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System Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sotera Health

Industrial Controls Software Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$45.75 - $58.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design and deliver advanced control system software for modern industrial automation platforms while providing technical leadership and mentorship across engineering teams. Influence architecture ...

Belcan

Software Engineer

Rockford, IL

$83K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Software Engineer job in Rockford, IL is currently available through Belcan at one of our key ... Experience with developing applications under the UNIX/Linux operating system family (Windows ...

Next Step Systems

Software Engineer

Northbrook, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Software Engineer, Northbrook, IL The selected Software Engineer will become part of the team responsible for all of the company's programming needs. Software Engineers and Applications Developers ...

ampliFI Loyalty Solutions

Software Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$132K - $147K/yr

Software Engineer for AmpliFI Loyalty Solutions, Naperville, IL. Define the long-term architectural ... Provide deep expertise and guidance on the integration of REACT front-end systems with the backend ...

Hi-Tech Solutions

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

Market Rate JOB SPECIFICATIONS Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Management Systems or equivalent 7+ years of software engineering experience Spring ...

ampliFI Loyalty Solutions

Software Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$130K - $132K/yr

Software Engineer for AmpliFI Loyalty Solutions, Naperville, IL. Define the long-term architectural ... Provide deep expertise and guidance on the integration of REACT front-end systems with the backend ...

ampliFI Loyalty Solutions

Software Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site +1

$132K - $147K/yr

Software Engineer for AmpliFI Loyalty Solutions, Naperville, IL. Define the long-term architectural ... Provide deep expertise and guidance on the integration of REACT front-end systems with the backend ...

Next Step Systems

C++ Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

C++ Software Engineer, Chicago, IL We are seeking a C++ Software Engineer to join its highly experienced team to develop systems that will contribute to our low-latency trading platform. Successful ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 12, 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 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 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 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, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $172,214 per year, or $82.8 per hour.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER 3 with Security Clearance

ASD, Inc.

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Engineer Software 3 to support our Radio Frequency Business Unit. This position will serve on-site at Rolling Meadows, IL. he Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the RF Business Unit. This includes interfacing with customers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration. Basic Qualifications for Engineer Software 3 · Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience, or 3+ years with a Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required. · Object Oriented Programming in C++ · Experience creating Graphical User Interfaces · Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design) · Familiarity with relational database management systems using SQL · Experience Developing Software running Windows Operating Systems · Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile. · Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc) · US Citizenship · Must be able to obtain an active Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance and meet Enhanced Security Review criteria prior to start which may vary by program(s). Preferred Qualifications for Engineer Software 3 · Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++ 11 · Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc) · Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Software on target hardware platforms · Experience with the Qt framework · Experience with DOORs requirements management · Active Secret Clearance · Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.

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