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System Software Engineer Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer About CoVar CoVar is a small, mission-driven AI/ML R&D software company based in ... We build advanced software and machine learning systems that help the Department of Defense detect ...

Software Systems Engineer

Asheville, NC · On-site

$135K - $140K/yr

This position focuses on the development of embedded software and system architecture for highly engineered electromechanical products. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams ...

Our company provides application analysis, design, development and programming, software engineering, systems development, testing, integration, and implementation, and management consulting services ...

Software Engineer

Concord, NC · On-site +1

$89K - $120K/yr

Software Engineering Job Qualifications: Skills: Agile Software Development, Networking, Software ... This role contributes directly to mission effectiveness by building systems for metrics management ...

SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Concord, NC · On-site +1

$89K - $120K/yr

Software Engineering Job Qualifications: Skills: Agile Project Management, Data Automation ... This role contributes directly to mission effectiveness by building systems for metrics management ...

... system architecture and performance optimization • help ensure our tools are robust, efficient, and production ready • build systems end-to-end • optimize performance • understand how ...

Software Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$49 - $53/hr

Senior Software Engineer, Backend (Python / Node.js) We are not accepting C2C or 1099 arrangements ... System Integration * Integrate internal and external APIs, databases, and third-party platforms.

Software Engineer

Carrboro, NC · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Experience supporting CMake-based Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) systems. * Proficiency in ... DevOps). * Experience using GitHub or GitLab for code reviews, documentation, and release ...

New

Software Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$64 - $69/hr

Design and implement self-healing systems and automated remediation workflows. * Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability and operational excellence. Security and ...

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

You will leverage your knowledge of distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, and layered platform ... Time will also be spent collaborating with software engineering teams on bug fixes, code ...

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$96K - $154K/yr

Knowledge of Linux operating system and its development tools; any distribution is OK * Experience with PKI, cryptography, and general system and software security technologies * Experience using AI ...

Software Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$68 - $73/hr

Software Engineer, Data Engineering (ETL) We are not accepting C2C or 1099 arrangements. Location ... Build and manage Systems of Record (SORs) and data integration frameworks * Develop, test, and ...

Signal Software Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

Our design services include Custom System Design, Software Development, Hardware Design, RF/Antenna ... Signalscape has supplied engineering services and products used for defense, intelligence, and law ...

Showing results 21-40

System Software Engineer information

See North Carolina salary details

$75.4K

$161.5K

$187.2K

How much do system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in North Carolina is $161,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $157,200.00 and $186,300.00 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 NC?

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

Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,511 per year, or $77.6 per hour.

Software Engineer

CoVar

Durham, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Software Engineer

About CoVar

CoVar is a small, mission-driven AI/ML R&D software company based in Durham, NC and McLean, VA. We build advanced software and machine learning systems that help the Department of Defense detect threats in high-stakes environments and enable biomedical researchers to accelerate discoveries that save lives. Our team is composed of curious, passionate engineers who care deeply about using AI to solve real-world problems that matter.

About this position

We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Software Engineer who thrives in an environment where reading, understanding, and improving complex codebases is just as important as writing new code. In this role, you will develop and maintain real-time, computationally intensive applications involving data processing, real-time communications, and machine-learning algorithm integration.

You'll work closely with a team of ML engineers and software developers, contribute to system architecture and performance optimization, and help ensure our tools are robust, efficient, and production ready. You will have the opportunity to work on meaningful, high-impact projects in a close-knit engineering team. If you enjoy building systems end-to-end, optimizing performance, and understanding how software interacts with hardware at a deep level, you'll fit right in.

Important Note:

This is a software engineering role and not a prompt engineering role. Candidates with strong LLM prompting skills but limited understanding of software engineering fundamentals will not be successful here.

Minimum qualifications

  • B.S. in Computer Science or related field, preferably M.S., Ph.D, and/or 3+ years of experience
  • Expertise in Python with a minimum of two years of demonstrated hands-on professional development experience and exposure to scientific/computational libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, scikit-learn, PyTorch, etc.
  • Experience developing real-time, computationally-focused applications
  • Working knowledge of SQL and experience with one or more of MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite
  • Strong fundamental understanding of computing hardware architectures and how they influence software architectural decisions
  • Experience with software development processes, including version control, documentation, testing, and code review
  • Excellent technical communication skills and a customer-service mindset
  • Ability to work in Durham, NC (relocation assistance available)
  • Eligibility for US security clearance (US citizenship is required)

Preferred qualifications

  • Linux application development
  • Experience with embedded systems or deploying AI/ML solutions on edge hardware (highly desirable)
  • Familiarity with real-time systems, edge hardware optimization, and performance profiling
  • Experience with signal processing, pattern recognition, image processing, and/or machine learning techniques
  • Prior Department of Defense project experience

Benefits

  • Competitive salary, cash bonus, equity structure, and 401k with employer contributions
  • Excellent health care coverage, including dental and vision plans
  • Parental leave
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Tuition support
  • PTO and paid holidays

Visit us: www.covar.com