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Systems Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Systems Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Systems Software Engineer We are seeking a Senior System Software / Embedded Firmware Engineer with a strong background in electrical engineering test and debug, focused on system-level power ...

New

Leidos is looking for an Autonomous Systems Software Engineer to help build the brains behind next-generation uncrewed underwater vehicles and maritime autonomous systems. This is not a report ...

Meta is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to join the Systems ML Engineering team, focused on building and scaling the infrastructure and software systems that power large-scale machine learning ...

System/Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$195K - $231K/yr

Experience in systems/software engineering or HPC/AI development Strong programming expertise in Python and low-level programming (C/C++ preferred) Deep understanding of: GPU accelerator ...

... systems in data centers. Description The Cloud OS System Software Team is looking for an ... We are seeking a skilled Software Engineer to join our System Software Team focused on optimizing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Systems Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$94.5K

$202.2K

$234.4K

How much do systems software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems software engineer in Seattle, WA is $202,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $196,900.00 and $233,300.00 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
Infographic showing various Systems Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA 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 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $202,249 per year, or $97.2 per hour.

Systems Software Engineer

Actalent

Bellevue, WA โ€ข On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Systems Software EngineerJob Description

We are seeking a Senior System Software / Embedded Firmware Engineer with a strong background in electrical engineering test and debug, focused on system-level power characterization and optimization on Qualcomm-based platforms. This role is hardware-first and emphasizes embedded firmware, electrical measurements, and lab-based investigation, with sufficient system software experience to perform first-order analysis of software-driven power and performance issues. While Android and Linux knowledge are required, this role is not for a pure Android framework expert.

Responsibilities
  • Work hands-on with product schematics, power delivery networks, and lab instruments.
  • Build structured test matrices and communicate with electrical engineering and hardware teams.
  • Digest and reason about system power models.
  • Move between schematics, bench instruments, low-level firmware, and system software logs to explain real-world power behavior.
  • Investigate and resolve power and performance issues.
  • Take ownership of real power measurements and contribute to platform-level decisions.
Essential Skills
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in embedded systems with a strong mix of electrical engineering lab work and embedded firmware/system software.
  • Strong electrical test and debug background, including reading and working from schematics and power-rail analysis.
  • Solid experience with embedded firmware development (MCU, SoC firmware, bootloader, or low-level drivers).
  • Working knowledge of Linux and/or Android system software.
  • Ability to independently define test plans, build test matrices, and drive investigations proactively.
  • Strong analytical skills and confidence working with incomplete or ambiguous data.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience working with Qualcomm platforms or similar complex SoCs.
  • Familiarity with system-level power measurement frameworks.
  • Experience digesting and validating power models and power budgets.
  • Android power/thermal framework familiarity.
  • Experience with factory, EVT/DVT, or lab-based power characterization.
  • Exposure to embedded RTOS or bare-metal development.
Work Environment

The work environment is engineering-driven and focused on problem-solving. It combines lab-based hands-on work with deep software debugging. There is close collaboration with hardware, firmware, and platform engineers. The culture emphasizes ownership, experimentation, and data-driven decisions. Work may be on-site or hybrid, depending on lab access needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bellevue, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $180000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Full Sigma company benefits

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bellevue,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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