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

SSCI, Inc.

Autonomy Software Engineer

Burlington, MA · On-site

$108 - $131/hr

Support migrations of Scientific Systems software applications to the SSCI Digital Engineering Environment, as directed, in support of current and future USG and DoD software acquisition requirements.

Lumafield

Systems Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$187K - $222K/yr

We rebuilt the whole system, from X-ray capture, to computer vision analysis, to web-based ... As a Systems Software Engineer at Lumafield, you will work on the software that powers our next ...

Lumafield

Systems Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

We rebuilt the whole system, from X-ray capture, to computer vision analysis, to web-based ... As a Systems Software Engineer at Lumafield, you will work on the software that powers our next ...

KBR, Inc.

Software Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$156K - $180K/yr

System software design and implementation (primarily in C++). This will include protocol and state ... S. in Software Engineering, Computer Science (or related field) with a strong background in real ...

KBR

Software Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$156K - $180K/yr

System software design and implementation (primarily in C++). This will include protocol and state ... S. in Software Engineering, Computer Science (or related field) with a strong background in real ...

Textron

Systems & Software Engineer Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$189K - $224K/yr

System architecture definition and integration with program requirements across all technical ... S.) in Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related Engineering discipline with a minimum ...

Textron

Systems & Software Engineer Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$189K - $224K/yr

System architecture definition and integration with program requirements across all technical ... S.) in Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related Engineering discipline with a minimum ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSystem Software Engineer JobsSystem Software Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

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 Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in Boston, MA is $193,064.00, 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 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 Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching System Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for System Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

System Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $193,074 per year, or $92.8 per hour.

Autonomy Software Engineer

SSCI, Inc.

Burlington, MA • On-site

$108 - $131/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Our Autonomy Software Engineer will be part of the company’s core AI-enabled Autonomy Software development team. Primary responsibilities include day-to-day, agile software engineering for initial development, DevSecOps and CI/CD integration, and ongoing software test and evaluation using advanced modeling and simulation platforms. Additional responsibilities include providing autonomy software integration and test support to multiple autonomy programs aligned with specific customer autonomy objectives.

Essential Functions:
  • Support migrations of Scientific Systems software applications to the SSCI Digital Engineering Environment, as directed, in support of current and future USG and DoD software acquisition requirements.
  • Write and review software documentation.
  • Support development sprints and code reviews.
  • Develop software to achieve program milestones as directed, in accordance with modern software engineering Agile Software Development methodologies.
  • Support Prime and customer-facing interactions.
  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in software engineering and other areas relevant to SSCI (Navigation, Mission Planning, Autonomy, etc.).
  • This role may require the ability to sit or stand at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US DOD Security Clearance.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelors’ of Science degree in Math, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, or Data Science, or equivalent experienceand 3+ years progressive software engineering experience in a related industry and relevant experience with software development/R&D of AI for Robotics, Machine Learning, Robot Planning/Optimization Techniques, and/or Autonomous Uncrewed Systems Software
  • Experience working as part of an autonomy integration team, including leading autonomy software to achieve operationally relevant software capabilities.
  • Experience using modern software development tool chains and processes including build, test, and documentation methodologies as well as experience performing configuration (user accounts, project settings) for tools such as git/Gitlab/Github, Confluence/Jira, CI/CD, build automation tools, automated test methodologies, Model-Based System Engineering tools and techniques, etc.
  • Experience using C/C++, Python, and/or project-specific required languages (e.g. Java, Rust, etc.).
  • Experience designing object-oriented class structures with well-designed API within the languages of interest.
  • Experience with DoD or other common robotics and datalink architecture standards. (especially OMS, ROS, and AFSIM, as well as FACE, DDS, STANAG 4586, J-Series, etc)
  • Experience designing software architecture for complex software systems and integrate with DoD-standard architectures and interfaces.
  • Experience identifying and clarifying customer technical requirements and aligning technical efforts with requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s of Science degree or PhD
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Significant experience in AI/Autonomy/Robotics advanced technologies and software as demonstrated in successfully field-tested unmanned systems
  • Experience in Linux-based development environments
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including technical writing skills used to write clear documentation for developed code.
  • Ability to identify and creatively solve complex problems.
  • Ability to execute logical reasoning and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Salary: $108,000 - $131,000 (Depends on Experience)
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Hybrid Work Schedule
  • Free Food & Snacks
  • Wellness Resources
  • Summer 9/80 work schedule
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