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Operating System Engineer Jobs in California (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 ...

FedWriters, Inc.

System Engineer

Monterey, CA · On-site

The System Engineer will manage development, staging, and production systems in a hybrid cloud ... Deep technical knowledge in operating systems (Windows, Linux), networking protocols, storage ...

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 ...

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 ...

Symbotic

System Engineer

Lathrop, CA

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

Perris, CA

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

Red Bluff, CA

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

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 ...

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 ...

Supermicro

Sr. System Engineer

San Jose, CA

$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 ...

Numentica LLC

Infrastructure/System Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

This role combines hands-on infrastructure support with systems engineering responsibilities ... Strong experience with Windows 10/11 enterprise environments and server operating systems (Windows ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior System Engineer

Monterey, CA · 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)

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior System Engineer

Monterey, CA · 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)

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior System Engineer

Monterey, CA · 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)

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior System Engineer

Monterey, CA · 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)

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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 Jun 9, 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 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 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 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

Junior System Engineer

AMAX

Fremont, CA • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 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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