ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operating System Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NABORS

Operating System Engineer RigCLOUD

Houston, TX · On-site

$66K - $89K/yr

The RigCLOUD Operating System Engineer is responsible for implementing, auditing, and continuously improving the RigCLOUD Operating System across field and office operations. This role ensures ...

Hark

Operating System Architect

San Jose, CA

$120K - $300K/yr

This role spans hands-on systems engineering up through strategic technical leadership and team ... Define and evolve the embedded operating system architecture and platform strategy across the ...

Hark

Operating System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

This role spans hands-on systems engineering up through strategic technical leadership and team ... Define and evolve the embedded operating system architecture and platform strategy across the ...

Eliassen Group

Operating Systems Engineer

Almont, CO · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

The position requires expertise in low-level operating system software, Windows and macOS application integration, systems programming, and enterprise endpoint technologies. Due to client ...

Brahma Consulting Group

System Engineer

Charlotte, NC

$55 - $58/hr

Title: System Admin/Engineer Location: Charlotte, NC (Onsite) Duration: 12 Months Responsible for ... Responsible for the operating system and associated subsystems including system and application ...

Versigent

Enterprise Operating System Director

Troy, MI · On-site

$101K - $126K/yr

ENTERPRISE OPERATING SYSTEM DIRECTOR Versigent designs and delivers the systems that move power ... As a standalone company, we combine deep engineering expertise with the speed and focus needed to ...

Samsung

System Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

As a Sr. Systems Engineer on the HPC Grid Systems infrastructure team, you will be working on ... Deep expertise with Linux operating systems including operations in a large scale production ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperating System Developer Jobs

Operating System Developer information

See salary details

$12

$48

$76

How much do operating system developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating system developer in the United States is $48.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.35 and $57.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Operating System Developer job?

An Operating System Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining operating system components, including kernels, drivers, and system utilities. They work on optimizing system performance, ensuring security, and improving compatibility with hardware and software. These developers typically work with low-level programming languages like C and Assembly and have expertise in systems architecture. Their role is crucial in developing reliable and efficient computing platforms for various devices, from desktops to embedded systems.

How much does an OS developer make?

An operating system developer's salary varies based on experience, location, and skills, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually in the United States. Senior developers with specialized knowledge in kernel development or low-level programming can earn higher salaries, especially at large tech companies or in high-cost-of-living areas.

How much do OS devs make?

Operating System developers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the systems they work on. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in low-level programming and kernel development tend to have higher salaries. Compensation can also include benefits such as bonuses, stock options, and flexible schedules.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior operating system developers or software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost regions or large tech companies. These roles often require advanced knowledge of system architecture, programming languages, and sometimes stock options or bonuses as part of compensation packages.

How hard is coding an OS?

Operating System Developers work on designing, implementing, and maintaining core system software, which requires strong programming skills in languages like C and assembly, as well as understanding hardware architecture. Coding an OS is complex and involves managing low-level hardware interactions, concurrency, and security, often taking years of experience and knowledge of system design principles.

What are the typical daily tasks and responsibilities of an Operating System Developer?

Operating System Developers typically spend their days designing, implementing, and debugging core system components such as kernels, device drivers, and memory management modules. They often work closely with other software engineers, hardware teams, and QA testers to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. Reviewing code, conducting performance tests, and investigating reported issues are common daily tasks. Collaboration and clear communication are essential, as most projects require teamwork and regular updates across departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Operating System Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating System Developer, you need in-depth knowledge of computer architecture, strong C/C++ programming skills, and experience with low-level system design, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control tools (like Git), debugging utilities, and relevant certifications such as Linux Foundation Certified Engineer are valuable. Analytical thinking, troubleshooting ability, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating across development teams. These competencies ensure robust, maintainable system software and efficient teamwork in complex, performance-critical environments.

More about Operating System Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Operating System Developer jobs? Cities with the most Operating System Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating System Developer jobs? The most popular types of Operating System Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Operating System Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Operating System Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Developer jobs are:
Operating System Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,629 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Linux Operating System Engineer

Horizontal Talent

Minneapolis, MN

$33 - $68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Linux Operating System Engineer to support and improve enterprise Linux infrastructure across on-premises data centers and AWS environments. This role offers the opportunity to work on RHEL 8 systems, automation, troubleshooting, security, and service management in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities
  • Administer, maintain, and support Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 servers across on-premises and AWS environments.
  • Handle server provisioning, configuration, patching, upgrades, and ongoing lifecycle management.
  • Monitor system performance, capacity, and availability, and take proactive steps to support SLA goals.
  • Investigate and resolve complex issues related to Linux OS, applications, storage, and networking.
  • Support Linux hardening, access management, security patching, vulnerability remediation, and compliance activities.
  • Manage AWS Linux workloads, including EC2, EBS, VPC, IAM, CloudWatch, and Auto Scaling components.
  • Develop and maintain automation using Bash, Python, Perl, or Ansible to improve operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with infrastructure, application, database, network, and security teams to support business services.
  • Assist with backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and high-availability processes.
  • Use ITIL-based processes and ServiceNow for incidents, changes, problems, requests, and related service management activities.
  • Create and update technical documentation, operational procedures, and knowledge base content.
  • Participate in on-call support and major incident response as needed.
Skills
  • 5+ years of Linux system administration experience.
  • Strong hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, especially RHEL 8.
  • Experience supporting enterprise Linux environments at scale.
  • Practical AWS experience supporting Linux workloads in cloud environments.
  • Working knowledge of EC2, EBS, VPC, IAM, CloudWatch, and Auto Scaling.
  • Automation and scripting experience with Bash, Python, Perl, or Ansible.
  • Solid troubleshooting skills across Linux kernel, systemd, LVM, file systems, networking, DNS, SSH, and NFS.
  • Understanding of ITIL practices and service management workflows.
  • Experience using ServiceNow for incident, change, problem, and request management.
  • Ability to analyze logs, identify root causes, and resolve performance or availability issues.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Skills
  • Experience working in both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure environments.
  • Familiarity with enterprise security, compliance, and vulnerability remediation practices.
  • Experience supporting backup, recovery, disaster recovery, or high-availability solutions.
  • Experience creating clear technical documentation and knowledge base articles.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Horizontal is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion, where every team member is respected, supported, and empowered to contribute. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage qualified candidates to apply.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.


Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at www.horizontaltalent.com/job-board. Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $33 - $68 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

Apply