknowledge in their assigned operating system(s). This may be a single, highly complex systemor ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Louisville, KY · Remote

$100K - $137K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Boston, MA · Remote

$113K - $155K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Tampa, FL · Remote

$98K - $135K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Louisville, KY · Remote

$100K - $137K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Fort Lauderdale, FL · Remote

$99K - $136K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$118K - $162K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Frisco, TX · Remote

$97K - $133K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Frisco, TX · Remote

$97K - $133K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Nashville, TN · Remote

$100K - $138K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Fort Lauderdale, FL · Remote

$99K - $136K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$100K - $137K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

New York, NY · Remote

$114K - $156K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$100K - $137K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Tampa, FL · Remote

$98K - $135K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

Senior Systems Engineer

New York, NY · Remote

$114K - $156K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming ... The Senior Systems Engineer develops and/or modifies systems software for use internally. The ...

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Senior Systems Software Engineer information

See salary details

$87.5K

$135.3K

$189.5K

How much do senior systems software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems software engineer in the United States is $135,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Senior Systems Software Engineer?

A Senior Systems Software Engineer is an experienced professional who designs, develops, and maintains system-level software such as operating systems, embedded systems, and network protocols. They are responsible for ensuring that software interacts efficiently with hardware, optimizing performance, and troubleshooting complex issues. Senior engineers often lead technical projects, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust software solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Systems Software Engineers and how can they be addressed?

Senior Systems Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating legacy systems with modern technologies, optimizing system performance under tight resource constraints, and ensuring robust security in complex environments. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with industry best practices, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams (like DevOps and Security), and regularly participating in code reviews and architecture discussions. Leveraging automation tools and maintaining thorough documentation also help in efficiently managing and scaling large, distributed systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Systems Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Systems Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in computer science, operating systems, and programming languages like C/C++, often supported by a relevant degree and extensive experience. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), build automation tools, and debugging/profiling utilities is typically required, and certifications in systems programming or cloud platforms can be advantageous. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills set standout engineers apart by enabling them to navigate complex systems and coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams. These skills are vital for building robust, efficient software solutions that meet business and technical requirements in demanding environments.
What cities are hiring for Senior Systems Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Systems Software Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Systems Software Engineer jobs? The top employers for Senior Systems Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Systems Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Systems Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Systems Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,290 per year, or $65 per hour.
Senior Systems & Software Engineer

Senior Systems & Software Engineer

ICONSTAFF

Cambridge, MA

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Our client is an innovative defense technology company that builds cutting-edge autonomy software for unmanned systems. They have secured $10M in funding and have established relationships with defense customers. Their revolutionary approach involves rethinking autonomy from the chip up, utilizing modular AI, advanced visual-inertial sensing, and real-time edge compute technology to unlock next-generation mission capabilities.


We are looking for a hands-on software engineer to work on embedded systems, robotics frameworks, and cutting-edge autonomy stacks.


Responsibilties:

  • Develop C++ software for autonomous aerial and ground systems
  • Contribute to real-time software for embedded systems using C and RTOS
  • Integrate advanced autonomy using ROS2 and STM32 Cube platforms
  • Help shape their build pipeline with GitHub Actions, Docker, and CMake
  • Collaborate across autonomy, hardware, and product teams to bring new capabilities to life
  • Learn from (and contribute to) a high-velocity, high-integrity engineering culture


Requirements:

  • BS in Engineering or related technical field
  • 2-7 years of C++ experience and CMake proficiency
  • Familiarity with embedded C and RTOS environments
  • Exposure to STM32 Cube and ROS2 (or similar middleware)
  • Experience with Git, GitHub Actions, and Docker
  • Passion for robotics, autonomy, and systems that operate in the real world
  • Experience with embedded Linux
  • Prior work on autonomous systems or robotic platforms a plus