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System Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

They build the systems that power AI-driven workflows at massive scale, enabling customers to ... This role reports to the Manager of Software Engineering and provides the opportunity to work on ...

NVISIA offers one of the best environments for employees to learn, build real working systems and ... The Software Engineer is responsible for architecture, design and development of software to ...

Showing results 41-60

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 IL?

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

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.

Principal/Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$135K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available.

Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences.

Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission. As a Principal Software Engineer/Sr.

Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation.

The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation. Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations.

The Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware 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 Targeting, RF and MSS Business Units. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, 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. This position can be filled at the Principal or Sr. Principal Software level based on specific requirements.

This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start. This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Software Engineer: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience, or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 3+ years of engineering experience or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required. Object Oriented Programming in C++ Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design) Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.) Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or VxWorks Operating Systems Familiarity 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 Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 8+ years of engineering experience, or 6+ years with a Master's degree in 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++ Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design) Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc) Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or VxWorks Operating Systems Familiarity 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 Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++11 Knowledge with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc) Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile. Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Embedded Software on target hardware.

Experience with complex systems of systems that utilize Parallel Processing, Multi-Threading, Distributed Processing, Multi-Core, System-on-Chip, and Secure Processing. Active Secret Clearance Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities. Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S

Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939