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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO ยท Hybrid

$80K - $115K/yr

Dark Wolf seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to support the US Space Force, Space Systems ... operating system environments, and virtual/augmented reality technologies * Experience updating ...

Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO ยท Hybrid

$80K - $115K/yr

Dark Wolf seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to support the US Space Force, Space Systems ... operating system environments, and virtual/augmented reality technologies * Experience updating ...

Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO ยท On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Dark Wolf seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to support the US Space Force, Space Systems ... operating system environments, and virtual/augmented reality technologies * Experience updating ...

System Software Engineer II

Longmont, CO ยท On-site

$171K - $202K/yr

As a System Software Engineer II on the Commercial Landscaping Team, you will bridge the gap ... You will maintain the operating system and foundational software that every other system on the ...

Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO ยท On-site

$100 - $150/hr

... operating system environments, and virtual/augmented reality technologies. * Experience translating operational requirements into system requirements; and system requirements into technical ...

New

System Security Engineer LOCATION Aurora, CO 80014 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Strong knowledge of operating system security (e.g., Linux, Windows) * Experience with endpoint ...

System Security Engineer

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

System Security Engineer LOCATION Aurora, CO 80014 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Strong knowledge of operating system security (e.g., Linux, Windows) * Experience with endpoint ...

Showing results 21-40

Operating System Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$56.3K

$133.8K

$175.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Colorado is $133,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $165,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating system engineer?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Operating System Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Operating System Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,769 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Dark Wolf Solutions

Colorado Springs, CO โ€ข Hybrid

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform systems engineering activities related to requirements definition, analysis, design, interface and data architectures, and system analysis and design.

  • Support the development, maintenance, and update of radar hardware and software modifications in response to change requests and deficiency reports.

  • Conduct system integration, performance analysis, and translate customer requirements into technical specifications.


Job description

Dark Wolf seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to support the US Space Force, Space Systems Command, in performing operational maintenance and sustainment of ground-based radars. In support of the government customer, the SAIC Program Manager, and the Chief Engineer, the Systems Engineer is responsible for thorough planning, development and delivery of radar hardware and software modifications in response to change requests and deficiency reports. This position will be a hybrid opportunity with onsite support as required by the customer at Peterson SFB Colorado Springs, CO. Candidates must be located physically in the Colorado Springs, CO area or surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Performs Systems Engineering activities related to Information Technology and Engineering including:
    • Requirements definition 
    • Analysis and engineering
    • System analysis and design
    • Interface and data architectures
    • Maintenance, sustainment, and update to existing documentation
    • Systems integration
    • System operation performance analysis
  • Ensures the logical and systematic conversion of product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
  • Develops requirements and facilitates the  Basis of Estimate, System Requirements Review, and Preliminary Design Review processes.
  • Aids in process mapping to ensure standardized and repeatable best practices.
  • Performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, trade studies, requirements allocation, and interface definition studies.
  • Translates customer requirements into hardware, software, and engineering specifications.
  • Provides comprehensive information for selection, implementation techniques, and tools for the most efficient solution to meet business needs.

Required Qualifications:

  • 5 years of experience in Systems Engineering, DoD contracts, or Radar Systems
  • Experience developing and/or sustaining national security, no-fail mission systems.
  • Experience with large-scale Agile or SecDevOps teams/projects
  • Experience with configuration and data management
  • Experience with hardware and software test & evaluation of classified systems
  • Experience translating operational requirements into system requirements; and system requirements into technical requirements/performance standards.
  • Experience collaborating with Subject Matter Experts of multiple disciplines to include Cybersecurity, Test, Integration, Networking, Software, and Hardware Engineers
  • B.A. or B.S. Information Security, Computer Science or related discipline
  • US Citizenship and currently possess a Secret security clearance

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience operating in large-scale Agile or SecDevOps teams/projects, to include support to cost estimating, baseline and risk management, schedule development, performance monitoring and reporting
  • Experience with a broad range of system types: custom developed HW/SW, COTS/GOTS HW/SW, and specialty engineering of exotic material/limited supply items.
  • Experience sustaining PARCS, or other Strategic Warning and Surveillance radar systems such as PAVE PAWS and UEWR.
  • Experience in systems engineering, Model-based Systems Engineering
  • Experience managing teams/projects delivering solutions for missile warning or other national security space mission systems
  • Knowledge of the Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment mission and associated enterprise
  • Experience maintaining national security mission networks
  • Experience in cloud-hosted development, integration, and test capability
  • Experience implementing and sustaining distributed systems, virtual operating system environments, and virtual/augmented reality technologies
  • Experience updating antiquated systems to modern requirements.

This position is located in Colorado Springs, CO. 

We are strictly looking for direct, full-time W2 employees. We do not engage with third-party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.
The estimated salary range for this position is $80,000.00 - $115,000.00, commensurate on experience and technical skillset. 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity, confirm US Citizenship, and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.