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Operating System Developer Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

AMAX

Junior System Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Troubleshoot hardware, firmware, and operating system issues across server and cluster environments. * Collaborate with engineering teams to define system specifications and evaluate the interface ...

Super Micro Computer

Sr. System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... Linux operating system level benchmarking, validation, testing, driver and software stack testing ...

AMAX

Junior System Engineer

Fremont, CA

$80K - $95K/yr

Troubleshoot hardware, firmware, and operating system issues across server and cluster environments. * Collaborate with engineering teams to define system specifications and evaluate the interface ...

AMAX

Junior System Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Troubleshoot hardware, firmware, and operating system issues across server and cluster environments. * Collaborate with engineering teams to define system specifications and evaluate the interface ...

Infotech Spectrum

System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... operating systems • Programming experience in C/C++ required; C# is highly desirable • Experience with National Instruments Labview, Matlab and other simulation tools desirable • Ability to ...

Apple

Darwin Runtime Engineer, Core OS

Cupertino, CA · On-site

In the Core Operating Systems group ensuring the OS is inseparable from each device's identity as a ... The Darwin Runtime team in Core OS is looking for enthusiastic engineers interested in developing ...

MatX

System Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $362K/yr

Performance profiling, look for opportunities to reduce operating system overheads * Influence the ... Strong C programming skills * In-depth knowledge of computer hardware and system architecture

MatX

System Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$175K - $362K/yr

Performance profiling, look for opportunities to reduce operating system overheads * Influence the ... Strong C programming skills * In-depth knowledge of computer hardware and system architecture

Super Micro Computer

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... operating systems • Solid background in mechanical a must • Good communication skills ...

Super Micro Computer

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... operating systems • Solid background in mechanical a must • Good communication skills ...

Zealogics.com

HPC engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

HPC Operating System Installation/provision - Windows Server, Linux, Unix. * Troubleshooting and ... Programming language: Python, Shell * Virtualization and containerization * Computer network

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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 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating system developer in San Jose, CA is $57.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.46 and $67.07 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 San Jose, CA? The most popular types of Operating System Developer jobs in San Jose, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Operating System Developer jobs in San Jose, CA? For Operating System Developer jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Developer jobs in San Jose, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Developer jobs in San Jose, CA are:
What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Operating System Developer jobs? Cities near San Jose, 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 Jose, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,108 per year, or $57.3 per hour.
Junior System Engineer

Junior System Engineer

AMAX

Fremont, CA • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated System Engineer to join our Engineering team. This role will focus on the design, deployment, validation, and troubleshooting of high-performance computing systems and server platforms. The ideal candidate has strong experience working with Linux environments, GPU-based computing systems, and enterprise server hardware, along with a passion for solving complex technical challenges.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, configure, and deploy server and HPC systems, including GPU- and AI-based computing platforms.
  • Install, configure, and maintain Linux-based operating systems and related system software.
  • Perform system bring-up, validation, and performance testing for new hardware platforms.
  • Troubleshoot hardware, firmware, and operating system issues across server and cluster environments.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to define system specifications and evaluate the interface between hardware and software to ensure operational and performance requirements are met.
  • Analyze technical data to recommend and plan system layouts; provide technical support for sales activities, including configuration development.
  • Review and approve quotations and assist in the timely resolution of technical issues.
  • Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and support teams to resolve system integration challenges.
  • Develop and maintain system documentation, installation procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Support customer deployments, system integrations, and proof-of-concept testing as needed.
  • Monitor system performance and recommend improvements to enhance stability, efficiency, and scalability.
  • Assist in evaluating new technologies, components, and system architectures to improve AMAX solutions.
  • Review customer system orders to verify and confirm configurations and system requirements.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Fresh grad or 1 year of experience working with server hardware, HPC systems, or data center infrastructure.
  • Strong experience with Linux operating systems (Ubuntu, CentOS, RHEL, etc.).
  • Experience working with GPU platforms (NVIDIA preferred) and accelerator-based computing systems.
  • Familiarity with server components such as CPUs, memory, storage, networking, and PCIe devices.
  • Experience troubleshooting hardware and system-level issues.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of cluster environments, networking, and distributed computing is a plus.
  • Scripting experience (Bash, Python, or similar) is a plus.
  • Experience with AI/ML infrastructure or GPU clusters.
  • Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes.
  • Experience with system validation, burn-in testing, or failure analysis.
  • Exposure to high-speed networking technologies (InfiniBand, RDMA).

The annual salary range for this position is between $80,000 and $95,000. This may be subject to change based on the candidate's education, experience and skill set.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health savings account
  • 401k match
  • Commuter benefits
  • Life and Accidental Insurance
  • Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance

We also have a perfect location for all types of commuters: AMAX is located right between I-680 and I-880. Warm Springs/South Fremont BART station and bus stops are within a 10-minute walking distance. 5 grocery stores, 6+ coffee/tea places, and numerous restaurants within 1 mile. Feel free to try the delicious fusions or grab your daily groceries after work!
About AMAX
Established in 1979, AMAX is a globally recognized leader in GPU-accelerated IT infrastructure, specializing in transforming standard IT systems into advanced, high-performance computing solutions. Catering to industries such as AI, cloud computing, autonomous vehicles, and high-performance computing, AMAX has set benchmarks in innovation, including pioneering liquid-cooled HPC systems for the semiconductor industry. With a global footprint spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, AMAX offers end-to-end services from design and manufacturing to deployment. Committed to addressing the growing demands of AI, AMAX delivers advanced solutions that help organizations achieve their technology goal and drive progress on a global scale. To learn more about AMAX's advanced AI solutions, visit amax.com.
Join Us
Become part of a diverse and inclusive team that values your technical expertise and innovative thinking. Together, we'll push the boundaries of what's possible in the hardware industry.
AMAX is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants and provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, race, gender, or other legally protected characteristics.

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