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System Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System Software Engineer (663286)

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$194K - $230K/yr

Netpace Inc is seeking a System Software Engineer to join their Cloud Storage team, which focuses on the design and implementation of next-generation cloud storage services. The role involves ...

The DRIVE OS Team is searching for a hands-on Systems and Software Platform Engineer to develop innovative solutions for the world of transportation and the growing field of self-driving cars. This ...

The DRIVE OS Team is searching for a hands-on Systems and Software Platform Engineer to develop innovative solutions for the world of transportation and the growing field of self-driving cars. This ...

Camera System Software Engineer Description - HP Poly is seeking a Camera System Software Engineer to take part in cutting edge video endpoint development. In this role, you will be responsible ...

Machine Learning System Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$203K - $240K/yr

As a Machine Learning System Software Engineer on the Apple Neural Engine (ANE) team, you'll work to bring high-performance, low-power AI solutions to life on iconic Apple products like the Vision ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,719 per year, or $85.4 per hour.

Embedded System Software Engineer

Mpr Associates, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and implement firmware and low-level software for connected embedded platforms and microcontrollers.

  • Develop time-critical software that interfaces with hardware components and sensors.

  • Work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration between software and physical systems.


Job description

Overview

MPR Associates, Inc. (MPR), a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm, is actively seeking a capable and motivated Embedded System Software Engineer to join our team. If you are seeking a unique, challenging, and rewarding career opportunity, MPR may be the right company for you.

Founded in 1964, MPR has a wide and growing client base in the fields of power and energy, federal services, and health and life sciences, in the United States as well as internationally. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, we also have offices in East Lyme, Connecticut, Burlington, Massachusetts, and Salt Lake City, Utah. MPR makes challenging projects successful, delivering safe and reliable technical solutions across the entire project or product life-cycle to benefit our clients and society as a whole. We hire the best and brightest, which results in a high-performance culture built on trust and respect, making MPR an exceptional place to work.

General Job Description

Join our engineering team as an Embedded System Software Engineer where you'll develop connected embedded systems and firmware that bridge the gap between hardware and software. We're looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of low-level programming, embedded control systems, and hardware-software integration, creating reliable systems that operate in demanding real-world environments.

We specifically seek engineers who bring an engineering mindset to software development - those who approach problems with the systematic, analytical thinking that comes from engineering training. As part of our team, you'll architect and develop embedded applications and firmware, working with embedded control systems and hardware interfaces while being willing to stretch into application development to support the full suite of software for device implementations.

Duties/Responsibilities
  • Embedded Systems Development: Design and implement firmware and low-level software for connected embedded platforms and microcontrollers.
  • Embedded Control Systems: Develop time-critical software that interfaces with hardware components and sensors.
  • Hardware- Software Integration: Work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration between software and physical systems.
  • Application Development Support: Extend beyond embedded work to support higher-level applications that interface with you embedded systems.
  • Performance Optimization: Ensure embedded performance requirement are met while optimizing for memory and processing constraints.
  • Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with the remainder of the engineering team to implement a solution which fits all needs of the client.
Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering Discipline.
Experience
  • Two (2) or more years of software engineering experience.
  • Experience building production embedded systems or firmware.
  • Understanding of embedded operating systems and bare-metal programming
  • Comfortable working with hardware and debugging tools.
  • Strong problem-solving skills for performance and memory optimization challenges.
  • Proficiency in C for embedded development preferred.
  • Experience with microcontrollers, firmware development, and low-level programming preferred.
  • Understanding of embedded constraints, timing requirements, and deterministic behavior preferred.
  • Familiarity with hardware interfaces, protocols, and sensor integration preferred.
  • Experience with hardware bring-up, schematic reading, and familiarity with design tools like Altium or similar PCB/schematic software preferred.
  • Experience with SPI, I2C, UART or similar protocols preferred.
  • Willingness to work on high-level software that interfaces with embedded systems preferred.
  • Experience or willingness to learn PCB design via Altium preferred.
Skills
  • The ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies while multitasking.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across functional teams.
  • Exceptional time and project management skills.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Persistent, questioning attitude and ability to accept that in others.
  • Motivated to expand skills and knowledge, as well as tackle new problem and take on new responsibilities.
  • Ability to participate in multiple projects and project teams concurrently.

MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable laws.  MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME