Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Alabama
Software Systems Engineer jobs in Alabama are concentrated in defense contracting, aerospace, and federal systems integration, with the state's unique military installation footprint driving consistent demand at mid to senior levels. Huntsville leads hiring by a wide margin, anchored by contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and SAIC, while Birmingham and the surrounding metro also support a steady volume of openings. Embedded systems, real-time software, and systems integration are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Date Posted:
2026-09-24Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-AL-HUNTSVILLE-382 ~ 420 Jan Davis Dr ~ DAVIS 382Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.Security Clearance Type:
None/Not RequiredSecurity Clearance Status:
Not RequiredDesign the Foundation of Next-Generation Avionics
Join the growing Collins Aerospace Core Systems and Libraries team and play a key role in shaping the software foundation that powers modern aircraft. We are seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and driving high-impact solutions across safety-critical systems.
In this role, you will lead the architecture and development of core software components, libraries, and tools that enable scalable, certifiable avionics platforms. You’ll work across the full software lifecycle, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions aligned with civil and military certification standards.
This is a unique opportunity to influence system-level design, advance open architecture initiatives, and contribute to technologies that define the future of aerospace.
Location: Onsite in Huntsville, AL
What You Will Do
- Lead the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling aligned to avionics system requirements
- Drive technical direction and execution across development and verification activities for safety-critical software (DO-178)
- Define and manage software requirements, decomposition, and traceability across complex systems
- Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object-oriented design principles
- Own and produce DO-178 certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables
- Lead and support certification efforts, including engagement with customers and regulatory authorities
- Conduct and contribute to peer reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across the lifecycle
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align technical solutions with program objectives
- Willing and Able to travel as required (domestic and international <10%).
What You Will Learn
- Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of avionics and aerospace systems
- Build end-to-end expertise across the full product lifecycle, from requirements and design through verification and delivery of safety-critical systems
- Develop a deep understanding of software certification (DO-178) and how world-class avionics products meet rigorous regulatory standards
- Learn how to design, scale, and sustain software product lines that support a wide range of platforms and global customers
Qualifications You Must Have
- Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
- U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.
- Proven experience designing and developing software architecture, libraries, or platform-level components within an aerospace or safety-critical environment
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical execution of projects, including customer engagement and presenting to senior stakeholders
- Hands-on experience supporting DO-178 software development and certification activities (e.g., requirements, verification, or certification artifacts)
- Experience working across cross-functional engineering and program teams to deliver complex, integrated solutions
Qualifications We Prefer
- Experience with C++ and VxWorks.
- Experience writing High-Level and Low-Level Requirements.
- Experience writing Test Cases and Automated Test Procedures.
- Experience with Civil Certification DO-178 – DAL A preferred.
- Experience with design and development of Flight Management Systems, Software, Aircraft Applications or Middleware.
- Familiar with revision control concepts and tools (e.g. GIT, Subversion, JIRA).
What We Offer
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
- Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Student Loan Repayment Program
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
- Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
- Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
- Adoption Assistance
- Autism Benefit
- Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
- Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
- Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
- Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
- Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
- And more!
Learn More & Apply Now!
Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision
systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application today.
Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.
Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other - propel us all higher, again and again.
Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.
lations.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
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See All 13 Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Alabama
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Find JobsSoftware Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Alabama
Where Alabama roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Systems Engineer Job Market in Alabama
A snapshot from current Alabama openings, updated as new roles post.
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What Alabama Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software systems engineer jobs across Alabama.
- Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer science, or a closely related technical field
- Active DoD security clearance or demonstrated eligibility to obtain one
- Experience with systems integration, requirements analysis, and verification and validation processes
- Proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering tools such as MATLAB, SysML, or Cameo
- Familiarity with embedded or real-time software development in C, C++, or Ada
- Experience supporting defense or aerospace programs under standards such as MIL-STD or DO-178
Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Alabama: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software systems engineer in Alabama?
The most direct path in Alabama starts with a bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or aerospace engineering from a program accredited by ABET. Alabama does not require a state-issued license specific to software systems engineers, but many positions, especially in Huntsville's defense corridor, require a DoD security clearance. Gaining experience through university co-ops with defense contractors or federal laboratories based in Redstone Arsenal accelerates entry into the field considerably.
How much do software systems engineers make in Alabama?
Software systems engineers in Alabama earn a median of about $122,540 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $71,590 for the lowest 10% to over $175,330 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire software systems engineers in Alabama?
Companies currently hiring software systems engineers in Alabama include Northrop Grumman, Collins Aerospace, and KBR, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Alabama's defense and aerospace concentration means a significant share of these openings are tied to programs based at or near Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.
Which Alabama cities have the most software systems engineer jobs?
Huntsville and Auburn account for the largest share of software systems engineer openings in Alabama. Huntsville dominates the distribution because of Redstone Arsenal and the dense cluster of defense and aerospace contractors headquartered there, while Birmingham draws from a broader technology and engineering base tied to energy, healthcare systems, and infrastructure programs.
Are there remote software systems engineer jobs in Alabama?
Yes, and more than most engineering fields, though many Alabama postings still require on-site access due to security clearance and classified program requirements. About 0% of software systems engineer openings tied to Alabama are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with the remote-eligible share concentrated in modeling, simulation, and software development tasks that don't require access to restricted facilities or physical hardware.
How can I get hired as a software systems engineer in Alabama with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a university co-op or internship program tied to Huntsville-area defense contractors. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and SAIC run structured new-graduate and intern programs specifically recruiting from Alabama and regional ABET-accredited programs. Entry-level titles such as junior systems engineer or associate integration engineer are common on-ramps. Completing INCOSE's Certified Systems Engineering Professional associate credential, or building a portfolio through Redstone Arsenal-adjacent student programs, gives candidates a concrete edge in a field where demonstrated structured process knowledge matters early.
Where can I find and apply to software systems engineer jobs in Alabama?
You can find and apply to software systems engineer jobs in Alabama on Migrate Mate, which lists current Alabama openings in the field. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to whichever ones fit your experience and location.
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