1

Staff Software Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

... progressive software engineering experience. * 3+ years in a senior technical leadership role (Director, Principal, Manager, Staff+). * Strong hands-on experience with C# / .NET, Azure cloud ...

B) Image Reconstruction & Software Development (FLORET / Non‑Cartesian) * Implement and validate ... and clinical MRI staff. * Support execution of scanner experiments as needed. * Assist with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Staff Software Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$59.7K

$159K

$217.1K

How much do staff software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff software engineer in Rochester, NY is $158,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,700.00 and $188,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Staff Software Engineer typically contribute to setting technical direction within a team?

As a Staff Software Engineer, you are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the technical roadmap and ensuring architectural consistency across projects. This often involves mentoring junior engineers, reviewing system designs, and making critical decisions on technology choices and best practices. You'll collaborate closely with product managers, engineering leads, and other stakeholders to align technical goals with business objectives. Your leadership helps foster innovation while maintaining high standards for code quality and system reliability.

What is the difference between Staff Software Engineer vs Senior Software Engineer?

AspectStaff Software EngineerSenior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in CS; significant experience
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, mentors teams, influences technical strategyDevelops features, solves complex problems, mentors juniors
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large tech companies, enterprise environmentsWidespread across startups, mid-sized, and large companies

The main difference between a Staff Software Engineer and a Senior Software Engineer lies in scope and influence. Staff Engineers typically lead technical initiatives, mentor multiple teams, and shape engineering strategies, while Senior Engineers focus on developing features and solving complex problems within their teams. Both roles require strong technical skills, but Staff Engineers have a broader impact across projects and departments.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In the context of a Staff Software Engineer role, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of engineering seniority within a company's career ladder. L1 is usually entry-level or junior engineer, while L2 and L3 represent increasingly experienced developers, with L4 often being a senior or lead engineer responsible for complex projects and mentorship. These levels help define expectations for skills, responsibilities, and compensation in software development teams.

What Is a Staff Software Engineer?

A staff software engineer works on the technical team at an organization, typically under a senior management-level team member, to repair, develop, and maintain company software to ensure an efficient user experience. As a staff software engineer, your duties include finding and implementing solutions for issues, creating new software or applications by writing code, using visual development environments to debug, and ensuring the technical architecture runs smoothly. A significant aspect of your job is to not only contribute your skills but also mentor other software engineers to improve their skills and productivity.

What is a Staff Software Engineer?

A Staff Software Engineer is a senior-level technical role responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex software systems. They often serve as technical leaders within their teams, guiding architecture decisions, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across departments. Staff Software Engineers are expected to solve high-impact engineering problems, set technical standards, and ensure the quality and scalability of software products. Their role typically involves both hands-on coding and strategic planning to drive technological innovation within an organization.

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

To thrive as a Staff Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in software development, system architecture, and problem-solving, often supported by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Mastery of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), cloud platforms, version control systems, and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines are typically required. Exceptional leadership, strong communication, and mentorship abilities set candidates apart in this role. These skills are essential for designing scalable solutions, guiding technical teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex projects.

What does a staff software engineer do?

A staff software engineer designs, develops, and maintains complex software systems, often leading technical projects and mentoring junior engineers. They typically have deep technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and may influence technical strategy within their teams. This role often requires proficiency with programming languages, software architecture, and collaboration tools.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-demand fields like machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

Is it true that AI will replace software engineers?

Staff Software Engineers develop, maintain, and improve software systems, and while AI tools can automate certain coding tasks, they are unlikely to fully replace software engineers. Instead, AI is expected to augment their work, requiring engineers to adapt by learning new skills and tools. Human oversight remains essential for complex problem-solving and system design.
What are the most commonly searched types of Staff Software Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Staff Software Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Staff Software Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Staff Software Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Staff Software Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Staff Software Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Staff Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Staff Software Engineer job openings:
Slate Engineer

