ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Systems Software Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Embedded Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The Product Integrity group is looking for a Systems Software Engineer to develop future products. As a member of the OS Diagnostics team you will develop and maintain software used to characterize ...

Allen Control Systems

Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup developing autonomous gun turret technology. They are seeking a highly skilled software engineer proficient in C++ or Python to design ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSystems Software Engineer JobsSystems Software Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Systems Software Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$82.3K

$176.1K

$204.1K

How much do systems software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems software engineer in Austin, TX is $176,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $171,400.00 and $203,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 is a systems software engineer?

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 are popular job titles related to Systems Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX? For Systems Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Systems Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Systems Software Engineer job openings:
Systems Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Software Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $176,115 per year, or $84.7 per hour.

Systems/Software Engineering Manager

Allen Control Systems

Austin, TX • On-site

$176K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.
With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders' successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop have a real-world impact.
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Systems/Software Engineering Manager to lead and grow a multidisciplinary engineering team working across firmware, software, electrical, and mechanical systems. This role is both technical and managerial, requiring hands-on engineering judgment alongside strong leadership, execution, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will help drive architecture decisions, guide system-level integration, and ensure on-time delivery of complex, mission-critical defense products.
What You'll Do:
  • Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of engineers across multiple disciplines. Foster a high-performance, engineering-first culture focused on accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
  • Technical Oversight and Architecture: Provide technical direction and review for firmware, software, and hardware designs.
  • Ensure system architectures are robust, scalable, and aligned with performance and reliability requirements.
  • Project Execution: Own engineering execution from concept through deployment. Partner with leadership to define priorities, timelines, and milestones, and ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within scope.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, operations, and leadership to align engineering efforts with company objectives and customer needs.
  • System Integration and Validation: Oversee system integration, testing, and validation efforts to ensure designs meet military-grade performance, safety, and reliability standards.
  • Process and Documentation: Establish and maintain engineering processes, design reviews, and documentation standards to support rapid development and long-term maintainability.

What You'll Need:
  • Experience: 7+ years of professional engineering experience, with at least 2+ years in an engineering leadership or management role.
  • Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Technical Background: Strong understanding of embedded systems, robotics, autonomous systems, or defense-related technologies.
  • Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead teams, manage performance, and develop engineers at varying career stages.
  • Systems Thinking: Experience overseeing complex, multidisciplinary systems involving software, firmware, electronics, and mechanical components.
  • Execution Focus: Strong project management instincts with the ability to balance speed, quality, and technical risk.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

You'll Stand Out:
  • Defense or Robotics Experience: Prior experience in defense systems, robotics, autonomous platforms, or safety-critical environments.
  • Hands-On Engineering Background: Previous experience as a senior or staff-level engineer in embedded, firmware, or robotics systems.
  • Scaling Teams: Experience building or scaling engineering teams in fast-paced startup environments.
  • Systems Integration: Deep familiarity with integrating sensors, actuators, control systems, and real-time software into cohesive products.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary
  • ACS Equity Package
  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
#LI-AS1

Apply