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Sustaining Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

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

New

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Hampton, VA · Remote

$80K - $120K/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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

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

New

Senior Software Engineer

O Fallon, MO

$114K - $151K/yr

Title and Summary Senior Software Engineer Who is Mastercard? Mastercard is a global technology ... Operating in more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that ...

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Sustaining Software Engineer information

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$67K

$129.7K

$224K

How much do sustaining software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Sustaining Software Engineers in high-demand industries or senior roles with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles often involve leadership, complex system management, or working at large tech companies with competitive compensation packages.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Sustaining Software Engineers at senior levels or in specialized roles such as staff or principal engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in large tech companies or with significant stock options and bonuses. High compensation often requires extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities.

What do sustaining engineers do?

Sustaining software engineers are responsible for maintaining, updating, and troubleshooting existing software products to ensure their continued performance and reliability. They analyze issues, implement fixes, and optimize code, often using tools like version control and debugging software, to support product stability and customer satisfaction.

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.

Is it true that AI will replace software engineers?

AI is transforming software engineering by automating routine tasks and assisting in code generation, but it is unlikely to fully replace software engineers. Instead, AI tools enhance productivity, requiring engineers to focus on complex problem-solving, system design, and maintaining ethical standards. Software engineers will continue to play a vital role in developing, managing, and improving AI-driven systems.

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:
Associate Manager, Software Engineer

Associate Manager, Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies

Camden, NJ

$132K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Associate Manager, Software Engineering 

Job Code: 35958

Job Location: Camden, NJ

L3Harris Space Mission Systems is seeking an experienced Software Engineering Manager to lead development of mission-critical software, supporting communications and service-based systems. The Software Engineering Manager will collaborate across engineering disciplines, mentor engineers, support recruiting and performance management activities, and contribute technical input to proposal efforts and engineering planning. The selected candidate will guide software development across the full lifecycle including requirements analysis, architecture, design, implementation, integration, and test. This role provides day-to-day technical leadership for a team of software engineers while ensuring delivery of high-quality software aligned with cost, schedule, and technical performance objectives. The successful candidate will also support development and sustainment of VoIP and real-time communications applications utilizing SIP-based call control and frameworks such as PJSIP or PJMEDIA.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide day-to-day technical and task leadership for a team of software engineers, ensuring delivery of high-quality software on cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Will lead development of RESTful APIs and service-based architectures and supporting Java enterprise applications deployed as WAR files on JBoss or similar application servers.
  • Will guide software deployment and sustainment on Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems and supporting RPM-based software packaging and distribution.
  • Participate in and lead code reviews, design reviews, and architecture discussions for service-based, VoIP, and application-level software systems.
  • Collaborate closely with systems engineering, electrical engineering, cybersecurity, and program leadership to ensure successful end-to-end system integration.
  • Mentor and coach engineers on technical growth, career development, and performance expectations.
  • Support performance management activities, including providing input to performance reviews and goal setting.
  • Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and tasking of software engineers.
  • Maintain hands-on technical involvement as required to support development, integration, troubleshooting, and sustainment activities.
  • Provide technical input to proposal efforts, including rough-order-of-magnitude estimates, task definition, and engineering assumptions.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum 6 years prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
  • Experience in a senior engineering, technical lead, or informal leadership role
  • Demonstrated experience designing, developing, or integrating RESTful services in a production environment.
  • Ability to obtain DoD Secret security clearance
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines and programs.
  • Exposure to proposal development, cost estimation, or EVMS-driven program environments.
  • Experience working in an Agile or hybrid Agile development environment.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Hands-on experience deploying or sustaining applications in OpenShift, MicroShift, or Kubernetes-based environments.
  • Experience with DevOps practices and tools, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and configuration management.
  • Experience with Linux-based development, specifically Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
  • Experience building, deploying, or sustaining software packaged as RPMs.
  • Experience with Java enterprise applications, including WAR-based deployments.
  • Familiarity with JBoss or similar Java application servers.
  • Experience or exposure to VoIP systems, SIP-based call control, or real-time media applications.
  • Familiarity with PJSIP / PJMEDIA or similar VoIP/media frameworks.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role is $132,000-$189,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.