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

Meta

Software Engineer, Systems ML

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$195K - $231K/yr

Meta is seeking an AI Software Engineer to join our Research & Development teams. The ideal candidate will have industry experience working on AI Infras.

Meta

Software Engineer, Systems ML

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$195K - $231K/yr

Meta is seeking an AI Software Engineer to join our Research & Development teams. The ideal candidate will have industry experience working on AI Infras.

Amazon

Software Engineer, EC2 Nitro

Seattle, WA · On-site

We are seeking a Software Engineer with experience in Dataplane development, System Software/Embedded software, Cloud Computing, and Networking to join our team. This role will allow you to influence ...

Meta

Software Engineer, Systems ML

Bellevue, WA

$195K - $231K/yr

Meta is seeking a Research Engineer specializing in Systems Machine Learning to help design and build the infrastructure and algorithmic foundations tha.

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All JobsSystems Software Engineer JobsSystems Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

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 Jul 26, 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 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 are popular job titles related to Systems Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Systems Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Systems Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 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.
Software Engineer, Systems ML (Technical Leadership)

Software Engineer, Systems ML (Technical Leadership)

Meta

Bellevue, WA

$219K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is seeking a principal-level Software Engineer to drive technical strategy and execution across our Systems ML Engineering organization. In this role, you will define the architectural foundations that power large-scale machine learning infrastructure, spanning training systems, inference pipelines, ML compilers, high-performance computing frameworks, and on-device optimization. You will identify and solve the hardest cross-system ML infrastructure challenges, shape multi-year technical roadmaps, and amplify the impact of engineering teams through AI-native workflows and deep systems expertise. This is a role for engineers who identify problems others miss and drive them to resolution at organizational scale.
Software Engineer, Systems ML (Technical Leadership) Responsibilities:
  • Identify and solve the most complex cross-system ML infrastructure challenges spanning training, inference, compiler optimization, and hardware-software co-design, including problems that have resisted prior solution attempts
  • Define extensible architectural standards and technical foundations for ML systems that enable consistency and reliability across multiple engineering organizations
  • Develop and own the multi-year technical roadmap for ML systems infrastructure, balancing short-term delivery with long-term platform health and competitive positioning
  • Leverage AI-native tooling and workflows as a force multiplier to eliminate entire categories of engineering toil and accelerate cross-disciplinary work across the ML systems stack
  • Drive performance improvements across large-scale ML training and inference systems by identifying bottlenecks that span multiple subsystems, ownership boundaries, and abstraction layers
  • Establish invariants, correctness proofs, and systemic reliability practices that prevent whole classes of failures across ML infrastructure pipelines
  • Partner with research, hardware, and product engineering teams to translate theoretical ML systems advances into production infrastructure that delivers measurable efficiency and capability gains
  • Assess emerging AI and computing technologies, evaluate competitive ML infrastructure trends, and influence organizational strategy to ensure technical competitiveness
  • Mentor engineers across the organization by providing customized coaching, leading engineering programs, and establishing a culture of thoroughness and high craft in ML systems development
  • Communicate complex ML systems architecture and strategy clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, producing reference-quality design documents and roadmap artifacts

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 12+ years of experience in software engineering with deep specialization in one or more ML systems domains including AI infrastructure, ML compilers, high-performance computing, GPU architecture, ML frameworks, or on-device optimization
  • Experience architecting and delivering large-scale ML training or inference infrastructure that has had measurable impact across multiple engineering organizations
  • Experience leading multi-year cross-functional technical initiatives, including defining metrics, managing dependencies, and driving execution across organizational boundaries
  • Experience developing high-performance ML systems infrastructure in C++, Python, or CUDA, including work at the intersection of hardware and software
  • Experience influencing technical direction and engineering practices across multiple teams through written proposals, design reviews, and stakeholder alignment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience contributing to industry-wide ML systems efforts through publications, open-source projects, or standards bodies
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Track record of applying AI tools and automation to redesign engineering workflows, with demonstrated efficiency or quality improvements at organizational scale
  • Experience with ML compiler stacks such as MLIR, XLA, or TVM, or with hardware-software co-design for custom ML accelerators
  • Experience defining and operationalizing reliability, performance, and correctness standards for distributed ML training or large-scale inference systems

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$219,000/year to $301,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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