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System Software Engineer Jobs in Boulder, CO (NOW HIRING)

CesiumAstro

Senior Flight Software Engineer II

Westminster, CO · On-site

$123K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for ... We are looking to add a Senior Flight Software Engineer II to our Internal Missions team. If you ...

Cherokee Federal

Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Develop innovative, machine-generated, and system-augmented geospatial analysis and production capabilities. * Performs other job-related duties as assigned Software Engineer Experience, Education ...

Cherokee Federal

Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Develop innovative, machine-generated, and system-augmented geospatial analysis and production capabilities. * Performs other job-related duties as assigned Software Engineer Experience, Education ...

Apple

Senior Systems Engineer, Watch Software

Boulder, CO

$205K - $374K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

The watchOS Systems team is looking for a creative senior software engineer to help define the ... Work at many layers of the system software stack, from firmware or kernel layers up to application ...

Apple

Senior Systems Engineer, Watch Software

Boulder, CO

$175K - $308K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

The watchOS Systems team is looking for a creative senior software engineer to help define the ... Work at many layers of the system software stack, from firmware or kernel layers up to application ...

Apple

Senior Systems Engineer, Watch Software

Boulder, CO

$205K - $374K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

The watchOS Systems team is looking for a creative senior software engineer to help define the ... Work at many layers of the system software stack, from firmware or kernel layers up to application ...

Apple

Senior Systems Engineer, Watch Software

Boulder, CO

$175K - $308K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

The watchOS Systems team is looking for a creative senior software engineer to help define the ... Work at many layers of the system software stack, from firmware or kernel layers up to application ...

Apple

Senior Systems Engineer, Watch Software

Boulder, CO

$205K - $374K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

The watchOS Systems team is looking for a creative senior software engineer to help define the ... Work at many layers of the system software stack, from firmware or kernel layers up to application ...

Apple

Senior Systems Engineer, Watch Software

Boulder, CO

$184K - $324K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

The watchOS Systems team is looking for a creative senior software engineer to help define the ... Work at many layers of the system software stack, from firmware or kernel layers up to application ...

Geologics

Software Engineer

Aurora, CO

$85 - $140/hr

Software Engineer Onsite Location: Aurora, CO Required: TS/SCI Clearance No 1099, No third parties ... Experience developing planning & scheduling software or similar software systems. Preferred ...

Vizio

(USA) Senior, Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$108K - $216K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with scalable distributed systems. Experience working with databases (Postgres, Redis ... Option 2: 5 years' experience in software engineering or related area. Preferred Qualifications.

Geologics

Software Engineer

Aurora, CO

$85 - $140/hr

Software Engineer Onsite Location: Aurora, CO Required: TS/SCI Clearance No 1099, No third parties ... Experience developing planning & scheduling software or similar software systems. Preferred ...

Auria

Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Auria is looking to hire a Software Engineer to support the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Architecture (BOA) program. BOA is the Missile Defense Agency ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSystem Software Engineer JobsSystem Software Engineer Jobs in Boulder, CO

System Software Engineer information

See Boulder, CO salary details

$86.1K

$184.3K

$213.6K

How much do system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in Boulder, CO is $184,313.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $179,400.00 and $212,600.00 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 Boulder, CO?

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

What job categories do people searching System Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for System Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO are:

What cities near Boulder, CO are hiring for System Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Boulder, CO with the most System Software Engineer job openings:

System Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in Boulder, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $184,313 per year, or $88.6 per hour.

Senior Flight Software Engineer II

CesiumAstro

Westminster, CO • On-site

$133K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
 
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking to add a Senior Flight Software Engineer II to our Internal Missions team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing software for leading-edge communications satellites, we would like to hear from you. 
 
In this position, you will be responsible for the Cesium satellite flight software and software-in-the-loop testing through all stages of the development process. Your work will include developing software to monitor, test, and control spacecraft subsystems such as attitude, command and data handling, navigation, thermal, and power. The ideal candidate will be an experienced spacecraft software engineer, motivated to develop every aspect of space mission software from Linux-based satellite operating systems to low-level embedded products. You will work and learn from a cohort of senior and principal software engineers. You will use your experience to direct, mentor, and grow a team of motivated spacecraft engineers in the development of a new satellite system.  
 
As a Cesium team member, you will work on a small team to develop satellites and put them in orbit.  You will be responsible for software design to include initial architecture and block diagrams, requirements definition, implementation, code review, and validation and verification. You will need to identify simplifying solutions to simulate complex problems and explain key results and decisions to the team.  
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Design and implement software to build and integrate mission systems including satellites, ground stations, and mission operations centers.
  • Design, develop, code, test, debug, and document system software.
  • Review code and system designs.
  • Analyze code for efficiency, stability, and scalability.
  • Integrate and validate new product designs.
  • Support software quality assurance and optimize I/O performance.
  • Provide post-production/in-orbit customer support.
  • Interface with hardware design and development engineers.
  • Assess third party and open-source software.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), or Doctorate (PhD) degree in Software or Computer Engineering from an accredited university or institution.  
  • Minimum of 6 years of industry experience in spacecraft software development. A Master's degree may count as two years of experience.
  • Experience in hands-on development and troubleshooting of software systems and hardware (such as motors, power distribution units, etc.).
  • Experience with C, C++, Python, or other languages in an aerospace context.  
  • A strong understanding of space missions from conception through flight and disposal.  
  • Familiarity with spacecraft mission design including events, pointing modes, maneuver planning, sequencing, and operations.  
  • Experience with spacecraft failure in post-CDR testing and on-orbit, root cause analysis, and recovery. 
  • Experience with design for reliability, spaceflight redundancy, and fault detection, identification, and recovery.  
  • Space software experience with attitude dynamics, coordinate frame transformations, vector mathematics, radiative heat transfer, spacecraft propulsion, space communication systems, and power systems. 
  • Experience with communication protocols such as TCP/IP or UDP for use in software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop lab development and for use in space flight.  
  • Experience in interfacing a variety of open-source software to create an integrated system.
  • Embedded software experience, particularly for space missions.  
  • Ability to implement physical first principles as scripts or spreadsheets.  
  • Experience with processes for software release, revisioning, and configuration.  
  • Familiarity with configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review.  
  • Experience with trades and processes for handling radiation tolerance in software on automotive grade parts.
  • Familiarity with systems for continuous integration, test, and delivery.  
  • Excellent understanding of multi-threaded applications and resource management.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • CubeSat and SmallSat experience including LEO, MEO, GEO, and beyond.  
  • Hands-on experience with spacecraft instrumentation, subsystems, and test labs.  
  • Experience with JPL F’, NASA cFS, and other commercial space software frameworks.  
  • Experience with ground system software engineering for space missions.  
  • Experience in a team leadership role on a space software program.  
  • Experience in other non-space safety critical software programs.  
  • Experience with network security.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
 
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.