ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sustaining Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

deciBel Research, Inc.

Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

deciBel Research has an immediate opening for a Software Engineer in Huntsville, AL. Position ... This role plays a critical part in developing and sustaining software that supports missile defense ...

MILLENNIUMSOFT

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

$130.10K - $171.50K/yr

Responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established design control processes and good engineering practices.

Mayvin

Software Engineer

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD · On-site

$177.92K - $197.68K/yr

Mayvin is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to support a complex Army radar program office ... Experience developing or sustaining software for Army radar systems such as AN/TPQ 50, AN/TPQ 53 ...

Saviance

Engr 3, Software

Passaic, NJ

... and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established design control processes and good engineering practices. Demonstrates working knowledge of ...

Nou Systems Inc

Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$60K - $197K/yr

... Software Engineer to support the U.S. Army Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Test Range (RTR). RTR ... The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, integration, and sustainment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsSustaining Software Engineer Jobs

Sustaining Software Engineer information

See salary details

$67K

$129.7K

$224K

How much do sustaining software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for sustaining software engineer in the United States is $129,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Sustaining Software Engineer, you need strong problem-solving skills, proficiency in debugging, and a solid background in software development, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with issue tracking systems, source control tools like Git, and experience with programming languages relevant to the product are typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams help distinguish top performers. These skills ensure timely resolution of software issues, maintain product stability, and support ongoing customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by Sustaining Software Engineers, and how are they typically addressed?

Sustaining Software Engineers often encounter the challenge of resolving complex, legacy code issues while ensuring minimal disruption to existing users. They must quickly diagnose problems, implement effective fixes, and coordinate with product and support teams to prioritize work. Staying up-to-date with evolving technologies and documentation practices is also crucial, as they frequently work on older systems. Open communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams help address these challenges and maintain software reliability.

What are Sustaining Software Engineers?

Sustaining Software Engineers are professionals responsible for maintaining, supporting, and improving existing software products after their initial release. They focus on fixing bugs, addressing customer-reported issues, ensuring compatibility with new technologies, and implementing minor enhancements to keep the software reliable and up-to-date. Unlike development engineers, who work primarily on new features or products, sustaining engineers ensure the ongoing stability and quality of released software. Their work is crucial for customer satisfaction and long-term software success.

What is the difference between Sustaining Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectSustaining Software EngineerSoftware Developer
Primary FocusMaintaining, troubleshooting, and improving existing software systemsDesigning and developing new software applications
Work EnvironmentOften in support or maintenance teams, working on existing codebasesTypically in development teams, creating new features and products
Required SkillsStrong debugging, problem-solving, and understanding of existing codeProficiency in coding, software design, and new development

While both roles require programming skills, Sustaining Software Engineers focus on maintaining and improving existing systems, whereas Software Developers primarily create new software solutions. The roles often overlap in industry and skills but differ in their core responsibilities.

More about Sustaining Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Sustaining Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Sustaining Software Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Sustaining Software Engineer jobs? The top employers for Sustaining Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Sustaining Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Sustaining Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sustaining Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sustaining Software Engineer jobs are:
Sustaining Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sustaining Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,678 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
Sustaining Software Engineer II

Sustaining Software Engineer II

Spectra Logic

Boulder, CO • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Sustaining Software Engineer II
 
Summary
Independently develop, maintain, and troubleshoot software supporting manufacturing processes and test systems. Contribute to resolving production issues, improving system reliability, and supporting new product introductions with limited supervision.
 
Essential Functions
  • Develop and maintain software applications for manufacturing and test systems, implementing enhancements and resolving defects
  • Independently troubleshoot and resolve software-related production and line issues
  • Design, develop, and maintain test software, scripts, and automation to support NPI and production validation
  • Execute and analyze SQL queries, logs, and system data to diagnose issues and drive resolution
  • Participate in and contribute to code reviews, ensuring adherence to coding standards and best practices
  • Deploy, configure, and validate production software systems with minimal supervision
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, manufacturing, and test engineering teams to resolve integrated system issues
 
Additional Responsibilities
  • Document system behavior, known issues, and resolutions to support team knowledge and scalability
  • Support and improve test fixtures, server environments, and networking/database integrations
  • Maintain and enhance existing applications and automation tools for performance and reliability
  • Assist in identifying recurring issues and contribute to root cause analysis and corrective actions
 
Qualifications / Prior Experience / Competencies
  • 2–5 years of relevant experience
  • Proficiency in at least one programming language (Java, Python, JavaScript, or Ruby)
  • Working knowledge of SQL and database design/interaction preferred
  • Experience with debugging, logging, and troubleshooting in production environments preferred
  • Familiarity with web frameworks (e.g., React, Ruby on Rails) and Linux preferred
  • Ability to work independently in a cross-functional manufacturing environment
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills
 
Education/Certification
  • B.S. in Engineering (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar)
 
Job Qualifications
  • New Hire Orientation
  • Complete job training matrix which familiarizes the engineer with business processes and procedures, as well as department specific infrastructure and protocols
Candidates must reside within commuting distance of our Boulder, CO office. Relocation assistance is not available. Only local candidates will be considered
 
Compensation: 85,000 - 110,000 USD.  While this salary range is a good faith and reasonable estimate, a candidate’s actual salary will be competitive based on a variety of factors including the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience, within the range.   
 
 
WHY SPECTRA? 
Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado, Spectra is an entrepreneurial, private company with more than 40 years of proven success preserving, protecting and defending the world’s data. Spectra offers a challenging, flexible and creative work environment. Our culture is one that drives personal opportunity and advancement and rewards high performance while maintaining a high-quality work-life balance. We offer a casual, hybrid work environment with ample opportunity to learn and grow within the company. Work out on your own or with our trainer at one of the on-campus gyms; grab lunch or snacks onsite or challenge the CEO to a game of pinball; and grow your career with peers who are second to none.  
  
SPECTRA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER  
Spectra is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we never discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by applicable law 

Apply