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Operating System Developer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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 ...

... operating systems, device drivers, and system programming. • Good working knowledge or experience in GPU architecture and CUDA programming. • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to ...

As an engineering team focused on enterprise solutions, our goal is to provide a solid foundation ... A thorough understanding of Windows/Linux operating system internals * Demonstrated experience in ...

Staff Systems Engineer Autonomy

Palo Alto, CA

$206K - $258K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating system/middleware and the autonomous driving applications. Responsibilities * Own the architectural definition of platform services for the autonomy compute platform, including but not ...

Staff Systems Engineer Autonomy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$206K - $258K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating system/middleware and the autonomous driving applications. Responsibilities * Own the architectural definition of platform services for the autonomy compute platform, including but not ...

Staff Systems Engineer Autonomy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$206K - $258K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating system/middleware and the autonomous driving applications. Responsibilities * Own the architectural definition of platform services for the autonomy compute platform, including but not ...

Showing results 21-40

Operating System Developer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$14

$57

$90

How much do operating system developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating system developer in Santa Clara, CA is $57.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.56 and $67.16 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.

How to become an operating system developer?

To become an operating system developer, you should have a strong foundation in computer science, particularly in systems programming, data structures, and computer architecture. Gaining proficiency in programming languages like C and C++, understanding low-level hardware interactions, and working with development tools such as compilers and debuggers are essential. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields and gaining experience through projects or internships can also help build the necessary skills.

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 Santa Clara, CA?

The most popular types of Operating System Developer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating System Developer jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Operating System Developer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Operating System Developer jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Operating System Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating System Developer job openings in Santa Clara, CA 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 $118,430 per year, or $56.9 per hour.

Software Engineer, Trusted Execution, SEAR

Apple, Inc.

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple's Trusted Execution team in the Security Engineering and Architecture organization builds the technology that keeps our users safe and care-free while running the software that they want. Our software runs on the execution path for every program on all of our products. We're often referred to as the first line of defense in Apple's defense-in-depth strategy. Our products are infamous within the security community, and each year we push them to the next level. We're a small team with a huge impact.
As an engineer joining this team, you would be contributing to the entire system. Interacting with Apple's unique CPU features directly, through the kernel, up through libraries, frameworks and applications. You will have an opportunity to define, design and implement new security technologies for Apple's next generation operating systems and products.
Successful candidates will be capable of pursuing challenging wide-ranging engineering problems anywhere in the software stack, determining the appropriate compromise between several often competing factors such as ease of use, performance and of course security. Our environment fosters product innovation, rapid product iteration, and a liberating amount of autonomy in which you will be expected to create and quickly bring to market new security methods and technologies to address the complex needs of mobile and distributed computing. The position will require you to interact with and influence many people from several organizations within and outside the company. If you have an interest or background in this area, we'd love to hear from you.
Description
Help define the security properties and architecture for the next-generation operating system. Design and implement new approaches to securing device boot flow, authenticating OS assets, code signing, execution monitoring, and malware mitigation to help protect our customers while enabling Apple to develop one of the richest platforms on the market. Come up with new and innovative ways of increasing security and privacy while preserving ease-of-use and growing the quality of the user experience. Work cooperatively with other parts of Apple on technologies and initiatives to improve security and drive the adoption of these technologies across the organization.
Minimum Qualifications
5 years of experience as a Software Engineer in a Systems Programming or Kernel Development role
Strong understanding of operating systems internals
Industry knowledge of OS security and applied cryptography (PKI, Attestations, Public Key Signatures)
Excellent C and Systems programming skills including secure development practices
Preferred Qualifications
A passion for crafting effective and pragmatic security technologies in the operating systems arena
Experience with malware detection or response in a modern operating system.
Initiative to provide architectural mentorship to teams lacking resident security expertise
Ability to critically analyze security properties of a system via a threat model
Understanding of past, current and emerging security exploits
Ability to delivery proven work on tight schedules
Excellent collaboration skills

What Apple employees say

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Benefits

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976