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

Software Engineer III

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$55.75 - $75/hr

The software engineer will take requirements from the systems and research team and translate them into individual software modules used in a variety of research collection systems. Skillsets ...

An excellent career opportunity is currently available for a Software Engineer local to the Aires ... Legacy System Experience : Valuable experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or modernizing legacy ...

... execution system for government agencies and industrial suppliers. By revealing true capacity ... As the Software Engineering Lead at Air, you will be essential to crafting and implementing the ...

Senior Software Engineer We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Software Engineer with deep ... Analyze system requirements and translate them into software design specifications. * Perform ...

An excellent career opportunity is currently available for a Software Engineer local to the Aires ... Legacy System Experience : Valuable experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or modernizing legacy ...

Software Engineer II

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Our team develops systems, which enable the metals industry to produce green steel. We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to support our team on that mission. Who we are At SMS group, our ...

... execution system for government agencies and industrial suppliers. By revealing true capacity ... As the Software Engineering Lead at Air, you will be essential to crafting and implementing the ...

Showing results 41-60

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 8, 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.
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 with Security Clearance

Software Engineering Institute

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking applicants for the role of AI Security Software Engineer. Established in response to the Morris worm, CERT has been a leader in cybersecurity research, advancing the resilience of software systems and responding to sophisticated cyber threats. As AI becomes central to critical infrastructure, advancing its security and resilience offers a compelling opportunity to shape the future, impacting support of the national security mission. Our team researches and develops tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary for the field of AI security. Our work includes experimental designs for large-scale AI security research programs, AI red teaming, and counter AI applications. Additionally, we work in generative AI and large language models, data visualization, security analysis of AI systems, and adversarial machine learning. We have access to a wide variety of cyber-related data, including malware samples, NetFlow data, cyber security training runs and tests, incident tickets, and more. Artificial Intelligence Security Software Engineers at the SEI use software and machine learning engineering practices, data processing, and data analytics to help our researchers solve AI security challenges. In this role, you will work with our researchers and customers to develop machine learning based prototypes, products, and tools to solve and automate solutions to AI Security problems. You'll get a chance to work with elite AI and cyber security professionals and university faculty to build new technologies that will influence national AI and cyber security strategy for decades to come. Key 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 Minimum Qualifications * 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. Preferred Qualifications * 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
Why Join Us * Contribute to a world-class organization with significant impact on software and national security
* Work with cutting-edge technologies alongside leading experts in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering
* 8% employer retirement contribution (no employee contribution required)
* Tuition benefits for employees and their dependent children
* Flexible work arrangements and strong work-life balance
* Paid parental and military leave
* Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and certifications
* Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more. Location
Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information: * Please visit " Why Carnegie Mellon " to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
* Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
* Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
* Statement of Assurance