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

We are currently seeking a Systems Software Engineer - Validation Automation & AI to join our dynamic team in Georgetown TX. We are looking for a Systems Software Engineer - Validation Automation ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Systems Software Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$82.3K

$176.2K

$204.2K

How much do systems software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems software engineer in Austin, TX is $176,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $171,500.00 and $203,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

More about Systems Software Engineer jobs

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Systems Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Systems Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Systems Software Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $176,157 per year, or $84.7 per hour.

Distributed Systems Software Engineer (Golang)

Austin, TX • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$184K - $324K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 685 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At Apple, we strive every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Our successes are the result of skilled domain experts working in an environment which encourages creativity, collaboration, and re-thinking of old problems in new ways! As a member of the Satellite Connectivity Group, you will work on the satellite network that enables connectivity to iPhone and Watch Ultra when off the grid without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Every day, Apple customers use Emergency SOS, Roadside assistance, and Messages via satellite to stay connected when they have no other means to communicate. You will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to shape this and other critical services, to the benefit and safety of millions of Apple device users.
You will build and run an Apple service enabling platform that millions of customers may rely on every day. You’ll also build and run the infrastructure that powers those services with emphasis on build, not just operate or implement. We’re looking for people who like to solve problems using software rather than shell prompts as we scale Apple’s services for customers around the world. Help us build the Apple experience on a global scale!
Description
Apple is looking for a Senior Software Engineer with distributed systems and orchestration experience to join the Satellite Communications Group. Our team builds, monitors, and maintains large scale, highly resilient systems that enable our customers to access communications services via satellite. You’ll be contributing to distributed systems, architecture design, and cloud infrastructure (as code!) for critical and unique customer-facing Apple services. This is a rare opportunity to build and control the entire end to end infrastructure, along with all supporting components such as provisioning, monitoring, deployment, and software platforms, from the beginning within a team with a no-ops culture.
Preferred Qualifications
Deep understanding of distributed systems principles, including consistency, fault tolerance, and scalability.
Strong familiarity with consensus algorithms (e.g., Raft, Paxos, Zab, etc)
Experience building and operating multi-clustered and highly-available services
Experience with Temporal/Cadence/Windmill or other durable execution platforms
Understanding of zero-trust application architecture
Proven experience building and optimizing real-time and batch data processing pipelines using technologies such as Kafka, Spark, Flink, Beam, etc.
Kubernetes experience, including cluster management as well as application deployment and configuration
Experience with IoT/Edge device compute and infrastructure
Experience or interest in RF, Cellular, Satellite communications (Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, LTE/5G)
Experience with modern web-scale services including servers, vips, load balancers, proxies
Experience working with monitoring and metrics platforms like Splunk and Prometheus
Education: Engineering or technical BS is a positive but not required.
Minimum Qualifications
5+ years Software engineering or DevOps experience
Proficient in at least one of these languages: Python, Go, Rust, C++
Strong experience with large-scale distributed systems (replication, high availability, data processing/streaming)
Strong experience with Linux/UNIX administration, configuration, and monitoring
Have written or contributed to a batch or realtime processing system
Experience with cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure): identity & credential management, pub/sub, message queuing
Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation, Puppet, Flux, Ansible, etc)
Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
Experience with zero-downtime deployments, job scheduling systems, event-based messaging systems
Able to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies
Strong operational and troubleshooting skills.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

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Benefits

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Apple logo

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