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Systems Software Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Software Engineer II

Louisville, KY

$117K - $155K/yr

... software development processes, tools, and infrastructure. * Mentor junior engineers and share ... Contribute to the architectural design of new features and systems, ensuring scalability, security ...

Sr. Software Engineer II

Louisville, KY

$117K - $155K/yr

... software development processes, tools, and infrastructure. * Mentor junior engineers and share ... Contribute to the architectural design of new features and systems, ensuring scalability, security ...

Sr. Software Engineer II

Louisville, KY · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

... software development processes, tools, and infrastructure. * Mentor junior engineers and share ... Contribute to the architectural design of new features and systems, ensuring scalability, security ...

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Experience with PLC Programming and Ladder Logic. * Experience with TCP/IP and hooking Control ... Control Systems Software Experience: WonderWare, iFix or similar. Competitive Salary and Benefits ...

New

Distributed Systems: Experience analyzing, scaling, troubleshooting, and debugging distributed ... the software development lifecycle. Preferred Qualifications * Programming experience in Rust ...

The Project Engineer provides oversight and is responsible for all phases of various software ... System Quality Assurance. Operations Support Analyst shares in the QA process to ensure they have a ...

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Systems Software Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$72.1K

$154.4K

$178.9K

How much do systems software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems software engineer in Kentucky is $154,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,300.00 and $178,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior systems software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or high-performance computing, and often working in large tech companies or finance firms, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of technical expertise and leadership.

What Is a Systems Software Engineer?

A systems software engineer designs and creates computer software. Job duties include installing, testing, and maintaining computer systems software. They may also troubleshoot draft performance requirements and specifications for new software. To be successful in this career, you must be knowledgeable about computer hardware and software. Systems software engineers who work remotely may be required to provide online support. Similar jobs titles include systems software developer and systems developer.

How does a Systems Software Engineer typically collaborate with hardware engineers and other technical teams?

Systems Software Engineers often work closely with hardware engineers to ensure that software integrates seamlessly with physical components. This collaboration may involve participating in cross-functional meetings, debugging issues at the hardware-software interface, and jointly optimizing system performance. Additionally, they coordinate with quality assurance and product teams to align on requirements, test plans, and release schedules. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as resolving complex, system-level challenges often requires input from multiple technical disciplines.

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

To thrive as a Systems Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (typically in C, C++, or Rust), a deep understanding of operating systems, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Git, build systems (e.g., Make, CMake), kernel development environments, and sometimes relevant certifications (such as Linux Foundation Certified Engineer) is typical. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help you excel in complex, collaborative projects. These skills and qualities are crucial to designing robust, efficient system-level software that meets performance, reliability, and security standards.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior systems software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like distributed systems or cloud infrastructure, and often working at large tech companies or in executive roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in high-demand markets.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Systems Software Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or locations. Senior roles, expertise in areas like systems architecture, and working for large tech companies or in managerial positions often contribute to reaching this salary level.

What does a systems engineer do in software?

A systems software engineer designs, develops, and maintains low-level software such as operating systems, device drivers, and system utilities. They focus on ensuring hardware and software work efficiently together, often using programming languages like C or C++ and tools such as debuggers and version control systems. Strong understanding of computer architecture and systems programming is essential for this role.

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

AspectSystems Software EngineerSoftware Developer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing system-level software, operating systems, and firmwareCreating applications, websites, and user-facing software
Required SkillsLow-level programming (C, C++), OS concepts, hardware interactionHigh-level programming (Java, Python, JavaScript), UI/UX design
Work EnvironmentOften in hardware or OS teams, embedded systems, or infrastructureApplication development teams, web or mobile app projects
CertificationsTypically none required, but Linux or OS certifications can helpOften certifications like Java, AWS, or specific language certifications

While both roles involve software development, Systems Software Engineers focus on system-level and hardware-interfacing software, whereas Software Developers create user-facing applications. The roles overlap in programming skills but differ in scope and environment.

What are Systems Software Engineers?

