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System Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

System Software Engineer, HPC Performance

Champaign, IL · On-site

$173K - $205K/yr

We are seeking System Software Engineers who are passionate about what they do and are committed to making a difference in the world through their inventions. In the Software Development Tools Team ...

Nvidia

Senior System Software Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. Over the past five years GPU accelerated data processing has moved from proof of concept to production ...

Nvidia

Senior System Software Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. Over the past five years GPU accelerated data processing has moved from proof of concept to production ...

DRW

Systems Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

As a Systems Software Engineer on our Network Capture Services team, you will help build and operate the firm's network packet capture platform. The data our capture systems produce is relied on ...

Watchfire

Software Engineer (Embedded Systems)

Danville, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Help create and review system and software requirements. * Help foster good software engineering practices and mentor junior engineers. * Prepare test cases to perform verification and validation of ...

CACI

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

Understanding of network hardware, systems and software application. Knowledge of Internet routing ... and OS programming Understanding of processor architectures (ARM, MIPS, x86, PowerPC) and ...

New

CACI International, Inc.

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... Understanding of network hardware, systems and software application. * Knowledge of Internet ...

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All JobsSystem Software Engineer JobsSystem Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois

System Software Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$80.4K

$172.2K

$199.6K

How much do system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in Illinois is $172,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,600.00 and $198,600.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to System Software Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For System Software Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching System Software Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for System Software Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to System Software Engineer jobs in IL?

For System Software Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

System Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $172,214 per year, or $82.8 per hour.

System Software Engineer, HPC Performance

Nvidia

Champaign, IL

$173K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

NVIDIA's products, hardware and software, are world leaders for performance and efficiency. We are continually innovating in creative and unique ways to improve our ability to deliver extraordinary solutions across a wide range of sectors. We are seeking System Software Engineers who are passionate about what they do and are committed to making a difference in the world through their inventions.

In the Software Development Tools Team, we enable 1st & 3rd-party developers to turn NVIDIA's hardware into groundbreaking cluster, server, professional, consumer, automotive, and embedded solutions.

What you will be doing:

  • This position will be enhancing and expanding network hardware and software profiling tools. Implementation will be primarily in C/C++ with some Python for analysis scripting. You'll work with customers and engineers across teams to explore problems, find solutions, write functional requirements docs and designs, drive execution, and deliver multi-functional software solutions.

  • Partner with system architects, product definition engineers, software/firmware engineers, HW/SW applications engineers and operations, in a multifaceted, dynamic, high-energy work environment to bring industry-defining products to market.

  • Be involved with the premiere multi-discipline GPU+CPU+networking profiling tool in the industry. You will have the opportunity to work with researchers and real world developers who are doing important work to improve computers and computing systems.

  • Build software tools that enable developers across a spectrum of markets to optimize their workflows; enable complex computer systems doing ongoing work in High Performance Computing(HPC), Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Machines, pro-visualization, and even entertainment. Enable work in tiny embedded and automotive systems. Our tools span the gamut.

What we need to see:

  • BS, MS, or PhD in EE, CE, CS, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent experience).

  • Minimum of 5 years of service in a related hardware/software position.

  • Excellent problem solving, collaborative, and interpersonal skills. Experience working with international teams preferred.

  • Experience creating monitoring, profiling, or optimization software tools for developers working on large scale systems. This includes both classic HPC and cloud computing environments.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience with multiple architectures (x86, ARM, Power) or multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS).

  • Proven track record of crafting engineering designs, driving them to consensus within teams, and bringing them to fruition.

  • Understanding of the intricacies of complex computer hardware and how that affects performance. Experience with low level hardware a major plus.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 29, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

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