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

Meta is seeking a Software Systems Engineer to join our Production Systems Engineering organization, where you will work at the intersection of software and large-scale hardware infrastructure. In ...

... 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 ...

Software Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$195K - $231K/yr

Meta is seeking a Software Systems Engineer to join our Production Systems Engineering organization, where you will work at the intersection of software.

Lead Software Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Systems Engineer to join the P-8 Missions System ...

Lead Software Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Systems Engineer to join the P-8 Missions System ...

Lead Software Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Systems Engineer to join the P-8 Missions System ...

Lead Software Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Systems Engineer to join the P-8 Missions System ...

Lead Software Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Systems Engineer to join the P-8 Missions System ...

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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 Jun 30, 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?

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 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
Infographic showing various Systems Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $202,249 per year, or $97.2 per hour.
Satellite Systems Software Engineer (Starlink)

Satellite Systems Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SATELLITE SYSTEMS SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a software engineer working in Starlink's Constellation Engineering organization, you will build and maintain the systems that maintain the world's largest satellite constellation. You will work on ensuring we can safely interact with other operators, that we can maintain command and control capabilities of our satellites, and that we are able to monitor and manage the fleet. As a SpaceX engineer, you will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the code and products you create, from inception and development, to testing and rollout. You will write software that both runs as part of our distributed ground system, and that flies in space aboard the satellites.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop highly reliable and available software systems for managing thousands of satellites in low-earth orbit.
  • Be accountable and responsible for all software written and designed, and their interactions with the hardware and environments around them.
  • Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
  • Design software for both vehicles flying in space, and the ground systems that support them
  • Collaborate with other engineers to plan and organize the development of our products.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and +1 years of professional experience in software development; OR 3+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with Python or C++, and Linux programming.
  • Experience with distributed systems or large-scale consumer internet systems.
  • Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring.
  • Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar).
  • Previous experience with satellites or spacecraft systems is a plus.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
Pay range:    
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year    
Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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