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

Wisconsin

Software Engineer-SEA

Madison, WI

$85K/yr

Software Engineer/Developer III Job Summary: Under the general supervision of the Assistant ... Develops, prepares, or modifies technical specifications for complex projects, system integrations ...

Jobtailor

Senior Software Engineer

Oregon, WI · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Responsible for designing and creating engineering specifications for software applications and ... Java, Python (Django/Flask), C/C++, C#, Objective C, JavaScript, or Go * 5 years in defining system ...

Resource Innovations

Senior Software Engineer

Madison, WI · Remote

$125K - $165K/yr

Resource Innovations is seeking Senior Software Engineer to join our growing Software as a Service ... Working with and interpreting cloud-based monitoring and alerting systems (e.g. New Relic ...

Resource Innovations

Senior Software Engineer

Madison, WI

$123K - $162K/yr

Resource Innovations is seeking Senior Software Engineer to join our growing Software as a Service ... Working with and interpreting cloud-based monitoring and alerting systems (e.g. New Relic ...

Buoyant

Senior Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$100 - $144/hr

Resource Innovations is seeking Senior Software Engineer to join our growing Software as a Service ... Working with and interpreting cloud‑based monitoring and alerting systems (e.g., New Relic ...

Findhelp

Senior Staff Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

As a Senior Staff Software Engineer, you will lead engineering efforts, collaborate with cross ... systems. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Austin, USA, with a team of 201-500 ...

Findhelp

Senior Staff Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

As a Senior Staff Software Engineer, you will enhance the platform by leading engineering efforts ... systems. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Austin, USA, with a team of 201-500 ...

Stryker Corporation

Principal Software Engineer

Oregon, WI · On-site

$144.20 - $288.40/hr

The Principal Software Engineer will remain hands-on with critical-path systems while mentoring senior and staff engineers and translating prototypes into scalable into production-grade platforms.

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All JobsSystem Software Engineer JobsSystem Software Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

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.

What are popular job titles related to System Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI?

For System Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching System Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for System Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

System Software Engineer jobs near you
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.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Sub-Zero Group, Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$125K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Primary Responsibilities:
Our embedded software engineers craft and innovate on truly unique and sophisticated controls platforms. As part of our team, you will be responsible for building high-quality software features daily. Additionally, you'll work alongside other talented software engineers to coordinate and develop multiple software platforms employed in various appliances. This includes requirements development and management, team coding, process growth, and continuing to build on our automated test platforms. Much of this role is spent focusing on the delivery and innovation of internal and external code bases. In support of those primary development efforts, you'll work with internal customers from a wide variety of disciplines alongside your teammates to support other teams and engineers.
  • Ability to independently contribute to corporate appliance software platforms.
  • Provide requirement feedback and support for New Product Development engineers.
  • Develop detailed architectural and design documentation.
  • Engage in collaborative coding and development.
  • Design and perform unit and system-level testing.
  • Debug software and hardware with electronics testbench equipment.
  • Actively participate in code reviews and pull requests.
  • Innovate with a focus on quality and value over speed and newness.
  • Assist manufacturing personnel in the production environment.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or related
  • 5+ years embedded software experience
  • Familiarity with development environments, build and version control systems, and continuous integrations/continuous deployment
  • Proficiency in C/C++ 17 (and up): Essential for developing and maintaining our embedded appliance controls
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Collaborative mindset

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with CMake, VSCode, Visual Studio, GIT, and Azure DevOps
  • Experience with FreeRTOS on ST Micros
  • Familiarity with Python, CAN and RS485
  • Proficiency with Oscilloscopes, DMMs, Function Generators, and Programmable Power supplies

We value our employees by providing:
  • Competitive compensation based on skills
  • Industry leading health, dental, and vision plans
  • Generous 401 (K) savings and profit sharing
  • On-site UW Health clinic, fitness center, and walking paths
  • Education assistance and internal training programs
  • Electric vehicle charging
  • Maternity & paternity leave
  • Interested in learning more on our robust benefits package we offer? Click here!

This position requires a pre-employment drug/alcohol test and background check, which will be administered after a conditional job offer is extended. A negative drug/alcohol test result is required for employment. Refusal to take the test or a positive result may disqualify a candidate from further consideration. All drug testing will be conducted in accordance with federal and state laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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