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System Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

System Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$142K - $263K/yr

Description The Cloud OS System Software Team is looking for an exceptional software engineer to build and integrate software to orchestrate workloads across highly performant and energy efficient ...

Socket.dev

System Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$175K - $263K/yr

Description The Cloud OS System Software Team is looking for an exceptional software engineer to build and integrate software to orchestrate workloads across highly performant and energy efficient ...

Apple Inc.

System Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$142K - $263K/yr

Description The Cloud OS System Software Team is looking for an exceptional software engineer to build and integrate software to orchestrate workloads across highly performant and energy efficient ...

Intel Corporation

System Software Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$127K - $156K/yr

Join Intel as a System Software Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and optimizing software solutions across Intel's cutting-edge technology portfolio. In this ...

Intel

System Software Engineer

Hillsboro, OR

$127K - $156K/yr

Join Intel as a System Software Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and optimizing software solutions across Intel's cutting-edge technology portfolio. In this ...

Sapsol Technologies Inc

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

... programming languages such as C, C++, Assembly. * Experience working in DAL A software development. Experience with Code Review * Experience with software development tools, version control systems ...

Nvidia

System Software Engineer - Tegra

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$203K - $240K/yr

We are now hiring a System Software Engineer to join the NVIDIA's System Software group focusing on Data Center Server Platform Diagnostics. You will join a dynamic crew that builds and maintains ...

Intel

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$135K - $181K/yr

Join Intel as a System Software Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and optimizing software solutions across Intel's cutting-edge technology portfolio. In this ...

Sapsol Technologies Inc

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

... programming languages such as C, C++, Assembly. * Experience working in DAL A software development. Experience with Code Review * Experience with software development tools, version control systems ...

Intel Corporation

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$123K - $156K/yr

Join Intel as a System Software Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and optimizing software solutions across Intel's cutting-edge technology portfolio. In this ...

Broadcom Inc.

System Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$202K - $240K/yr

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and development of the RDMA protocol ... Significant experience in RDMA protocol, QoS, Packet Classifications, Linux Systems programming ...

Intel Corporation

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

Join Intel as a System Software Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and optimizing software solutions across Intel's cutting-edge technology portfolio. In this ...

Broadcom

System Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$202K - $240K/yr

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and development of the RDMA protocol ... Systems programming, Linux kernel, Linux Network Drivers, Linux Kernel Networking, Virtual ...

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System Software Engineer information

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$83K

$177.7K

$206K

How much do system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in the United States is $177,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a system software engineer do?

A System Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the core software that enables computer hardware and system applications to function. This includes operating systems, device drivers, firmware, and other low-level software that interacts closely with hardware components. Their work ensures that systems run efficiently, securely, and reliably. They often collaborate with hardware engineers and application developers to optimize performance and troubleshoot complex technical issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a System Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Rust, a deep understanding of operating systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with low-level debugging tools, version control systems (such as Git), and kernel development environments is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for building reliable, high-performance system software that underpins critical applications and infrastructure.

What are some common challenges system software engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

System Software Engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as maintaining system stability while integrating new features, ensuring compatibility across diverse hardware platforms, and optimizing performance under heavy workloads. Coordinating with cross-functional teams, such as hardware engineers and application developers, is essential to address these complexities. Additionally, they must stay updated with evolving technologies and adhere to rigorous testing and debugging practices to prevent system failures.

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

AspectSystem Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; often some experience with systems programmingBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; focus on application development
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining operating systems, firmware, or system-level applicationsCreating user-facing applications, websites, or mobile apps
Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, embedded systemsSoftware firms, startups, enterprise applications
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to system-level programmingLooking for application or web development roles

System Software Engineers focus on developing and maintaining system-level software like operating systems and firmware, requiring knowledge of hardware and low-level programming. Software Developers typically create applications and user-facing software, emphasizing higher-level programming skills. Both roles often share similar educational backgrounds but differ in their work focus and environment.

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System Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,719 per year, or $85.4 per hour.

System/Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA • On-site

Servstaffing Solutions
See more jobs at Servstaffing Solutionsexternal

$195K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

Experience in systems/software engineering or HPC/AI development  

Strong programming expertise in Python and low-level programming (C/C++ preferred)

Deep understanding of:

GPU accelerator architectures

Parallel computing models

Memory and compute optimization

Strong knowledge of:

Compiler stacks / SDK architecture

Runtime systems and execution pipelines