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Operating System Developer Jobs in San Francisco, CA

Meta

Enterprise Systems Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$111K - $166K/yr

Python, Ruby, PHP, Rust, or Go • Experience with Linux operating system internals • B.S. degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or relevant experience • Experience with Windows and Linux ...

Aptiv

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Strong understanding of operating system concepts * Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in ...

Aptiv

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$13K - $160K/yr

Strong understanding of operating system concepts * Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in ...

Dedalus Labs, Inc.

Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Internal developer platforms and tooling. * Production systems operating under real-world scale, latency, and reliability constraints. Representative Projects You might find yourself working on ...

Dedalus Labs

Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Internal developer platforms and tooling. * Production systems operating under real-world scale, latency, and reliability constraints. Representative Projects You might find yourself working on ...

AeroVironment, Inc.

Systems Engineer II

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$82K - $125K/yr

Familiarity with Python or ROS (Robot Operating System) and Aircraft Terminology is preferred * An understanding of Control Theory and Transform functions helpful * Aerospace Systems Engineering ...

AeroVironment

Systems Engineer II

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$82K - $125K/yr

Familiarity with Python or ROS (Robot Operating System) and Aircraft Terminology is preferred * An understanding of Control Theory and Transform functions helpful * Aerospace Systems Engineering ...

Kodezi Inc.

Developer Relations Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $210/hr

We're building Kodezi OS , a real-time, cross-platform operating system that heals, evolves, and documents codebases autonomously. As a Developer Relations Lead , you'll define how Kodezi speaks to ...

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Operating System Developer information

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$14

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How much do operating system developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating system developer in San Francisco, CA is $57.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.70 and $67.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating system developer?

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.

What does an operating system developer do?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an operating system developer?

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 San Francisco, CA?

The most popular types of Operating System Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating System Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA?

For Operating System Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating System Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating System Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA are:

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Cities near San Francisco, CA with the most Operating System Developer job openings:

Operating System Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Developer job openings in San Francisco, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,737 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Aptiv PLC

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$13K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
ABOUT WIND RIVER
Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.
Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company's software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world. Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We've achieved recent 5G milestones including the world's first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone.
The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a "Top Workplace" for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world.
YOUR ROLE
As a Senior OS Kernel Engineer, you will contribute to the development of kernel components for the VxWorks operating system, supporting implementation, testing, and debugging while collaborating with other senior engineers to ensure performance, reliability, and security.
In your daily job you will:
  • Develop Core OS technologies for our embedded VxWorks OS
  • Develop and deliver high quality design, code, and tests following a CI/CD model and agile methodology
  • Investigate and resolve issues reported during product verification and from customers
  • Create design documents for new technologies and conduct code reviews
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hardware and software solutions

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
Key skills and competencies for succeeding in this role are:
  • Strong understanding of operating system concepts
  • Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality
  • Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in embedded systems development
  • Experience with assembly, C++, Python, and other development languages is a plus
  • Experience with low-level device drivers, BSP board bring-up, or architecture-level development is a plus
  • Experience in developing software compliant with industry certification standards, including DO-178C, ISO 26262, ASPICE, MIL is a plus
  • Ability to drive a project end-to-end, from concept and requirements through implementation, delivery, and release
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to thrive as an exceptional team player who works well in collaborative environments
  • Self-motivated, fast learner with a demonstrated ability to adopt and master new technologies

BENEFITS
  • Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • RRSP matching for financial security
  • Flexible time-off policies for work-life balance
  • Employee assistance program for mental well-being
  • Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars

Compensation
This role is compensation range is between $130,00 to $160,000 USD plus annual incentive plan bonus. Compensation is determined through interviews and a review of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities of the applicant, and equity with other team members. Employees in this role are also eligible for the following benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company's plans: health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, flex time off, eligibility to enroll in 401k, and 12 paid holidays.
APPLICANT PRIVACY NOTICE:
Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. At Wind River, we strictly adhere to all applicable data privacy laws. Please review Wind River's Applicant Privacy Notice, which can be found here.
Wind River is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.
#LI-AL3
Join us at Wind River, where we're not just shaping technology; we're shaping the future of a safer, more connected world. Your journey to make a meaningful impact begins here.
Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: https://www.aptiv.com/privacy-notice-active-candidates
Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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