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System Software Engineer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Atria Group LLC

Software Engineer

Homestead, PA · On-site

Our company provides application analysis, design, development and programming, software engineering, systems development, testing, integration, and implementation, and management consulting services ...

Siemens

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$102K - $119K/yr

As a Software Engineer, you will contribute to the RTC-2 Dispatch platform by designing, developing, testing, and supporting complex distributed systems while collaborating with cross-functional ...

PNC Bank

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA

$75K - $137K/yr

Develop and maintain software applications and systems. Analyze requirements and design technical solutions. Write, test, debug, and optimize code. Collaborate with product, design, and business ...

SoftWriters, Inc.

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · Hybrid

Experience with one or more source control systems (Git, TFS, TortoiseSVN, etc.) * Strong customer service orientation Preferred Qualifications: * MS in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Air

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

... execution system for government agencies and industrial suppliers. By revealing true capacity ... As a Software Engineer at Air, you show a clear passion for quality and love to solve client ...

PNC Bank

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Core Technical Skills Proficiency in enterprise software development (Java based systems and ... that engineering work directly impacts fraud detection, customer experience, and risk posture.

Softwriters

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Experience with one or more source control systems (Git, TFS, TortoiseSVN, etc.) * Strong customer service orientation Preferred Qualifications: * MS in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Air

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA

... execution system for government agencies and industrial suppliers. By revealing true capacity ... As a Software Engineer at Air, you show a clear passion for quality and love to solve client ...

Air

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA

... execution system for government agencies and industrial suppliers. By revealing true capacity ... As a Software Engineer at Air, you show a clear passion for quality and love to solve client ...

PNC Bank

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$75K - $137K/yr

Core Technical Skills Proficiency in enterprise software development (Java based systems and ... that engineering work directly impacts fraud detection, customer experience, and risk posture.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSystem Software Engineer JobsSystem Software Engineer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

System Software Engineer information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$80.6K

$172.5K

$200K

How much do system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in Pittsburgh, PA is $172,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $168,000.00 and $199,000.00 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 Pittsburgh, PA? For System Software Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching System Software Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for? The top searched job categories for System Software Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
System Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $172,533 per year, or $82.9 per hour.

AI Security Software Engineer

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute is seeking an AI Security Software Engineer to advance cybersecurity research and the resilience of software systems. The role involves developing machine learning-based prototypes and collaborating with researchers to address AI security challenges.
Responsibilities:
• Develop machine learning–based prototypes, tools, and systems for AI security applications, demonstrating strong expertise in ML development and deployment
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to design and execute experimental AI security solutions, communicating effectively across technical and non-technical audiences
• Apply software engineering best practices to build scalable, maintainable systems, grounded design principles
• Process and analyze large, diverse cybersecurity datasets (e.g., malware, NetFlow, incident data), using strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Support AI red teaming and adversarial machine learning initiatives, applying an innovative and research-driven mindset
• Translate research concepts into practical, operational capabilities, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS in computer science, machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience
• Understanding of software engineering principles and system design
• Experience with containerization and microservices architectures
• Travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission. This includes within the SEI and CMU community, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion (5%)
• You will be subject to a background check and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance
• Develop machine learning–based prototypes, tools, and systems for AI security applications, demonstrating strong expertise in ML development and deployment
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to design and execute experimental AI security solutions, communicating effectively across technical and non-technical audiences
• Apply software engineering best practices to build scalable, maintainable systems, grounded design principles
• Process and analyze large, diverse cybersecurity datasets (e.g., malware, NetFlow, incident data), using strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Support AI red teaming and adversarial machine learning initiatives, applying an innovative and research-driven mindset
• Translate research concepts into practical, operational capabilities, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Preferred:
• Experience applying statistical modeling and advanced data analytics techniques
• Background in developing AI/ML solutions in real-world settings
• Familiarity with applied machine learning domains (e.g., natural language processing, computer vision, autonomy, audio analysis)
• Experience and knowledge in cybersecurity best practices
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and domains
Company:
We conduct cutting-edge research and development that accelerates the transition of technology to the Department of War (DoW), delivering measurable impact in support of the national security mission. Founded in 1984, the company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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