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Systems Software Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Systems Software Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Our engineering teams operate at the intersection of CI systems, software architecture, data analytics, build engineering, and developer tooling - owning the systems and workflows that enable complex ...

Apple

Systems Software Developer

Sunnyvale, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

Our engineering teams operate at the intersection of CI systems, software architecture, data analytics, build engineering, and developer tooling - owning the systems and workflows that enable complex ...

Daikin

SYSTEMS SOFTWARE Developer 5

Denver, CO

$132K - $165K/yr

The Systems Software Developer 5 will serve as a technical leader and innovator in our organization. As a Principal Software Developer, you will involve shaping the architecture, driving technical ...

Daikin

SYSTEMS SOFTWARE Developer 5

Denver, CO · On-site

$132K - $165K/yr

The Systems Software Developer 5 will serve as a technical leader and innovator in our organization. As a Principal Software Developer, you will involve shaping the architecture, driving technical ...

Daikin

SYSTEMS SOFTWARE Developer 5

Denver, CO

$132K - $165K/yr

The Systems Software Developer 5 will serve as a technical leader and innovator in our organization. As a Principal Software Developer, you will involve shaping the architecture, driving technical ...

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Systems Software Developer information

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$40.5K

$117.1K

$185.5K

How much do systems software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems software developer in the United States is $117,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will AI replace coders by 2040?

As a Systems Software Developer, AI is expected to augment coding tasks rather than fully replace human programmers by 2040. AI tools can automate repetitive coding and testing, but complex problem-solving, creativity, and understanding user needs remain essential skills for developers. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies will be important for job security in the evolving tech landscape.

What are Systems Software Developers?

Systems Software Developers are professionals who design, build, and maintain the foundational software that enables computers and devices to function. They work on operating systems, device drivers, and system utilities, ensuring that hardware and software work together efficiently. These developers often collaborate with hardware engineers and focus on performance, security, and reliability. Their work is critical for creating stable platforms upon which application software and user-facing programs run.

What is the difference between Systems Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectSystems Software DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; often certifications in systems or networkingBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or Software Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on low-level system software, operating systems, embedded systemsDevelops applications, web, mobile, or enterprise software across various environments
Industry UsagePrimarily in hardware, OS development, embedded systemsAcross tech, finance, healthcare, and more industries

Systems Software Developers specialize in creating and maintaining system-level software like operating systems and embedded systems, while Software Engineers develop a broader range of applications and software solutions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

What does a system software developer do?

A system software developer designs, develops, and maintains system software such as operating systems, device drivers, and utility programs. They often work with programming languages like C or C++, and need a strong understanding of computer architecture and hardware interactions to optimize system performance and stability.

What are some common challenges Systems Software Developers face when working on large-scale projects?

Systems Software Developers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as maintaining compatibility across different hardware platforms, ensuring the software is optimized for performance, and managing complex dependencies between system components. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, such as hardware engineers and application developers, is critical to address integration issues. Additionally, keeping up with evolving technologies and adhering to strict security standards can add to the complexity of the role.

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

To thrive as a Systems Software Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Rust, a solid understanding of computer architecture, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with operating systems internals, version control systems such as Git, and sometimes certifications in relevant technologies are common requirements. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers. These abilities ensure the development of reliable, efficient, and secure system-level software that supports critical computing infrastructure.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like systems software development, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or in high-demand industries.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In the context of a Systems Software Developer, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of technical expertise and experience within a development team. L1 is usually entry-level, focusing on basic tasks, while L2 and L3 involve increasing responsibilities such as debugging, designing components, and system integration. L4 often signifies senior or lead developers who oversee projects, mentor others, and handle complex system architecture.
More about Systems Software Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Software Developer jobs? The most popular types of Systems Software Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Systems Software Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Systems Software Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Systems Software Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Software Developer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Software Developer jobs? For Systems Software Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Systems Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Software Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,074 per year, or $56.3 per hour.
Systems Software Developer

Systems Software Developer

Apple

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

At Apple, we tackle large-scale engineering challenges to deliver products that are intuitive, reliable, and built to last. Our engineering teams operate at the intersection of CI systems, software architecture, data analytics, build engineering, and developer tooling - owning the systems and workflows that enable complex, large-scale projects to move fast, scale, and ship with confidence.
As a Systems Software Developer, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to understand the project goals and develop systematic solutions, workflows, and approaches to achieve those goals. This would include contributing to projects in low-level software and algorithms, building CI/CD pipelines and workflows, and developing infrastructure and tooling to help deliver innovative Apple technologies and products.
BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience3+ years of experience designing, building, and maintaining production software systems and applicationsExperience building or maintaining CI/CD pipelines and automated build or test workflowsExperience working with relational databases such as PostgreSQL in production environments
Experience developing large-scale internal APIs or developer-facing toolingProficiency in Python and shell scripting to build automation and workflow toolingExperience with technologies such as Docker and KubernetesExperience with CI platforms such as Jenkins, Buildkite, or equivalent systemsExperience developing with Swift, Xcode, or other Apple platform technologiesFamiliarity with software observability, metrics systems, or developer productivity analyticsExperience working across multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environmentDemonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts and project plans clearly across engineering and non-engineering stakeholdersExperience with Xcode and CMake are a bonusExperience with computer vision, video processing, and/or machine learning data infrastructure is a bonus

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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