1

Operating System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Junior System Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท 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 ...

Junior System Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

System Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$95K - $112K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... Conduct functional and compatibility testing on various operating systems such as Linux and Windows

Sr. System Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท 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 ...

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

Senior System Engineer

Monterey, CA ยท Hybrid

$130K - $147K/yr

Expertise in operating systems (Windows, Linux), networking protocols, storage technologies, cloud ... EXP leading an engineer & admin team. Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills)

Senior System Engineer

Monterey, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $147K/yr

Expertise in operating systems (Windows, Linux), networking protocols, storage technologies, cloud ... EXP leading an engineer & admin team. Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills)

Senior System Engineer

Monterey, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $147K/yr

Expertise in operating systems (Windows, Linux), networking protocols, storage technologies, cloud ... EXP leading an engineer & admin team. Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills)

Senior System Engineer

Monterey, CA ยท Hybrid

$130K - $147K/yr

Expertise in operating systems (Windows, Linux), networking protocols, storage technologies, cloud ... EXP leading an engineer & admin team. Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills)

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

We're looking for a Battery Systems Engineer (all levels) to own the battery system architecture ... You should be equally comfortable building models, defining operating concepts, debating ...

Apply Early

OpenRan System Engineer Location: Menlo Park, CA Duration: 6 Months Summary: Attempting to connect ... If you have passion for working with operators, ISPs, technology vendors and other industry ...

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

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:
System Engineer

System Engineer

Symbotic

Red Bluff, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Who we are

With its A.I.-powered robotic technology platform, Symbotic is changing the way consumer goods move through the supply chain. Intelligent software orchestrates advanced robots in a high-density, end-to-end system - reinventing warehouse automation for increased efficiency, speed and flexibility.

What we need

Symboticis seeking a System Engineer to support the day-to-day reliability, availability, and performance of our automated warehouse systems in a live production environment. This role is hands-on and operational in nature, aligned closely with a Maintenance Engineer or Lead Automation Technician profile. The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting,maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro-mechanical and automated systems to ensure safe, consistent system uptime. This role is not commissioning-focused, notcontrols-programming-heavy, and not customer-facing, but instead centered on system health, equipment reliability, and technical execution on site

What we do

The System Engineeris part of the Customer Operations organization whichis responsible forleadingthe day-to-day operations ofSymbotic'srobotic material handling system.The Customer Operations organization drives operational excellenceby engaging and partnering with our onsite customers to drive best-in-class quality,safetyand system performance.

Whatyou'lldo

  • Monitor andmaintainthe health of automated systems including conveyors, lifts, robotic vehicles, motors, sensors, and PLC-controlled equipment.

  • Perform advanced electrical, mechanical, and automation troubleshooting to resolve production-impacting issues.

  • Diagnose failures across PLCs (Allen-Bradley), VFDs, AC/DC motors, servo motors, sensors, and control hardware.

  • Support and execute preventive and corrective maintenance activities on automated equipment.

  • Utilize system data, alarms, logs, and dashboards toidentifyfault conditions and recurring issues.

  • Document maintenance activities, repairs, and findings using CMMS systems (e.g., Maximo) and internal tools.

  • Act as a senior technical escalation point during system disruptions or downtime events.

  • Partner with on-site maintenance, operations, and technical teams to restore and stabilize system performance.

  • Provide technical guidance and on-the-job support to maintenance technicians and operators.

  • Step in to support critical on-site technical functions as needed tomaintainoperational continuity.

  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, LOTO, electrical safety, andSymboticsafety standards.

Whatyou'llneed

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.

  • Minimum of 1 year ofhands-on experience with PLCs, preferably Allen-Bradley, focused on diagnostics and troubleshooting (not heavy programming).

  • Minimum of 1 year ofexperience with VFDs, including diagnosing speed, torque, and drive-related issues.

  • Minimum of 1 year ofexperience working with AC and DC motors.

  • Hands-on experience with automated systems such as conveyor systems, conveyor belts, vertical lifts, and motor-driven equipment.

  • Experience supporting autonomous or semi-autonomous systems, including conveyors, lifts, AS/RS, robotics, servo motors, or 480V systems.

  • Working knowledge of SQL, Python, and Linux for diagnostics, log review, and system interaction.

  • Strong hands-on experience assembling,operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting robotics and electro-mechanical systems.

  • Prior experience in maintenance engineering, automation maintenance, or lead maintenance technician roles preferred.

Our Environment

  • Work is performed in an active industrial environment withhigh levelsof automation.

  • Ability to work at heights of up to 45 feet and within confined spaces.

  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

  • Exposure to varying temperatures and production conditions.

  • Mustcomply withall PPE, LOTO, fall protection, and electrical safety requirements.

  • Ability to work flexible hours, includingoff-shifts, as needed to support system uptime and recovery.

  • Valid driver's licenserequired.

#LI-KK2

#LI-Onsite

About Symbotic

Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, AI-powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world's largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next-gen technology, high-density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce the Symbotic platform transforms the flow of goods and the economics of supply chain for its customers. For more information, visitwww.symbotic.com.

We are a community of innovators, collaborators and pioneers who embrace our differences, because we know unique perspectives make us stronger and smarter. Every perspective matters. We depend on the collective voices of our employees, customers and community to help guide us as we build a better place to work - for you and the world. That's why we're proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.

The base range for this position in the posted location is $71,000.00 - $97,900.00 however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits.