Explore senior software development engineer jobs with Ladders, where you can find vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Senior software development engineers design, build, and maintain complex software systems while helping teams deliver reliable, scalable products. Browse roles across industries, technologies, and levels of technical leadership.
These experienced engineers translate product and business needs into robust technical solutions. Their work may include designing system architecture, writing and reviewing code, improving application performance, troubleshooting production issues, and guiding engineering teams through complex projects. Many roles also involve mentoring developers and partnering with product, design, security, and operations teams.
Employers commonly look for strong software design and programming experience, expertise in relevant languages and frameworks, and a record of delivering production systems. Depending on the role, useful qualifications may include cloud infrastructure, distributed systems, databases, API design, automated testing, DevOps practices, and security. Communication, technical judgment, and the ability to lead through influence are also important at the senior level.
Senior software development engineers work in technology, financial services, healthcare, e-commerce, media, and other sectors. Opportunities may focus on backend services, mobile or web applications, data platforms, infrastructure, machine learning systems, or developer tools. With experience, engineers can grow into staff or principal engineering roles, architecture positions, or engineering management.
Use Ladders to search vetted professional openings with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare roles by technology, industry, location, and scope, then focus on opportunities that match your experience and career goals.
CyberArk SME / DevOps Engineer
$70K - $110K *
Elevate your career as a CyberArk SME/DevOps Engineer, implementing secure solutions for federal modernization. Leverage your expertise in privileged access management to drive best practices and enha...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a team of expert engineers to innovate a Kubernetes resource management platform, enhancing DevOps productivity and addressing complex engineering problems in a dynamic environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr Staff Endpoint Systems Engineer
$141K - $236K *
Lead the charge in defining technical standards for secure, scalable Windows and macOS endpoints. Mentor engineers, manage projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Innovate as you guide Fortune 500 clients in leveraging AI solutions. Collaborate with sales teams, deliver dynamic presentations, and serve as trusted technical advisor to modernize legacy systems an...
Reposted 1 week ago
System Software Engineer - Performance
$124K - $195K *
Unlock potential by designing and optimizing software for next-gen SoCs, enhancing performance and efficiency in datacenter products. Collaborate on cutting-edge ARM architecture and drive innovation...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $135K *
Take ownership of features from design to production, enhance system reliability, and collaborate closely with engineers, product, and design teams to solve complex technical challenges in a dynamic e...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Solution Engineering Manager (Specialty Sales)
$120K - $165K *
Pioneer in leading a dynamic team of Solution Engineers, optimizing multi-discipline datacenter solutions across data protection, storage, compute, and networking. Drive collaboration to shape industr...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's redefining B2B product design by optimizing user experiences across diverse workflows, integrating AI-powered features, and creating impactful solutions for multiple user types. You...
4 weeks ago
Director, Features System Engineering
$220K - $290K *
Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer Senior Consultant I
$85K - $145K *
Develop innovative full stack applications to enhance legal operations and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, scalable solutions using modern technologies and cloud...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower your software engineering career by directing AI to deliver full-stack solutions. You'll manage end-to-end feature development, leveraging AWS and AI tools to enhance productivity and quality...
2 weeks ago
Senior DevSecOps Engineer (Remote)
$140K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team as you architect secure CI/CD pipelines, manage Kubernetes clusters, and implement security automation in AWS. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency while embe...
5 days ago
$128K - $218K *
Elevate customer acquisition efforts by leveraging your expertise in Compliance, FinTech, and RegTech. Collaborate with Sales and Solutions Architects to translate regulatory challenges into impactful...
5 days ago
$128K - $218K *
Partner with us to drive net new customer acquisition across diverse markets, leveraging your expertise in Compliance, FinTech, and RegTech to translate complex regulatory challenges into impactful te...
6 days ago
Sr. Project Engineer, RSX (Remote considered)
$165K - $215K *
Empower the engineering team by driving project execution and integration for advanced vehicle development. Ensure alignment of resources, schedules, and technical goals while fostering collaboration...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Technical Program Management
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in shaping a new Technical Program Management team, guiding TPMs to deliver impactful results while fostering collaboration across Engineering and Product. Drive strategic planning and...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Mobile QA
$218K - $286K *
Unlock potential by leading the mobile QA infrastructure for our greenfield app project. Drive automation, establish quality standards, and partner cross-functionally to ensure excellence in product d...
4 weeks ago
Principal Software Tester (Edifecs)
$80K - $120K *
Elevate software quality by leading comprehensive testing strategies, ensuring all systems meet rigorous standards and user needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements and del...
2 weeks ago
Principal Software Tester (Edifecs)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Software Testing Principal, where you'll develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to dri...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Systems Triage (Metrics & Analysis)
$160K - $193K *
Lead a team to develop metrics and analysis tools that enhance decision-making for autonomous driving software. Engage in hands-on data analysis, manage workflows, and drive insights to improve system...
1 week ago
Software Engineer - AI Infrastructure
$135K - $160K *
Empower our team as an Infrastructure Product Engineer, innovating scalable solutions and transforming complex infrastructure into impactful capabilities that enhance customer experience and performan...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Product & Engineering
$125K - $150K *
Drive AI-native software development by architecting systems, guiding AI agents, and ensuring quality. Collaborate closely with users to transform business needs into reliable, efficient solutions whi...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate client success by managing complex projects, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining budget integrity. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive engagement and optimize project outcomes from i...
2 weeks ago
Senior Java Test Automation Engineer with AI Expertise
$120K - $145K *
Elevate software quality by leveraging AI-driven test automation solutions. In this role, you'll design scalable frameworks, integrate Generative AI, and collaborate with teams to enhance testing effi...
6 days ago
Senior Fullstack Engineer - Grafana Data Source Plugins | NASA | (Remote, Canada)
$164K - $197K *
Help us enhance Grafana's data source plugins, ensuring reliability and seamless integration for users worldwide. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions and improve observabil...
2 weeks ago
What does a senior software development engineer do?
A senior software development engineer designs, builds, tests, and maintains software systems. They often make architecture decisions, solve complex technical problems, review code, mentor teammates, and coordinate with other departments to deliver reliable products.
What qualifications are typically required for senior software development engineer jobs?
Requirements vary, but employers generally seek substantial professional software engineering experience, proficiency in one or more programming languages, and a history of delivering production applications or systems. Familiarity with system design, cloud platforms, databases, testing, and technical leadership may also be expected.
How much do senior software development engineer jobs pay?
Compensation depends on factors such as location, industry, experience, and technical specialty. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including senior software development engineer opportunities.
What is the difference between a senior software engineer and a senior software development engineer?
The titles often describe similar work, and employers may use them interchangeably. Responsibilities typically include designing and developing software, though the exact emphasis depends on the company and team.
What career paths can follow a senior software development engineer role?
Experienced engineers may advance to staff or principal engineer, software architect, or other technical leadership positions. Those interested in people management may move into engineering manager or director roles.