1

Software System Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operating System Architect

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

You'll be the technical leader responsible for defining how our embedded software stacks are ... Define and evolve the embedded operating system architecture and platform strategy across the ...

Operating System Architect

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

You'll be the technical leader responsible for defining how our embedded software stacks are ... Define and evolve the embedded operating system architecture and platform strategy across the ...

... Agile software development. โ€ข Guides the creation, communication, and stewardship of the ... system architecture, solution architecture, or a closely related discipline, with demonstrated ...

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

Assess alignment of software solutions with mission objectives and enterprise architecture * Mentor ... Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

Assess alignment of software solutions with mission objectives and enterprise architecture * Mentor ... Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field

Staff System Architect

San Francisco, CA ยท Hybrid

$200K - $275K/yr

We are seeking a Staff System Architect who will define and drive system-wide architectural ... Experience as a technical leader in medical device software or other FDA/HIPAA-regulated ...

Work with the system engineering team to elicit customer requirements and develop system ... Architect complex software systems using hybrid cloud architecture and microservices. * Define and ...

System Architect, Hardware Architecture

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$285K/yr

Key job responsibilities As a System Architect, you will be responsible for defining the system ... Software Engineering, ML Science, Product Design, Industrial Design, Reliability, and Operations.

The Intel Security Sector delivers technology-enabled services and mission software capabilities ... Document OSINT IT systems using Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF), identify ...

System Architect, Hardware Architecture

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$285K/yr

Key job responsibilities As a System Architect, you will be responsible for defining the system ... Software Engineering, ML Science, Product Design, Industrial Design, Reliability, and Operations.

System Architect, Hardware Architecture

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$285K/yr

The team is comprised of architects with varied hardware and software backgrounds. We are always on ... Come be a part of the system architecture team in Lab126 Hardware Architecture and technology!

DSP System Architect

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

DSP System Architect We are seeking a DSP System Architect to optimize digital signal processing ... Experience in firmware or embedded software development.

DSP System Architect

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$285K/yr

DSP System Architect We are seeking a DSP System Architect to optimize digital signal processing ... Experience in firmware or embedded software development.

System Architect - Sensors

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$252K - $298K/yr

The Role Wayve is seeking a Sensor Systems Architect within the Product & Delivery (P&D ... Experience collaborating across hardware and software domains to co-develop system-level technical ...

The Intel Security Sector delivers technology-enabled services and mission software capabilities ... Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF),identifyarchitecture gaps and risks, propose system ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Software System Architect information

See salary details

$57

$71

$102

How much do software system architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for software system architect in the United States is $71.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.74 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do software architects make?

Software architects typically earn between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in large organizations or tech hubs.

What is the difference between Software System Architect vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware System ArchitectSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, certifications like TOGAF or AWSBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesigning system architecture, collaborating with stakeholders, high-level planningWriting, testing, and maintaining code, implementing features
Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare for system designCommon in software companies, startups, tech firms

The Software System Architect focuses on designing overall system structures and ensuring scalability, while the Software Developer implements these designs through coding. Both roles require technical expertise, but the architect has a broader strategic focus, whereas the developer concentrates on building and maintaining software components.

What is a Software System Architect?

A Software System Architect is a professional responsible for designing the overall structure and high-level components of complex software systems. They define the system's architecture, make key technical decisions, and ensure that solutions meet both technical and business requirements. Software System Architects work closely with stakeholders, developers, and other IT professionals to create scalable, reliable, and secure systems. Their role often involves evaluating new technologies, setting standards, and providing technical guidance throughout a project's lifecycle.

What does a software System Architect do?

A Software System Architect designs and oversees the overall structure of software systems, ensuring they meet technical requirements and business goals. They analyze system needs, select appropriate technologies, and create architecture diagrams, often collaborating with development teams. Strong knowledge of software design principles, modeling tools, and experience with system integration are essential for this role.

How does a Software System Architect typically collaborate with development and operations teams during a project?

A Software System Architect works closely with both development and operations teams throughout the lifecycle of a project. They facilitate communication by translating business requirements into technical designs and ensuring all teams understand the system architecture. Architects often lead design reviews, provide technical guidance during implementation, and oversee system integration to ensure alignment with architectural standards. This collaborative approach helps prevent miscommunication, promotes scalability, and ensures that deployment and maintenance processes are efficient and reliable.

Is Software Architect still in demand?

Software Architects are in high demand due to the increasing complexity of software systems and the need for technical leadership. They typically require strong skills in system design, programming, and experience with cloud platforms, making them valuable in many industries seeking scalable and efficient solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software System Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software System Architect, you need deep expertise in software engineering, systems design, and architectural frameworks, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with modeling tools (e.g., UML), cloud platforms, and certifications like TOGAF or AWS Certified Solutions Architect are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate across technical and business teams distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for designing robust, scalable systems that align with organizational goals and adapt to evolving technology landscapes.

Is Software Architect a high paying job?

Software Architects typically earn high salaries due to their advanced technical skills, experience, and responsibility for designing complex systems. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size but generally exceeds average software development roles. Certifications and expertise in cloud platforms or enterprise architecture can further increase earning potential.
What states have the most Software System Architect jobs? States with the most job openings for Software System Architect jobs include:
Infographic showing various Software System Architect job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,055 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Senior Software and System Architect

Senior Software and System Architect

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

$152K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


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. NVIDIA is looking for an experienced Senior Software and System Architect to join our Networking Software Architecture group. Nvidia's Architecture group consists of world-class architects responsible for crafting the next generation state-of-the-art architecture for our DPUs & NICs technologies.
The position includes researching new technologies with a focus on defining the architecture of groundbreaking technologies in various domains: networking, security, virtualization and orchestration. You work will play a vital role in advancing our datacenter networking and security solutions. You will be working with global teams iand have a unique opportunity to have real impact in a dynamic, technology-focused company shaping the future of data-centers technologies. Does this sound like a role you are looking for? Then we'd love to hear from you!
What you will be doing:
  • Leading architecture for cloud-networking and security solutions
  • Designing state-of-the-art system architecture for DPUs & NICs technologies
  • Building end-to-end solutions from application level to hardware level
  • Providing fast and creative solutions to complex problems
  • Writing effective, clear and reliable architecture specifications
  • Evaluating new technologies, innovating and rapidly developing proof of concept prototypes that can then be developed into full-fledged products/solutions
  • Working closely with different Nvidia teams around the world including software and hardware architects, R&D, product teams, solution architects, application and field engineers
  • Working with high profile customers on advanced and groundbreaking technologies and solutions

What we need to see:
  • B.Sc/M.Sc/Phd degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years of experience as a Software Architect or Systems Architect; Within that, strong experience as a Software Developer.
  • Deep knowledge of and experience with C and Python
  • Hands-on Linux development experience
  • Cloud-networking experience
  • Wide knowledge and understanding of networking protocols and common network topologies
  • Strong design, coding, analytical, debugging and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work concurrently with multiple groups locally and abroad in the organization
  • Excellent communication, documentation and presentation skills

Ways to stand out of a crowd:
  • Development experience with networking/security devices - NICs/DPUs/Switches/Routers /Firewalls
  • Good understanding of OSs and drivers
  • Background with data center technologies, network topologies and cloud
  • Experience with DPDK, OVS, OVN
  • Experience with Docker, Containers, Kubernetes components & subsystems

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and. due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you!
#LI-Remote
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3, 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 February 8, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse 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.

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