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System Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior System Software Engineer San Francisco, CA HP IQ is HP's new AI innovation lab. Combining startup agility with HP's global scale, we're building intelligent technologies that redefine how the ...

System/Software Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$194.40K - $230.30K/yr

Perform laboratory upgrades (software, desktop components, etc...), create system documentation and author/execute test scripts as needed. Requirement: Role is part of the IT group, deliver work to Q ...

We are seeking a highly motivated Ground System Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain software systems for the X-BAT Platform. This role focuses on building robust ground control ...

Senior System Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143.90K - $189.70K/yr

As a Senior System Software Engineer, you'll become a part of a premier team that's advancing technology in AI, distributed computing. Situated in Santa Clara, CA, you'll be at the core of our ...

Senior System Software Engineer, Holoscan

Durham, NC · On-site

$118.40K - $156.10K/yr

We are looking for a motivated Senior System Software Engineer to join the Holoscan team. This is an outstanding opportunity to accelerate the pace of sensor processing software development within ...

OR · On-site

$122.40K - $161.30K/yr

We are looking for a motivated Senior System Software Engineer to join the Holoscan team. This is an outstanding opportunity to accelerate the pace of sensor processing software development within ...

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System Software Engineer information

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$83K

$177.7K

$206K

How much do system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for system software engineer in the United States is $177,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about System Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for System Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most System Software Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for System Software Engineer jobs? The top employers for System Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most System Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for System Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various System Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,719 per year, or $85.4 per hour.

Senior System Software Engineer

HP IQ

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$162K - $288K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior System Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA

HP IQ is HP's new AI innovation lab. Combining startup agility with HP's global scale, we're building intelligent technologies that redefine how the world works, creates, and collaborates.

We're assembling a diverse, world-class team—engineers, designers, researchers, and product minds—focused on creating an intelligent ecosystem across HP's portfolio. Together, we're developing intuitive, adaptive solutions that spark creativity, boost productivity, and make collaboration seamless.

By embedding AI advancements into every HP product and service, we're expanding what's possible for individuals, organizations, and the future of work.

Join us as we reinvent work, so people everywhere can do their best work.

About The Role

HP IQ's System Software team enables on-device experiences to take full advantage of our hardware capabilities. We collaborate with internal and external partners in a high-leverage environment that enables us to spend a majority of our time developing solutions that are unique to our hardware, sensors, algorithms, and interaction models. If you enjoy solving complex, interdisciplinary problems with a world-class team, we'd love to hear from you!

What You Might Do
  • Learn what it's like to be a part of a world-class embedded software team building a first-of-its-kind product in a startup environment
  • Responsible for system design and architecture
  • Develop low-level driver and framework software in C and C++
  • Develop device-focused infrastructure software in Python
  • Debug issues at the interface between hardware and software
  • Optimize software for better performance and lower power consumption
  • Collaborate in the software engineering process with documentation, testing, and code review
Essential Qualifications
  • 8+ years of experience in system software engineering and embedded platform
  • Experience in at least one of the following programming languages: C++ or C
  • Strong background in systems design and architecture
Preferred Skills
  • Familiarity with modern C++
  • Experience with Android development, Linux, or Windows
  • Familiarity with optimization tools such as Perfmon or Valgrind
  • Experience porting reference algorithms to hardware accelerators (GPU, DSP, etc)
  • Familiarity with ARM System-on-Chip (SOC) architecture
  • Experience developing bare-metal firmware for microcontrollers
  • Ability to use common lab equipment (eg, logic analyzers) to debug low-level SW issues

Salary Range: $162,000 to $288,000

Compensation & Benefits (Full-Time Employees)

The salary range for this role is listed above. Final salary offered is based upon multiple factors including individual job-related qualifications, education, experience, knowledge and skills.

At HP IQ, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Long term/short term disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Generous time off policies, including;
    • 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure
    • 11 paid holidays
    • Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave (US benefits overview)

Why HP IQ?

  • Innovative Work Help shape the future of intelligent computing and workplace transformation.
  • Autonomy and Agility Work with the speed and focus of a startup, backed by HP's scale.
  • Meaningful Impact Build AI-powered solutions that help people and organizations thrive.
  • Flexible Work Environment Freedom and flexibility to do your best work.
  • Forward-Thinking Culture We learn fast, stay future-focused, and imagine what comes next—together.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) Statement

HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).

If you'd like more information about HP's EEO Policy or your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law – Supplement