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Software System Architecture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firestorm

System Architect

San Diego, CA · On-site

$258K/yr

Responsibilities : • Own the reference architecture for the manufacturing software system end-to-end: product definition, platform, edge, automation, intelligence modules, and the integration ...

PsiQuantum

Intern, System Architecture

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$47/hr

Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies ... Our system architecture department sits at the interface of hardware development, manufacturing ...

VTG

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100K - $215K/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

VTG

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100K - $215K/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

Aptiv

Software Architect - Systems

Troy, MI · On-site

System Architecture Design * Define overall system architecture and component structure * Design APIs, interfaces, and integration points between components * Create architectural diagrams ...

New

Aptiv PLC

Software Architect - Systems

System Architecture Design * Define overall system architecture and component structure * Design APIs, interfaces, and integration points between components * Create architectural diagrams ...

System One

Software Systems Engineer III

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$54.40 - $60/hr

Job Title: Software Systems Engineer III Location: Huntsville, AL Type: Contract - W2 only ... The position focuses on requirements management, system architecture, MBSE modeling using Cameo ...

New

System One

Software Systems Engineer III

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$54.40 - $60/hr

Job Title: Software Systems Engineer III Location: Huntsville, AL Type: Contract - W2 only ... The position focuses on requirements management, system architecture, MBSE modeling using Cameo ...

New

System One

Software Systems Engineer III

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$54.40 - $60/hr

Job Title: Software Systems Engineer III Location: Huntsville, AL Type: Contract - W2 only ... The position focuses on requirements management, system architecture, MBSE modeling using Cameo ...

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Software System Architecture information

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How much do software system architecture jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for software system architecture 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.

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 a deep understanding of software design principles, systems engineering, and experience with multiple programming languages, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with architectural frameworks (like TOGAF), modeling tools (such as UML), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) is typically required, and certifications in these areas are advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and guide development teams. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure scalable, robust system designs that meet business objectives and technological requirements.

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. Salaries can vary based on location, industry, and company size but generally rank among the higher-paying roles in the tech field. Certifications and expertise in cloud platforms or enterprise architecture can further increase earning potential.

What does a software system architect do?

A software system architect designs and oversees the structure of complex software systems, ensuring they meet technical requirements and are scalable, reliable, and maintainable. They analyze business needs, select appropriate technologies, create architecture diagrams, and collaborate with development teams throughout the project lifecycle.

What work does a software architect do?

A software architect designs and oversees the structure of software systems, making high-level decisions on architecture, technology stack, and integration. They collaborate with development teams to ensure the system meets requirements, is scalable, and maintains quality, often using modeling tools and architectural frameworks.

What is software system architecture?

Software system architecture refers to the high-level structure of a software system, outlining how its components interact and how data flows between them. It serves as a blueprint for both the system and the project, guiding the development, integration, and maintenance of software solutions. System architects make key decisions about the organization of code, technologies used, patterns applied, and scalability and security considerations. Good software architecture helps ensure that a system is reliable, maintainable, and able to meet future requirements.

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 or those with specialized skills in cloud computing or enterprise systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits based on company size and complexity of projects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Software System Architecture roles, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges in Software System Architecture is balancing the need for scalability, security, and performance while meeting tight project deadlines. Architects must often make critical decisions with incomplete information and ensure alignment among cross-functional teams like developers, testers, and product managers. Effective communication, staying updated with emerging technologies, and leveraging architectural frameworks can help address these challenges. Regular collaboration and feedback sessions also ensure that architectural decisions align with business goals and technical constraints.

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

AspectSoftware System ArchitectureSoftware Developer
Primary FocusDesigning overall system structure and high-level architectureWriting, testing, and maintaining code for specific features
Required SkillsSystem design, architecture patterns, technical leadershipProgramming languages, debugging, implementation skills
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with stakeholders, architects, and development teamsFocuses on coding within development teams
CertificationsOften includes TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions ArchitectIncludes certifications like Microsoft Certified, Oracle Java

While Software System Architects focus on designing the overall system structure and ensuring scalability and performance, Software Developers implement these designs by coding and testing individual components. Both roles are essential in the software development lifecycle but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Software System Architecture jobs
What states have the most Software System Architecture jobs? States with the most job openings for Software System Architecture jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Software System Architecture jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Software System Architecture jobs are:
Software System Architecture jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software System Architecture job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,055 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Staff Systems Engineer - Software Systems

Staff Systems Engineer - Software Systems

Atomic Machines

Emeryville, CA

$200K - $237K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler technology. This full-stack technology enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by offering manufacturing processes and a materials library that is inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. It promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing for the many device classes frustrated by semiconductor methods and to open up entirely new product classes. The Matter Compiler technology fully realizes the digital manufacturing dream: bits and raw materials go in, and complete, functional micromachines come out.  The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device - one that was only made possible by the existence of the Matter Compiler technology - that we will be unveiling to the world soon.
 
Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.
About This Role:

As a Staff Software Systems Engineer at Atomic Machines, you will architect and develop the software infrastructure that coordinates precision manufacturing equipment, distributed control systems, and robotic platforms. You will define software system architecture while also implementing critical software components, integration tools, and validation infrastructure.

This role combines high-level systems engineering with hands-on software development and testing to ensure robust deployment of complex manufacturing systems.

This role may be based out of either office location, Emeryville or Santa Clara, California.

What You'll Do:
  • Develop a deep understanding of Atomic Machines' distributed platform architecture.
  • Own software system architecture spanning embedded systems, controls, cloud services, and manufacturing applications.
  • Define software interfaces between platform services, robotics, and hardware.
  • Execute software design and implementation for critical infrastructure.
  • Develop APIs, communication protocols, and distributed services.
  • Build automated testing, simulation, and integration tools.
  • Design and execute software validation and system integration testing.
  • Drive software performance analysis, latency analysis, synchronization, and reliability improvements.
  • Lead system debugging across hardware and software boundaries.
  • Define system validation strategies and verification methodologies.
  • Drive FMEA, trade studies, and root cause investigations.
What You'll Need:
  • First-principles systems mindset.
  • Strong software architecture experience.
  • Extensive Python development experience.
  • Experience with C++, Rust, or Go preferred.
  • Experience with distributed systems and networking.
  • Experience with gRPC, REST APIs, messaging systems, and IPC.
  • Experience integrating software with robotics and industrial hardware.
  • Experience developing automated testing infrastructure.
  • Familiarity with embedded systems and real-time software.
  • Experience with simulation, CI/CD, and software verification.
  • 7+ years building complex software systems.
  • BS/MS in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.

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