Systems Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain the underlying software that enables computer hardware and application software to function effectively. They work on operating systems, device drivers, embedded systems, and other foundational platforms, ensuring system stability, security, and performance. Their role often involves low-level programming, optimizing system resources, and collaborating with hardware engineers to create seamless integration between software and hardware components.
More about Systems Software Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Systems Software Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Software Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Systems Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Systems Software Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Software Engineer jobs in KY? For Systems Software Engineer jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Systems Software Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,354 per year, or $74.2 per hour.
Software Engineer - Front End

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description


TwinSpires is the premier online horse racing wagering platform in the United States. TwinSpires is owned and operated by Churchill Downs, Inc., and is the official online betting partner of the Kentucky Derby, bringing you more than 148 years of wagering experience. Players can wager through the TwinSpires desktop, mobile, and app-based advance-deposit wagering platforms as well as at retail locations and race tracks across the country.

JOB SUMMARY

The Software Engineer will work as a part of a larger team to design and develop custom frontend-focused, full-stack software solutions that meet the needs of the business and those of our patrons.  This role will also participate as a member of an agile team and will therefore be required to participate in mutually deliverable goals and will have to coordinate efforts that maximize the contributions of the group. This engineer will have a strong emphasis on Angular-based frontend development while maintaining working knowledge of backend systems (Java, AWS Lambdas, etc.). Given our significant investment in AI-driven product initiatives, the ideal candidate will also bring applied experience with LLMs and AI-assisted development workflows.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Write and support user-facing, web-based features that further the objectives of the organization
  • Write and support backend services and APIs (Java, Spring Boot, AWS Lambdas) that further the objectives of the organization
  • Manage and support a code base (repo), including deployment orchestration in a highly secure environment
  • Develop reusable, efficient code that lends itself to continual improvement and delivery
  • Collaborate with internal and external team members to design and achieve an optimal design solution
  • Document and troubleshoot bugs as is required to maintain a successful application platform; 24x7 operation
  • Investigate new technologies, techniques, and industry developments.
  • Integrate and work alongside AI/LLM-powered features and services; apply AI-assisted coding tools to improve development velocity and code quality
  • Improves operations by conducting systems analysis; recommending changes in policies and procedures
  • Determines operational feasibility by evaluating analysis, problem definition, requirements, solution development, and proposed solutions
  • Develops software solutions by studying information needs; conferring with users; studying systems flow, data usage, and work processes; investigating problem areas; following the software development lifecycle
  • Design and participate in the development of one or more web-based, responsive apps, and back-end business services (e.g. web services) for consumer-facing products
  • Other duties as assigned by Management
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Science/Systems, or equivalent experience and industry certifications
  • 5+ years of demonstrated career progression
  • Strong experience in development against relational database, preferably using MySQL
  • Experience developing consumer facing applications in a distributed, scalable environment
  • Deep experience in technologies: Angular, CSS, HTML, Java, Java Spring, Spring Boot, Spring MVC, MySQL, GitHub; frontend proficiency is primary, with working backend knowledge expected
  • Experience developing applications in AWS, including AWS Aurora and Lambda-based serverless architectures
  • Experience serving as an Agile Scrum team member
  • Authorized to work in the US on full-time basis
  • Foundational understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI/ML concepts; familiarity with prompt engineering, API integration (e.g., Anthropic Claude, OpenAI), and responsible AI practices
  • Demonstrated experience leveraging AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Claude, GitHub Copilot, or similar) to accelerate development workflows
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The following physical and mental demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, sometimes for prolonged periods while working at a desk, on the phone, and/or on the computer; type on a computer keyboard; use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk or hear; reach with hands or arms; walk or stand; and perform some repetitive motion activities.
    2. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, color differentiation, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
    3. This position requires the ability to work effectively as part of a team; and concentrate on a variety of details when faced with interruptions and changing work priorities.
    4. The mental demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions, as described above, including but not limited to: demonstrated ability to anticipate and solve practical problems or resolve issues; reason, calculate figures and amounts; collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information, and draw valid conclusions; interpret procedures and policies; and meet schedules in a dynamic and sometimes demanding work environment.
    5. The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in a typical office environment.
    6. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.