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System Software Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$136K - $182K/yr

Position Overview The Principal Software Engineer is a senior Individual Contributor and cross ... Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or ...

Principal Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$136K - $182K/yr

Position Overview The Principal Software Engineer is a senior Individual Contributor and cross ... Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or ...

Principal Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$136K - $182K/yr

Position Overview The Principal Software Engineer is a senior Individual Contributor and cross ... Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or ...

Software Engineer II

Madison, WI · Hybrid

$98K - $134K/yr

Our embedded software engineers craft and innovate on truly unique complex controls platforms. As ... Contribute to unit, system, and automated platform test strategies We value our employee by ...

Software Engineer II

Madison, WI · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Our embedded software engineers craft and innovate on truly unique complex controls platforms. As ... Contribute to unit, system, and automated platform test strategies We value our employee by ...

Software Engineer/Developer III Job Summary: What is WIDA? For over 20 years, WIDA has provided a ... Implements data structure and systems performance strategies * Reviews application design ...

Staff Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

As a Staff Software Engineer, you will be a technical leader within a cross-functional team ... system. * Explore and integrate machine learning and data science techniques to enhance service ...

As a Staff Software Engineer, you will be a technical leader within a cross-functional team ... system. * Explore and integrate machine learning and data science techniques to enhance service ...

Full-Stack Engineer (Denari) Location: Madison, WI (Hybrid) Employment Type: Full-time About Denari ... If you learn quickly, work hard, enjoy craft, and love building elegant systems that solve complex ...

Showing results 21-40

System Software Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$83.6K

$179.1K

$207.6K

How much do system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in Madison, WI is $179,075.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $174,300.00 and $206,600.00 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 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.

Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $179,075 per year, or $86.1 per hour.

Software Development Engineer

Yahara Software

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description


Software Development Engineer

We're looking for exceptionally talented Software Development Engineers who are passionate about solving real-world problems and making a measurable difference. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk to you about immediate and future needs!

Join a team recognized as one of Madison Magazine's Best Places to Work, where innovation thrives, collaboration drives success, and we don't just build software — we empower people and transform industries.

Important Notes about this Position:

  • This position offers remote work flexibility but is only open to candidates who reside in or are willing to relocate to the greater Madison, WI area.
  • We are unable to provide sponsorship at this time.


Summary

The Software Development Engineer (SDE) is responsible for building and enhancing solutions within an existing codebase, with a focus on delivering value across biohealth, transportation, and public health sectors. The SDE works closely with clients to understand their needs and implement solutions on full-stack technologies. They will also serve as expert technical consultants on assigned client projects. This position operates chiefly in an agile environment and requires strong collaboration with project teams.

Our Approach

At Yahara, we build on a foundation of strong software engineering fundamentals—robust development methodologies, rigorous testing practices, and sound architectural principles. We stay current with emerging technologies, thoughtfully integrating AI/ML tools where they enhance our development workflow and accelerate delivery, while ensuring that critical thinking, proper problem decomposition, and engineering discipline remain at the core of everything we build.  We retain responsibility for quality, accuracy, and understanding of our work.

 What You'll Do:

  • Develop new solutions and features within our existing codebase to meet client requirements.
  • Implement full-stack solutions across both front-end and back-end technologies.
  • Participate in Agile workflow practices, including backlog grooming and ticket pointing, stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives — evaluating project successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Engage in code reviews by peer reviewing and providing constructive feedback to team members.
  • Professionally demonstrate completed work to clients, ensuring satisfaction and alignment with expectations.
  • Collaborate with technical leadership to serve as an expert consultant on assigned client projects, providing guidance and recommendations beyond day-to-day development work.
  • Work with containerized development solutions using Docker and Docker-Compose.
  • Evaluate and integrate third-party tools and frameworks for suitability within projects.
  • Collaborate closely with other Developers and supporting team members to deliver high-quality solutions.
  • Continuously learn and adopt new technologies, applying them creatively to solve client challenges.
  • Develop comprehensive technical documentation to facilitate future software development and maintenance.
  • Perform data analytics and build predictive models to extract insights from complex datasets and support data-driven decision making.
  • Design, train, and deploy machine learning models to solve business problems and improve system capabilities.

What You'll Bring

Experience & Education:

  • 3-10 years of Software Development experience.
  • Bachelor's, Associate's or higher degree in Computer Science or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
  • Strong background in a variety of software design and development concepts as they apply across the software development lifecycle.

Mindset & Approach:

  • Self-starter with a passion for software development and desire to develop quality solutions within a collaborative development environment.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex requirements, recognize blockers, and apply innovative solutions.
  • Enthusiastic about emerging technologies with proven ability to integrate innovative solutions into existing systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently on technical tasks of growing complexity.
  • Ability to understand and communicate customers' business requirements.

 Technical Background:

  • Direct experience working in an Agile Development Methodology environment.
  • Strong background in object-oriented programming.
  • Experience in biohealth, laboratory systems, or scientific software development is a plus.
  • Valued but not required: Familiarity with regulatory requirements (HIPAA, FDA, GxP) or laboratory workflows.

Specific Technical Qualifications

Core Technologies (in no particular order):

  • Microsoft .NET Framework
  • JavaScript/TypeScript & modern JavaScript Frameworks (React, or similar)
  • Postgres, Microsoft SQL Server, and other relational databases
  • Python and Python frameworks such as FastAPI/Flask
  • Cloud Platforms - Microsoft Azure/Amazon Web Services
  • Web Service/API development
  • Containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes)

Bonus Skills:

  • Data modeling and schema design
  • Data analysis, statistical analysis or data visualization tools
  • Machine Learning frameworks
  • Model Development & Deployment: building, training, and evaluating models


Company Benefits & Perks

  • 20+ days of PTO accruable in the first year!
  • Comprehensive health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) with HMO and PPO options
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with annual employer contributions
  • 401(k) with guaranteed company match (Traditional and Roth options)
  • 100% company-paid short-term and long-term disability
  • 100% company-paid life insurance with option to increase coverage
  • 100% company-paid identity theft protection
  • On-site gym with basketball court
  • Hybrid/remote schedule with home office stipend
  • Fresh fruit, healthy snacks, and beverages provided daily
  • Bonus certification program (Microsoft, AWS, PMP, IIBA, etc.)
  • Employee Assistance Program (counseling, legal, financial services)
  • Monthly and Quarterly Recognition Awards with spot bonuses
  • Company-supported community outreach and volunteer opportunities
  • Employee-run committee involvement opportunities
  • Collaborative culture founded on realized values and incredible people


If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources via email at hradmin@yaharasoftware.com


Yahara Software LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

This is a full-time, salaried position with competitive salary and benefits. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis and can work on-site in our office located in Madison, Wisconsin.