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Systems Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saronic

Systems Software Engineer (Generalist)

Austin, TX · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

Role Overview We are seeking experienced Systems Software Engineers to develop software that powers autonomous maritime systems. This role sits at the intersection of software, hardware, robotics ...

Saronic

Systems Software Engineer (Generalist)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$183K - $217K/yr

Role Overview We are seeking experienced Systems Software Engineers to develop software that powers autonomous maritime systems. This role sits at the intersection of software, hardware, robotics ...

Apple

Systems Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122K - $214K/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 ...

Jobtailor

Systems Software Engineer

California, MO · On-site

$154K - $183K/yr

Python Programming * Software Systems Architecture * Software Systems Testing Methodology * Debugging * Test Plans * Testing Scripts * Integration Soft Skills * Analytical Skills * Problem-Solving ...

Jobtailor

Systems Software Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$181K - $214K/yr

* Lead multiple project teams of software systems engineers and internal and outsourced development partners through design, analysis, coding, testing, and integration * Manage and expand relationships ...

Columbia Technology Partners

$176K - $208K/yr

Columbia Technology Partners is seeking a Systems Software Engineer to help solve some of the most challenging performance and scalability problems in a mission-critical environment. In this role ...

NODA AI

Senior Systems Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Senior Systems Software Engineer Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid on-site, with travel) Travel: ~20% typical; up to ~50% during field exercises and partner/military deployments Clearance: U.S. Citizen ...

Saronic Technologies

Systems Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

We are seeking a System Software Engineer to design, implement, and optimize software systems for our autonomous surface vessels. This role will involve working closely with cross-functional teams to ...

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Systems Software Engineer information

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How much do systems software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems software engineer in the United States is $177,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,000.00 and $205,000.00 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.

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Systems Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,719 per year, or $85.4 per hour.

Systems Software Engineer (Generalist)

Austin, TX • On-site

Saronic
See more jobs at Saronicexternal

$171K - $203K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking experienced Systems Software Engineers to develop software that powers autonomous maritime systems. This role sits at the intersection of software, hardware, robotics, and distributed systems, requiring engineers who are comfortable working across the full stack of autonomous vehicle development—from low-level hardware interfaces and embedded systems to backend services, infrastructure, and mission‑critical applications.

Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain software for autonomous vehicle systems and supporting infrastructure
  • Build reliable, scalable, and maintainable software solutions across embedded, systems, and application layers
  • Develop software that interfaces with sensors, actuators, networking equipment, and onboard compute systems
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, autonomy, perception, and field engineering teams
  • Optimize software performance, reliability, observability, and fault tolerance in mission‑critical environments
  • Design and implement distributed services, communication frameworks, and data pipelines supporting autonomous operations
  • Participate in architecture discussions and technical decision‑making across software and systems domains
  • Support testing, validation, deployment, and troubleshooting of software in both laboratory and field environments
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, tooling, and development practices
Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate brings strong software engineering fundamentals and has experience developing systems that interact with real‑world hardware, robotics platforms, autonomous systems, or other complex cyber‑physical environments. Strong understanding of Linux‑based development environments.

  • 5+ years of professional software engineering experience
  • C++
  • Strong proficiency in one or more of:
  • Experience developing software for systems that interact with physical hardware
  • Rust
  • Experience with software architecture, debugging, testing, and performance optimization
  • Ability to operate effectively in cross‑functional engineering environments
  • Experience working on complex distributed, real‑time, embedded, robotics, autonomy, aerospace, defense, maritime, automotive, industrial automation, or similar systems
  • Go
  • Python
  • Experience with embedded Linux, RTOS, device drivers, or hardware communication protocols
  • Experience with robotics, autonomous systems, UAVs, UGVs, USVs, or maritime platforms
  • Experience with networking, distributed systems, middleware, or communication frameworks
  • Experience with cloud infrastructure, backend services, and deployment pipelines
  • Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 or similar robotics frameworks
  • Experience integrating software with sensors, controls, or electromechanical systems
  • Experience supporting field testing and operational deployments
  • Exposure to defense, aerospace, maritime, or other mission‑critical environments

Aerospace or Defense Software Development and Autonomous Systems Engineering successful candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds, including: Platform Engineering, Embedded Software Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Systems Software Engineering, Backend Software Engineering, Infrastructure Engineering.

Physical Requirements
  • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
  • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
  • Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)
  • Occasional standing and walking within the office
  • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
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