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Systems Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

1 point system

Systems Engineer III

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Requirement - Systems Engineer III Location- Bellevue, WA 98005-Hybrid Contract W2 We are currently seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join the R&D team at our Bellevue office. In this role, you ...

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 ...

Apex Systems

Systems Engineer III

Redmond, WA · On-site

$64 - $74/hr

Job#: 3043628 Systems Engineer III Location: Redmond, Washington (Onsite) COMPENSATION: $64 - $74 HOURLY Role Overview We are seeking a motivated Systems Engineer to execute battery validation ...

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 ...

General Robotics

Systems Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

They are seeking a Systems Engineer to optimize infrastructure for robotics workloads, focusing on low latency and high throughput across various compute environments. Responsibilities : • Design ...

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 ...

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All JobsSystems Programmer JobsSystems Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Systems Programmer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

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$56

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How much do systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for systems programmer in Seattle, WA is $56.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.06 and $70.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

Is system programming in demand?

System programming remains in demand due to the need for developing and maintaining operating systems, device drivers, and embedded systems. Professionals with skills in languages like C and C++, along with knowledge of hardware interfaces, are sought after in industries such as technology, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

What does a systems programmer do?

A systems programmer develops, maintains, and optimizes system software such as operating systems, device drivers, and utility programs. They work closely with hardware and software components, often using programming languages like C or Assembly, and may troubleshoot system issues or improve performance. Strong knowledge of computer architecture and debugging tools is essential for this role.
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
Infographic showing various Systems Programmer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,752 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Overland AI

Seattle, WA • On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Overland AI
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.
Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.
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.
This role is responsible for keeping engineering moving while contributing to core systems engineering. You will run technical working sessions and integration meetings, capture decisions, track action items, and ensure cross-team work progresses to completion. You will also develop requirements, support functional analysis, participate in hazard analysis workshops, and contribute to integration planning, test strategies, and safety documentation.
Working directly with software, hardware, production, safety, and test teams, you'll be embedded in real engineering work from day one - running meetings, taking notes, driving follow-through, developing requirements, and supporting technical analysis. You will gain deep exposure to autonomy systems, MIL-STD-882E safety engineering, DoD requirements, and systems architecture while contributing to system design, customer engagements, and certification efforts.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, the System Engineer will drive engineering execution by leading working sessions, integration syncs, release readiness meetings, and technical reviews, capturing decisions, risks, and action items and owning them through closure. They will coordinate cross-team handoffs across software, hardware, production, safety, and test, maintaining clear ownership, timelines, dependencies, and execution status while supporting bug triage, issue tracking, release planning, and milestone coordination. This person will develop, analyze, and maintain system and subsystem requirements in accordance with MIL-STD-961E, support functional decomposition, interface definition, and requirements traceability, and participate in design reviews, functional hazard analyses, and technical trade studies. They will build verification strategies, support test planning and acceptance criteria, and apply MIL-STD-882E safety processes, DoD acquisition standards, and systems engineering best practices to produce safety documentation, certification artifacts, and customer-facing technical deliverables. This person will maintain high-quality engineering records and technical rationale, prepare concise updates for systems engineering leadership and program management, document requirements, analyses, test outcomes, and design decisions, and identify and implement lightweight process improvements that reduce friction, increase predictability, and help scale the systems engineering discipline as the organization grows.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or related) or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2+ years' of professional engineering experience.

Desired Experience and Qualifications
  • Experience working with robotics, autonomy, mechatronics, or vehicle systems (incl. academic projects, internships)
  • Hands-on experience working with integrated hardware / software systems and development cycles, including integration, test, or quality-related work.
  • Familiarity with requirements management, functional analysis, and verification processes and tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive follow-through, coordination, an escalation across teams.
  • Strong organizational and technical communication skills, including clear note-taking, action tracking, and driving follow-through across engineering activities.
  • Ability to apply core engineering fundamentals (physics, dynamics, controls, analysis) to real-world problems and learn complex technical systems quickly.
  • Comfortable working in manufacturing and labStrong environments with required PPE.
  • Strong technical curiosity and growth mindset, with a track record of proven ownership.
  • Willingness to travel regularly to field test sites, including Ellensburg, WA.
  • Experience balancing coordination and hands-on engineering work, supporting both execution and technical analysis.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.

Location
This position will be onsite in Seattle, WA. Must be willing to travel to additional sites as needed.
Compensation
Annual Base Pay: $140,000 - $190,000
Benefits
  • Equity compensation
  • Best-in-class healthcare, dental, and vision plans
  • Unlimited PTO
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Parental leave

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
This position may involve access to export-controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.
Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact [peopleops@overland.ai] to request an accommodation.

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