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Systems Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Maintec Technologies

Mainframe System Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$62.75 - $79.75/hr

The Senior Mainframe Systems Engineer is responsible for analysing, planning, designing, and documenting application installation and operations within a z/OS based mainframe. The Senior Mainframe ...

Overland AI

Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Role Summary Overland AI is hiring a Systems Engineer to support engineering execution and grow into core systems engineering responsibilities within the Systems, Safety, and Test (SST) organization.

General Robotics

Systems Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$155K - $205K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Systems Engineer to join our team in Redmond, WA. We build and optimize the infrastructure that powers generalized robotics foundation models - spanning edge ...

Utter Associates Inc

Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Systems Engineer is a full-time position that performs systems engineering, product commissioning, documentation production, and integration support on a breadth of projects across broadcast ...

Zeno Power

Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Systems Engineer Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. This role ...

Zeno Power

Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Systems Engineer Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. This role ...

Zeno Power

Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Systems Engineer Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. This role ...

Gravity Media

Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Systems Engineer / Hybrid - Des Moines, Washington Our Company We're more than just a workplace -- we're a community of people who care about doing meaningful work, supporting each other, and growing ...

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All JobsSystems Programmer JobsSystems Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Systems Programmer information

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How much do systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for systems programmer in Seattle, WA is $56.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.06 and $70.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by systems programmers, and how can they overcome them?

Systems programmers often face challenges such as debugging low-level code, ensuring compatibility across different hardware or operating systems, and addressing performance bottlenecks. These tasks require a deep understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and programming languages like C or Assembly. Collaborating closely with other IT professionals, such as network administrators and application developers, can help identify and resolve issues more efficiently. Staying current with industry developments and using robust version control and debugging tools are also essential strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What Is a Systems Programmer?

A systems programmer is a skilled computer technician that develops application software with a variety of programming languages. In this career, you must have experience working with a variety of operating systems including Windows, Linux, and mainframe. Your job duties include developing application programs, testing the functionality of the software, and troubleshooting issues found by users. You also work on a variety of computer hardware such as servers and mainframes, so your skills must extend beyond software and coding. You can find systems programmer positions with third-party IT companies and in the IT departments of larger companies.

What is the difference between Systems Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectSystems ProgrammerSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field, with knowledge of low-level programmingUsually holds a degree in computer science, software engineering, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with operating systems, hardware, and system utilities in enterprise or technical settingsDevelops applications and software solutions for various platforms, often in business or consumer environments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in IT departments, tech companies, and organizations managing complex systemsWidely employed across tech firms, startups, and any industry requiring software solutions

While both roles involve programming, Systems Programmers focus on low-level system software and hardware interaction, whereas Software Developers create applications and user-facing software. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are systems programmers?

Systems programmers are specialized software developers who design, develop, test, and maintain the low-level software that enables computer hardware and software to work together effectively. They often work on operating systems, firmware, device drivers, and other system-level components. Their main focus is on optimizing system performance, ensuring reliability, and enabling hardware-software interoperability. Systems programmers typically have strong knowledge of computer architecture, operating systems, and programming languages like C or assembly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Systems Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Programmer, you need expertise in low-level programming languages (such as C or Assembly), operating system concepts, and a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with mainframe or server environments, system debugging tools, and certifications in relevant platforms (like IBM z/OS or Linux) are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for optimizing system performance, maintaining reliability, and ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software components.
More about Systems Programmer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Systems Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Systems Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Systems Programmer jobs near you
Mainframe System Engineer

Mainframe System Engineer

Maintec Technologies

Seattle, WA • On-site

$62.75 - $79.75/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

  • Job Title: Mainframe System Engineer
  • Location-Seattle, Washington (Initial Remote)
  • Position type: C2H
  • Rate: Open
The Senior Mainframe System Engineer supports the mainframe infrastructure focusing on z/OS, 3rd party software installations and level 3 support in a multi-LPAR environment. The Senior Mainframe Systems Engineer is responsible for analysing, planning, designing, and documenting application installation and operations within a z/OS based mainframe. The Senior Mainframe Systems Engineer leads infrastructure planning, application support, infrastructure analysis and assessment, and infrastructure test and troubleshooting.
JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Skilled with installation, maintenance, and upgrade tuning of mainframe OS and other mainframe products
  • Considered to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in regard to the mainframe OS, utilities and products
  • Ability to develop and define technical direction/architecture for strategic planning and projects
  • Storage administration skills highly desirable (DFHSM, DFDSS, DFSMS, IODF)
  • Ability to update JES2 exits in Assembler
  • Hands on experience with performance tuning/configuration management and updating WLM policies
  • Proficient with Assembler programming language
  • Install, setup and maintain mainframe system automation software
  • Proficient with dump analysis and problem resolution
  • Maintain change control practices and procedures for mainframe changes.
  • 7+ years of hands-on technical experience with mainframe, non-x86 legacy systems and with technologies such as COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2 for z/OS, Assembler, PL/I, Java, Rexx, flat/sequential files, GDGs, and VSAM.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience and/or knowledge of zSeries systems programming.

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