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System Software Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site +1

$134K - $184K/yr

Work spans from component-level technology development through integrated prototype systems. Core ... STR is hiring a Senior Software Engineer to be part of a multi-disciplinary team that transforms ...

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... About the Job Software Engineers independently drive the delivery of a variety of software ...

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Showing results 1-20

System Software Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$90.2K

$193.1K

$223.8K

How much do system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in Boston, MA is $193,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $187,900.00 and $222,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $193,074 per year, or $92.8 per hour.
Lead Software Engineer, Mission System, Maritime

Lead Software Engineer, Mission System, Maritime

Anduril Industries

Quincy, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary:
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company focused on transforming military capabilities with advanced technology. The Lead Mission Systems Software Engineer will design and develop core decision-making and autonomy software for autonomous underwater vehicles, providing technical leadership and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet customer requirements.
Responsibilities:
• Act as a technical leader on a small team owning software for Copperhead
• Draw on both your technical expertise and leadership skills to set objectives, build cross-functional teams, and rapidly drive projects to completion
• Drive the design and implementation of development processes for the initial delivery and subsequent iteration of payloads and mission systems
• Act as the technical owner for an entire mission system, including stakeholder and customer engagement, requirements definition, roadmap management, team coordination, design, implementation, sustainment and evolution
• Organize integration events, scoping key deliverables and impact to broader program
• Own customer success through the design and delivery of a fully operational mission system
• Leverage internal product and program-specific engineering teams to rapidly deliver capability beyond the scope of current platforms, with a clear path for both architecture and capability evolution over time
• Generate system solutions to improve reliability, ease-of-use, and capability across a variety of customer missions
• Write and maintain core libraries (frame transformations, targeting and guidance, communications, etc.) that all robotics platforms at Anduril will use
• Own major feature development for Copperhead and manage rollout to the fleet
• Travel up to 15% of time to build, test, and deploy capabilities in the real world, and collaborate with other teams or end-users
Qualifications:
Required:
• Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Robotics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics
• System architecture experience
• Hands-on experience developing software for embedded and physical devices
• Proven understanding of data structures, algorithms, concurrency, and code optimization
• 6+ years of professional C++ or Rust programming experience in a Linux development environment
• Experience with NixOS
• Experience troubleshooting and analyzing remotely deployed software systems
• Experience with the development and sustainment of distributed software platform and application architectures, running under dynamic network topologies
• Capacity to work holistically on software enabled capabilities up and down the software stack and through lifecycle through design, implementation, operation and sustainment
• Demonstrated curiosity and ability to learn outside of core discipline, and a desire to work on critical software that has a real-world impact
• Experience engaging with customers to represent the technical aspects of a product portfolio regarding missions and payloads
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical teams
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
Preferred:
• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field
• Experience in a leadership position within a high performing technology organization
• Experience with modeling and simulation of complex systems
• Proficiency in Python, Rust, and/or Go
• Experience in one or more of the following: high performance computing, network programming, fault tolerance, fault handling, DevSecOps
• Experience solving complex frame transformation problems, such as target localization or multi degree of freedom robotic arms
• Experience in one or more of the following: sensor integration, tracking and estimation, motion planning, perception, localization, mapping, guidance, navigation and control, and related system performance metrics
• Solid understanding of robotics systems, common interfaces and protocols (gRPC, TCP/IP, RS485, RS232)
• Demonstrated ability to learn and grow individually, while effectively mentoring senior team members, building team cohesion, and increasing team capability
Company:
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that specializes in developing advanced autonomous systems to enhance national security. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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