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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Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) is looking for a Principal Software Systems Test Engineer based in Huntsville, AL. Our Team supports, integrates, develops, and advances multiple software and network products under the the long standing Tactical Ground Equipment (TGE) Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) Base Operations Networks (BONES) program.
Core Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, and test cases for assigned systems/subsystems.
- Perform system, integration, and regression testing (manual and/or automated).
- Analyze test results, troubleshoot issues, and work with dev/Systems/QA to resolve defects.
- Document test evidence and support formal reviews, audits, and customer witness events.
- Contribute to requirements verification (traceability from requirements to test cases).
- Develop and/or maintain automated test scripts and test frameworks as applicable.
- Support test environment setup: hardware, software, tools, data, and configurations.
- Support continuous improvement of test processes, tools, and metrics
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in STEM and minimum 5 years of experience, or Masters degree in STEM and 3 years of experience.
- Active DoD Secret Clearance
- Strong understanding of test engineering principles (verification vs validation, coverage, boundary conditions, negative testing).
- Experience with test case design techniques (equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, use cases, etc.).
- Experience with test automation and at least one scripting or programming language (e.g., Python, Bash).
- Ability to read and interpret requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and design specs.
- Familiarity with configuration management and version control (e.g., Git).
- Experience with API testing, UI testing, performance or security testing as needed
See All 8 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.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense
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 Collins Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, and Penta Research, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 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 August 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.
See All 8 Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Alabama
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