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Sustaining Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Benchmark

Sustaining Test Engineer I

Winona, MN · On-site

$63K - $79K/yr

The Test Engineer provides support for test processes on the production floor and product startups ... software updates as required • Proposes ideas for custom tooling for overall test process and ...

Exactsciences

Sr. Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

Working in our Software Engineering team, you will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established ...

Mastercard, Inc.

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Together with our customers, we're helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper ... Title and Summary Senior Software Engineer Who is Mastercard? Mastercard is a global technology ...

Proterra

Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Greer, SC · On-site

Proterra is seeking an Embedded Systems Software Engineer to join the Battery Management Systems ... This role is focused on sustaining and improving production BMS software through diagnostics ...

Leidos

Software/Analytics Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Leidos is hiring a Software/Analytics Engineer to support a Federal Program Office within the Stockpile Sustainment Directorate for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The successful ...

Exact Sciences

Sr. Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

Working in our Software Engineering team, you will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established ...

SAIC

Senior Software Engineer

Hampton, VA · Remote

$118K - $156K/yr

The ideal candidate serves as a member of the Engineering and Sustainment software development team. Provides technical and design aspects and aids in the innovation and creation of government ...

Geo Owl

Geo Owl is seeking a Software Engineer / Software Sustainment Specialist to support the National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. This position is responsible for ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Software Developer, Senior

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$54 - $71.50/hr

... sustaining software on enterprise systems • Experience with scripting and programming languages, including Python, Java, and JavaScript • Experience with programming in modern Java frameworks ...

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All JobsSustaining Software Engineer Jobs

Sustaining Software Engineer information

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$67K

$129.7K

$224K

How much do sustaining software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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 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 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 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 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 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,678 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

TS/SCI - Principal Software Engineer

AVTC Group

Aurora, CO • On-site

$180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

All Qualified candidates will be responded to in 24 hours or less
Active TS/SCI w/ CI Poly is a must
Employment type: Full Time W-2 or Contract
Rate: open to Negotiation
Benefits: including Health, Dental Vision, PTO, Holidays, 401K,etc..
Principal Software Engineer
Salary range: $180k+/yr
Location: Aurora, CO
Clearance: Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph required
Certification: IAT Level II / Security+ required
Role Summary
Seeking a Principal Software Engineer to support the enhancement, modification, troubleshooting, and sustainment of existing software systems.
This role supports software architecture, development, testing, deployment, and system maintenance in a Linux-based environment. The engineer will work across the full software development lifecycle, troubleshoot system anomalies, coordinate software upgrades, and develop technical solutions for complex software, configuration, network, and operating system issues.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop enhancements and modifications for existing software systems.
  • Troubleshoot anomalies related to software, system configuration, network interfaces, and operating system issues.
  • Coordinate software installs and upgrades in accordance with Configuration Management procedures.
  • Support software architecture design, development, integration, and testing.
  • Perform full lifecycle software development, including requirements definition, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
  • Develop and maintain system tools, technical documentation, and support materials.
  • Provide technical solutions for complex software and system-level issues.
  • Support containerized software deployments and integration activities.
  • Collaborate with developers, engineers, customers, and technical stakeholders in a team environment.

Required Qualifications
  • 8+ years of object-oriented software development experience.
  • Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph required at start.
  • Current IAT Level II / Security+ certification required.
  • Java development experience in a Linux environment.
  • Experience with Jenkins.
  • Experience with Java Messaging Service.
  • Experience deploying software within Docker containers.
  • Experience with NetBeans.
  • Experience with JavaScript.
  • Experience troubleshooting software, configuration, network interface, and operating system issues.
  • Experience coordinating software installs, upgrades, and releases under Configuration Management processes.
  • Ability to support requirements definition and full SDLC execution.
  • Ability to develop technical solutions for complex software problems.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with web-based development.
  • Experience with web services.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers and technical teams.
  • Experience supporting classified, mission-critical, or operational software environments.
  • Experience with system sustainment, software modernization, or enhancement of existing software baselines.

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