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Rochester Institute Of Technology rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 539 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Creates, tests, documents, deploys, and supports software applications for multiple products and platforms
  • Supports software solutions by studying information needs; conferring with users; studying systems flow, data usage, and work processes; investigating problem areas; and following the software development lifecycle
  • Performs coding, debugging, unit testing, troubleshooting and modification of product software
  • Participates in efforts to identify and implement best practices and data standards for the division. Ensures that services are supported, monitored, and maintained throughout the life cycle
  • Creates and maintains documentation for supported services
  • Troubleshoots performance issues and partners with other teams and vendors to implement improvements
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Knowledge of systems development lifecycle and industry best practices
  • Knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems
  • Skill in software integration
  • Skill in advising groups on systems, networks, software, applications, and security issues
  • Ability to design, document, test, create, or modify computer programs
  • Ability to apply systems analysis techniques and procedures

Minimum Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 2 years of relevant experience
  • Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity, and understanding broader sets of issues. May provide assistance to entry level staff.

Additional Details

Our ideal candidate will have:

  • Experience working with Technolutions' Slate application, with a preference for Slate Student Success.

  • Knowledge of or experience with Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies.

  • Experience in higher education, particularly in Student Affairs, student-facing operations, or engagementfocused technology environments.

Please note that both a resume and a cover letter are required for consideration.

About the Department:

The Division of Student Affairs houses 20 departments that support student life at RIT. While each department has its own mission, staff, and services, Student Affairs also operates collaboratively through integrated processes and shared systems. Together, these departments deliver highquality programs and services focused on student engagement, wellbeing, sense of belonging, and student success.

The Student Affairs Software Engineer supports this work by designing, implementing, and sustaining technology solutions within Slate Student Success that enable coordinated, reliable, and scalable operations across the division. The role is part of the Systems and Business Analysis team within the Division of Student Affairs and contributes to advancing information security, data integrity, and sustainable technology solutions that support student life operations.

Role Scope and Responsibilities:

In this role, the Software Engineer partners with Student Affairs departments to translate functional needs, particularly related to student communications and engagement, into working, supportable technical solutions within RIT's Slate Student Success application.

The position requires close collaboration with functional stakeholders to understand business needs, workflows, anticipate downstream impacts, and design solutions that balance immediate needs with longterm sustainability.

The position serves as the technical lead for Student Affairs' Slate Student Success implementation, with responsibilities that include building, testing, documenting, deploying, and maintaining Slate-based processes and enhancements that move divisional communication strategies from planning into execution.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring solutions are launchready through thorough testing, issue resolution, and phased rollout.

  • Supporting and monitoring implemented services across their full lifecycle, including enhancements and refinements as needs evolve.

  • Creating documentation and reinforcing standards so solutions are repeatable, scalable, and supportable beyond initial pilots.

  • Partnering with RIT Information Technology Services (ITS) teams responsible for data integrations and platform infrastructure to ensure solutions align with university and divisional requirements.

This role represents Student Affairs on university crossfunctional teams to ensure divisional technology needs are met and serves as a liaison with technology vendors and RIT Information Technology Services (ITS). The Software Engineer is a key member of Assessment, Technology, and Communications (ATC) within the Division of Student Affairs, supporting divisionwide initiatives, and reports directly to the Student Affairs Director of Systems and Business Analysis.

The position requires the ability to communicate complex technical concepts in accessible terms to diverse audiences and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Experience working with or a willingness to learn accessibilitycentered practices and inclusive technologies is valued.

Remote Work Eligibility:

This is a hybrid position with an expectation of regular on-campus presence each week, with the option to work fully on-site if preferred. The specific work schedule is determined each semester in coordination with department leadership.

Additional Information:

  • Department Website: https://www.rit.edu/studentlife/atc
  • RIT Benefits Overview: https://www.rit.edu/humanresources/benefits

FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$72,500 - $85,000

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request tohr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


What Rochester Institute Of Technology employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Rochester Institute of Technology logo

About Rochester Institute of Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a preeminent institution in the education services industry, located in Rochester, NY, US. Renowned globally for its innovative and industry-aligned education, RIT was established in 1829 and has since then been committed to offering academic rigor in fields of study with an emphasis on applied learning. This is evidenced by their broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, science, business, and fine arts. RIT's mission centers on providing technology-based educational programs for career-minded students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

1829

Social media