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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

IDEALFORCE LLC

Server Team Technician/Sr()

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Client is currently seeking a Senior System Engineer in Phoenix, AZ, with an emphasis on AWS cloud infrastructure work, Microsoft Windows operating system, TCP/IP design, and Leading IT projects ...

GDIT

$88K - $117K/yr

Information Technology (IT), Linux System Administration, Microsoft Windows Server, System ... A working knowledge of Linux operating systems is required. * Knowledge of Elastic would be ...

GDIT

$100K - $136K/yr

Submit recommendations for use of AD tools for multiple operating system environments and implement ... The Senior Systems Engineer must have: Education: Bachelor's Degree. An additional 4 years of ...

Taproot Solutions

Mainframe ZOS System Programmer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$54.50 - $69.50/hr

Duration : 6 to 12+Months The Mainframe z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, customization, maintenance, and optimization of IBM z/OS operating systems and associated system ...

Kyndryl

Job Posting Title IMS System Programmer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$54.50 - $69.50/hr

Mainframe IMS System Programmer: The Role: We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe IMS System ... Required Qualifications: * 7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system * Hands-on ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Operating System Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$49.9K

$118.5K

$155.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Arizona is $118,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $146,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Operating System Engineers when maintaining system stability in large-scale environments?

Operating System Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing software patching across diverse hardware, ensuring compatibility with legacy applications, and minimizing downtime during critical updates. In large-scale environments, balancing security with performance and reliability can be complex, especially when multiple teams depend on the systems. Effective communication with development, security, and IT operations teams is essential to address these issues proactively and maintain overall system stability.

What engineers make 200,000 a year?

Operating System Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior roles. Factors such as working in large tech companies, possessing expertise in systems architecture, and working in competitive markets contribute to higher salaries.

What does an Operating System Engineer do?

An Operating System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing operating systems that run on computers and servers. They work on the core components that manage hardware resources, enable software applications, and ensure system security and stability. Their duties often include writing system-level code, troubleshooting performance issues, implementing updates, and collaborating with hardware and software teams. Operating System Engineers play a critical role in ensuring that computing environments are efficient, reliable, and secure.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior operating system engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with roles in large tech companies, leadership positions, or engineers working on complex systems with advanced tools and technologies.

What is the difference between Operating System Engineer vs System Administrator?

AspectOperating System EngineerSystem Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing operating systemsMaintaining, configuring, and supporting existing systems
Skills & CertificationsLinux/Unix, scripting, OS architecture, certifications like RHCE or Linux FoundationSystem management, network setup, troubleshooting, certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, R&D, engineering projectsIT support, data centers, enterprise environments
Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, software developmentCorporate IT, government agencies, healthcare, finance

While both roles involve working with operating systems, Operating System Engineers focus on designing and developing OS solutions, whereas System Administrators manage and support existing systems. The roles complement each other but serve different stages of the system lifecycle.

What does an OS engineer do?

An Operating System (OS) Engineer designs, develops, and maintains operating systems or their components, ensuring efficient performance, security, and stability. They often work with low-level programming languages, troubleshoot system issues, and optimize hardware-software interactions, frequently using tools like debugging software and version control systems.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

An Operating System Engineer or similar senior-level software engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies. Such roles often require advanced knowledge of system architecture, programming, and certifications, and may include bonuses and stock options that contribute to total compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating System Engineer, you need a deep understanding of computer science principles, operating system internals, and strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Rust, often backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with kernel development, debugging tools, virtualization platforms, and experience with version control systems (such as Git) are typically required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills ensure the reliability, performance, and security of operating systems, which are foundational to all computing environments.
What are popular job titles related to Operating System Engineer jobs in Arizona? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,550 per year, or $57 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Nlets - The International Justice and Public Safety Network

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Nlets
Nlets is a 59-year-old not-for-profit organization with a vital mission: facilitating the interstate exchange of criminal justice and public safety information. In 2025 alone, our network securely handled over 4 billion messages. While our core business model supports justice and public safety professionals across the US and Canada, we are actively expanding into new governmental and private sector markets.
We are seeking a highly skilled and enthusiastic System Engineer who wants their hard-won technical expertise to mean something more. If you want to use your skills to make a difference, make America safer, help catch the bad guys, and keep law enforcement officers safe every single day, this is the place for you.
Position Summary
The System Engineer supports, administers, deploys, and maintains the operation of enterprise data center systems comprised of both physical and virtual servers, storage, backups, monitoring, and automation, as well as hybrid cloud services and management. This role also assists in the strategic design and implementation of new system architectures and supports the selection of hardware and software. The ideal candidate possesses a deep and broad knowledge of computer software, hardware, and networks.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Systems Administration: Install, configure, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain enterprise server-class software, hardware, operating systems, and system management tools.
  • Directory & Authentication Services: Manage the configuration of authentication and authorization directory services. Create, test, and deploy Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for the organization.
  • Infrastructure & Storage Support: Maintain enterprise backup systems to ensure successful completion, periodic testing, and strict compliance with industry best practices. Support managed services customers through complex technical scenarios.
  • Automation & Efficiency: Write and maintain custom scripts to increase system efficiency and lower downtime caused by manual intervention.
  • Collaboration & Vendor Relations: Act as a technical liaison with vendors and other IT personnel to resolve complex issues. Provide cross-training and development support to the Network Operations staff.
  • Strategic Planning: Assist in evaluating hardware and software products, recommending technologies/standards, and providing critical capacity planning.
  • Operations: Provide essential on-call support for our 24/7/365 environment. Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Professional Development
At Nlets, we value continuous learning. You will be expected and encouraged to remain current on job-specific and organizational topics through training courses, workshops, seminars, professional organizations, and publications to continually enhance and upgrade your skill set.
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Sciences, Information Technology, or a related field, OR at least 6 years of related professional experience.
  • Relevant technical certifications are preferred (or obtainable within the first year of employment).
Technical Proficiencies
  • Operating Systems & Virtualization: Proven experience deploying, configuring, and managing Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Ubuntu Enterprise Linux (Ubuntu Pro). Experience managing and configuring Microsoft Virtual Machine Manager is required.
  • Hardware & Storage: Experience working with Dell server hardware and NetApp storage hardware. Experience with iDRAC Enterprise and OnTAP is strongly preferred.
  • Directory & Cloud Services: Expert knowledge of Active Directory and Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS). Experience with Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and Azure GovCloud is preferred.
  • Scripting & Automation: Advanced experience writing and managing PowerShell scripts. Familiarity with managing, configuring, and developing runbooks for Microsoft Orchestration Server is a plus.
  • Core Infrastructure & Protocols: High degree of technical knowledge regarding Microsoft clustering, IIS, nginx, HAProxy, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and SQL Server databases (MSSQL, MariaDB, and MySQL).
  • Tooling & Monitoring: Experience with ManageEngine, Qualys, Veeam, Keycloak, and Splunk.
Core Competencies
  • Advanced configuration knowledge and exceptional troubleshooting skills to isolate and resolve user-reported issues.
  • Ability to work cohesively with employees from different disciplines with varying degrees of technical experience.
  • Functions effectively as a dedicated team member, displaying a positive attitude, strong motivation, and excellent interpersonal skills.

**This position requires in-person availability at our Phoenix, AZ office for a hybrid schedule**
All Nlets employees must undergo a 10-Print FBI Criminal Background Check prior to employment and every 3 years during employment.

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