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Operating System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Infotech Spectrum

System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Experience of VxWorks or other real-time operating systems Programming experience in C/C++ required; C# is highly desirable Experience with National Instruments Labview, Matlab and other simulation ...

Forward Slope, Inc.

System Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $148K/yr

We build the technologies that help operators and organizations see what's happening, make faster ... We are seeking a Systems Engineer to support systems and system-of-systems engineering efforts ...

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 ...

Hark

Operating System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

This role spans hands-on systems engineering up through strategic technical leadership and team ... Define and evolve the embedded operating system architecture and platform strategy across the ...

Hark

Operating System Architect

San Jose, CA

$120K - $300K/yr

This role spans hands-on systems engineering up through strategic technical leadership and team ... Define and evolve the embedded operating system architecture and platform strategy across the ...

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 ...

Accelint

System Engineer (FSI)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $148K/yr

We build the technologies that help operators and organizations see what's happening, make faster ... We are seeking a Systems Engineer to support systems and system-of-systems engineering efforts ...

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 ...

Forward Slope, Inc.

Senior System Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $177K/yr

We build the technologies that help operators and organizations see what's happening, make faster ... We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to support systems and system-of-systems engineering ...

Belcan

System Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

System Engineer Pay Rate: Up to $ 65-75/hr. (DOE) Location: Berkeley, CA Zip Code: 94702 A System ... operating conditions. * Perform trade-off analyses to optimize system performance, cost, and ...

Apply Early

Accelint

Senior System Engineer (FSI)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $177K/yr

We build the technologies that help operators and organizations see what's happening, make faster ... We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to support systems and system-of-systems engineering ...

Symbotic

System Engineer

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting, maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro ... Provide technical guidance and on-the-job support to maintenance technicians and operators. * Step ...

Symbotic

System Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting, maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro ... Provide technical guidance and on-the-job support to maintenance technicians and operators. * Step ...

Prosum

Linux Engineer / System Engineer

Glendale, CA

Systems Engineers working within the Media Systems and Network Engineering group provide the ... Operating system administration (e.g. Unix, Linux, OSX, and Windows). High performance data storage ...

North East Medical Services

SYSTEM ENGINEER

Daly City, CA · On-site

$103K - $118K/yr

The Systems Engineer will be responsible for overseeing the entire IT system infrastructure ensuring that servers, operating systems, applications, and related procedures result in a reliable, secure ...

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 ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in California

Operating System Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 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 California? For Operating System Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you

Edge Operating System Engineer

Singularity Defense Corp.

Gardena, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

About the Company:
We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and several Silicon Valley firms. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.
Job Overview:
We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer focused on Edge Operating Systems to own the low-level software stack powering our NVIDIA Orin NX-based flight computer. In this role, you'll be responsible for architecting and maintaining our custom NixOS-based deployment and configuration pipeline, building high-reliability Linux systems optimized for flight, and integrating performance-critical applications into a secure, deterministic edge compute environment.
If you thrive at the intersection of embedded systems, Linux internals, and reproducible builds-and want your work to directly shape national defense-this is your role.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Own image lifecycle for our flight computers, from hardware bring-up to mission deployment
  • Build secure, minimal, reproducible NixOS configurations for NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX
  • Optimize performance, boot time, and reliability for mission-critical deployments
  • Integrate low-level software components (GStreamer, CUDA, GPU drivers, telemetry, real-time threads) into a cohesive system
  • Work closely with flight software and GNC teams to support real-time, multi-process workloads
  • Develop secure update mechanisms, sandboxing, and observability tools for edge devices in hostile environments
  • Lead debugging and performance analysis efforts across user space, kernel space, and hardware interfaces
  • Contribute to devops and CI pipelines for embedded Linux builds and simulation environments

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience building or maintaining embedded Linux systems (Yocto, Buildroot, NixOS, or similar)
  • Deep familiarity with Linux internals: systemd, udev, bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot), networking, filesystems
  • Fluency in shell scripting and programming in Python, Rust, or C
  • Hands-on experience with NVIDIA Jetson platforms, including GPU and camera stack integration
  • Experience debugging kernel-space and user-space issues on embedded targets

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree or research experience in operating systems, embedded systems, or security
  • Experience using Nix/NixOS in production for embedded or robotics systems
  • Familiarity with secure boot, TPMs, cryptographic key management, and OTA update systems
  • Knowledge of CUDA, GStreamer, or other high-performance Linux subsystems
  • Prior work on autonomous systems, aerospace, or other safety-critical domains
  • Contributions to open source operating systems or Nix community projects

Itar Requirements
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.1157, or (iv) Asylum under 8 U.S.C.1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR

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