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Operating System Developer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Ghost Robotics

Linux Systems Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Key Responsibilities Linux Kernel & Operating System Administration * Perform custom Linux kernel ... Network Engineering * Design, configure, and troubleshoot complex Linux networking environments.

Paychex

Systems Engineer I

Allentown, PA · On-site

Perform operating system, application, and infrastructure upgrades while ensuring system stability ... CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices * Automation and Orchestration platforms * Container ...

DSNSearch

z/OS Systems Programmer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

MAINFRAME**SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER** ANNUAL BONUS PROGRAM! HYBRID WORK/MUST WORK ON SITE 2X WEEK ... ARCHITECT, INSTALL, UPGRADE, TUNE THE Z/OS OPERATING SYSTEM ( MAINFRAME ) FOR A GLOBAL (24X7 ...

Motional

Senior Systems Performance Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · Hybrid

$101K - $138K/yr

Our responsibilities include system communications and IPC, networking, Linux operating system ... We are seeking a Linux Systems Performance Engineer to improve the performance, reliability, and ...

Motional

Senior Systems Performance Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · Hybrid

$101K - $138K/yr

Our responsibilities include system communications and IPC, networking, Linux operating system ... We are seeking a Linux Systems Performance Engineer to improve the performance, reliability, and ...

Motional

Senior Systems Performance Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Our responsibilities include system communications and IPC, networking, Linux operating system ... We are seeking a Linux Systems Performance Engineer to improve the performance, reliability, and ...

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Operating System Developer information

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How much do operating system developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating system developer in Pennsylvania is $48.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.44 and $57.36 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating System Developer jobs in Pennsylvania? The most popular types of Operating System Developer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What are popular job titles related to Operating System Developer jobs in Pennsylvania? For Operating System Developer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Developer jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Developer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
Operating System Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Developer job openings in Pennsylvania 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 $101,873 per year, or $49 per hour.

Linux Systems Engineer

Ghost Robotics

Philadelphia, PA

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description

We are seeking an experienced Linux Systems Engineer to join our engineering department. In this role, you will be responsible for the architecture, development, optimization, and maintenance of Linux environments that power our hardware infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Linux kernel development, embedded systems, system diagnostics, and infrastructure automation.


You will collaborate closely with hardware, software, and QA teams to ensure seamless integration between applications and underlying operating system platforms, particularly within embedded Linux environments.


Key ResponsibilitiesLinux Kernel & Operating System Administration
  • Perform custom Linux kernel patching, configuration, compilation, and lifecycle maintenance across multiple hardware platforms. 
  • Configure and maintain Linux operating systems for stability, performance, and scalability. 
Embedded Systems Integration
  • Deploy, manage, and optimize Linux distributions for embedded hardware architectures. 
  • Support and maintain NVIDIA Jetson modules and associated embedded platforms. 
Build System Architecture
  • Develop and maintain sophisticated Linux build environments. 
  • Manage software dependencies, cross-compilation toolchains, and package management systems. 
Network Engineering
  • Design, configure, and troubleshoot complex Linux networking environments. 
  • Manage routing protocols, firewalls (iptables, nftables), custom network bridges, and network interfaces. 
System Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
  • Perform advanced debugging and root-cause analysis of Linux system issues. 
  • Diagnose kernel panics, configuration inconsistencies, and performance bottlenecks. 
Infrastructure Automation
  • Design and implement automation scripts for: 
    • Software deployment 
    • System validation testing 
    • Operational maintenance tasks 
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with hardware engineering, software development, and QA teams. 
  • Ensure successful integration of software applications with embedded Linux operating systems. 

Requirements

Technical Skills
  • Strong programming experience in: 
    • C++ 
    • Python 
    • Advanced Bash scripting 
  • Extensive experience administering and troubleshooting headless Linux systems through the command-line interface. 
  • Deep familiarity with a variety of Linux distributions, including: 
    • Custom/source-based distributions (Yocto Project, Gentoo, Arch Linux) 
    • Enterprise distributions (Ubuntu, Debian) 
System Diagnostics & Development Tools
  • Proficiency with Linux debugging and diagnostic utilities, including: 
    • gdb 
    • strace 
    • dmesg 
    • journalctl 
    • perf 
    • Valgrind 
  • Advanced experience using version control systems such as Git. 
  • Familiarity with industry-standard development tools and editors, including: 
    • VS Code 
    • Vim 
    • nano 
Professional Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Ability to create clear and detailed technical documentation for complex system architectures. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Hands-on experience with: 
    • NVIDIA Jetson architectures 
    • JetPack SDKs 
    • Board Support Packages (BSPs) 
  • Experience with build systems and utilities such as: 
    • CMake 
    • Make 
    • Ninja 
  • Experience integrating embedded Linux systems into CI/CD pipelines using: 
    • GitLab CI 
    • GitHub Actions 
    • Jenkins 
  • Familiarity with containerization technologies for embedded environments, including: 
    • Docker 
    • systemd-nspawn 
  • Knowledge of hardware communication interfaces and low-level system integration: 
    • I2C 
    • SPI 
    • UART 
    • GPIO 
    • Device Tree Source (DTS) modification

Location  

Philadelphia, PA. This is a full-time, on-site role. No remote candidates will be considered at this time.  


Travel  

None required, though domestic and international opportunities exist for engineers who want field exposure. 


Compensation  

Competitive base salary, full benefits, and a highly motivating equity incentive package. Flexible time off policy. We focus on output, impact, and the ability to work alongside a stellar interdisciplinary team.  


Additional Information  

Clear standard background checks are required pre-hire, post-hire, and at any time during employment. Permanent U.S. residency is required.  

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