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System Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

NVISIA

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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 ...

Motorola

Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$63K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Department Overview Our RF Site Software Engineering organization, a key component of the ASTRO ... system architects, and test engineers. We are situated across various global locations, working ...

NVISIA

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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 ...

Harris

Software Engineer

Tennessee, IL

$80K - $90K/yr

... system integration, testing, and project management. - Partake in testing code to identify and fix ... software engineering principles, design patterns, algorithms, and system architecture ...

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$63K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Department Overview Our RF Site Software Engineering organization, a key component of the ASTRO ... system architects, and test engineers. We are situated across various global locations, working ...

Harris

Software Engineer

Oregon, IL

$80K - $90K/yr

... system integration, testing, and project management. - Partake in testing code to identify and fix ... software engineering principles, design patterns, algorithms, and system architecture ...

Harris

Software Engineer

Virginia, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... system integration, testing, and project management. - Partake in testing code to identify and fix ... software engineering principles, design patterns, algorithms, and system architecture ...

Nvidia

Principal Systems Software Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

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

BAI

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable, and reliable software systems. * Collaborate with product managers, architects, designers, and engineers to translate business requirements into ...

ProSight Financial Association

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable, and reliable software systems. * Collaborate with product managers, architects, designers, and engineers to translate business requirements into ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Engineer Software

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Software Engineer based out ofRolling Meadows, IL.

Our engineers are self-starters who design, develop, operates, and maintain software components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. This includes interfacing with internal customers, application users and other technical and support personnel. .The ideal candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as fluency in MS Office software applications. They will have the ability to break down complex technical concepts into understandable documentation for peers or layman, and the ability to pick up new APIs or tools on the job and sharing learnings with the team. The successful candidate will be energetic, and an excellent communicator with a focus on hands on, continuous learning and a culture of automation/digitization. They will be transparent and collaborative in communication and passionate about what they do. Building a strong professional relationship with other Manufacturing disciplines (Process Engineering, Project Management, Shop Operations, Mission Assurance), strong decision-making skills and a high-level ethical standard is also essential.

Basic Qualifications for the Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or a related STEM field with a minimum of2years relevant experience; OR a Master of Science (MS) degree in equivalent fields with0or more years of experience.
  • Experience with programming languages such as C#, C, Java
  • Experience completing software projects involving software design / development activities and/or integration and validation activities on schedule and on budget.
  • Familiarity with structured query languages: developing queries, stored procedures, functions, SSIS packages, agent jobs.
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Azure DevOps, Jira, etc)
  • Familiarity with Tableau/PowerBI or other charting tools.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
  • US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience translating user requests into software requirements, design, and regression test sets
  • Experience writing, testing, debugging and integrating software on various operating systems and platforms
  • Experience with structured query languages: developing queries, stored procedures, functions, SSIS packages, agent jobs.
  • Familiarity with WinForm Design Framework
  • Familiarity with Java/JavaScript, GIT, GitHub, CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Azure DevOps), JIRA/Confluence, modern testing frameworks
  • Experience with ETL tools like Alteryx.
  • Experience with Tableau/PowerBI.
  • Experience with C#/ASP.net, Visual Studio
  • Experience with IIS Server
  • Experience with full software lifecycle: specification, design, implementation, integration, debug and maintenance is required
  • Experience with configuration management
  • Experience with scripting languages
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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

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