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

Sr. Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

Working in our Software Engineering team, you will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established ...

Working in our Software Engineering teams, you will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established ...

New

Sr. Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

Working in our Software Engineering team, you will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established ...

Working in our Software Engineering teams, you will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established ...

New

Principal Software Engineer

Madison, WI

$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

$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 ...

Working in our Software Engineering teams, you will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established ...

Working in our Software Engineering teams, you will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established ...

This role requires deep technical expertise, strong system design skills, and the ability to collaborate across product, design, and engineering teams to deliver high-quality software solutions.

This role requires deep technical expertise, strong system design skills, and the ability to collaborate across product, design, and engineering teams to deliver high-quality software solutions.

This role requires deep technical expertise, strong system design skills, and the ability to collaborate across product, design, and engineering teams to deliver high-quality software solutions.

Design and conduct experiments, engineering studies, or models to characterize system behavior and ... Understanding of software architecture and core technical concepts, including: * Service-oriented ...

Design and conduct experiments, engineering studies, or models to characterize system behavior and ... Understanding of software architecture and core technical concepts, including: * Service-oriented ...

Design and conduct experiments, engineering studies, or models to characterize system behavior and ... Understanding of software architecture and core technical concepts, including: * Service-oriented ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 26, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior system software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or AI, and often working in high-demand industries or at large tech companies can earn $300,000 or more annually. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in competitive markets or executive-level roles.

What does a systems engineer do in software?

A systems engineer in software designs, develops, and maintains complex software systems, ensuring they function efficiently and reliably. They often work with system architecture, integration, and troubleshooting, using tools like scripting languages and development environments to optimize performance and stability.

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.

Will AI replace system engineers?

System software engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems and rely on skills such as programming, troubleshooting, and system analysis. While AI can automate certain tasks like monitoring and routine maintenance, it is unlikely to fully replace system engineers, as human expertise is essential for designing, implementing, and managing complex systems and adapting to new challenges.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those working in high-demand fields like cloud computing, AI, or at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes stock options or bonuses as part of compensation packages.

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.

Sr. Software Engineer

Exactsciences

Madison, WI • On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Help us change lives

At Exact Sciences, we're helpingchange how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you're working to help others.

Position Overview

As a Sr. Software Engineer, this seasoned professional will demonstrate competence and creativity in a wide range of technical areas. This role will have a lead role in the design, development, and testing of software applications for Exact Sciences, creating expert design concepts and foolproof debugging. This role will be able to resolve most issues and problems effectively with minimal oversight, communicate effectively with business stakeholders and mentor junior team members. This role will routinely make key decisions for the team, be accountable for application quality, and be highly productive.

Working in our Software Engineering team, you will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining software systems in a cross-functional team environment through adherence to established design control processes and good engineering practices. You will design and create engineering specifications for building software programs based on a broad knowledge of information systems and determine what development methodology to use after documenting software requirements.

An ideal candidate will be comfortable growing others on the team as an informal leader. They would have very strong competency with Java and be knowledgeable about Spring Boot and Spring as it relates to building out microservices. Experience with Maven is a plus, as is experience with Kafka and/or HL7 and FHIR.

This hybrid role is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Demonstrate strong working knowledge, skills, and understanding of practices for complex programs and initiatives demonstrating creativity and substantial understanding of specialized techniques, processes, procedures.
  • Troubleshoot issues and problems of medium complexity for major software applications; break down complex tasks, make reasonable decisions, investigate and fix bugs, and operate independently.
  • Initiate independent designs that impact and influence the department's delivery and approach. Lead reviewing design alternatives, problems, and solutions with an eye on limiting the need for later problem solving.
  • Consistently influence and make significant decisions within a project, demonstrating good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions based in a solid understanding of business strategy and best practices with minimal instructions for difficult or unpredictable situations.
  • Contribute individual capabilities to the achievement of group objectives, and work effectively with others in a group setting. This includes mentoring, coaching, and technical guidance for junior members of the team.
  • Build successful internal and external partnerships with peers, SMEs, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
  • Communicate clear and concise project plans/designs and status updates for a project.
  • Ability to work nights and/or weekends, as needed.
  • Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
  • Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
  • Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
  • Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or Engineering; or High School Diploma/General Education Degree and 4 years of relevant experience as outlined in the essential duties .
  • Complete knowledge and full understanding of software development design and development, and relevant domain specific skills.
  • Understanding of and significant experience with object-oriented programming.
  • RESTful web services, Relational Databases (Postgres, SQL Server), and ORM technologies (JPA2, Hibernate, Entities Framework).
  • Demonstrated experience designing and developing apps that access and or utilize cloud-based frameworks (e.g., Azure, Amazon AWS Services/SDKs, etc.).
  • Agile development tools; including, but not limited to, JIRA, Confluence repository.
  • C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, SQL, PL/SQL, .NET, Google Web Toolkit.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in country where work will be performed on a full or part-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in the Software Engineering discipline
  • Strong knowledge of healthcare interoperability standards such as HL7 and FHIR.
  • Experience using Java as a core language
  • Experience using Spring Boot or Spring to support Microservices
  • Experience using Maven
  • Experience using Kafka or other queuing systems
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Salary Range:

$101,000.00 - $172,000.00

The annual base salary shown is for this position located in US - WI - Madison on a full-time basis. In addition, this position is bonus eligible.

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits.

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to stay updated on the latest news and opportunities at Exact Sciences.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

To view the Right to Work, E-Verify Employer, and Pay Transparency notices and Federal, Federal Contractor, and State employment law posters, visit our compliance hub. The documents summarize important details of the law and provide key points that you have a right to know.