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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Collabera

System Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68 - $75/hr

... such as Operating System, Data Base Administration, Storage Management, Operations/Coverage ... Systems Programming on Mainframes Strong working knowledge of DB2 for z/OS, Assembler and SMP/E ...

Diverse Lynx

Linux System Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Plano, TX/Hybrid Linux System Engineer Experience Required - 10+ Yrs Responsibilities: * Install ... Apply patches and upgrades to operating systems and system components. * Troubleshoot system ...

Symbotic

Manager, System Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

The System Engineer team is responsible for the optimization and performance of the system. As the ... Train and assist operators on overall system including automated adapters, vertical lifts ...

UpStream Global Services

Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

The System Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing ... Install, upgrade, and maintain operating systems, software applications, and system components.

University of Chicago

HPC System Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

The University of Chicago seeks HPC Systems Engineer for Chicago, IL. Bachelor's in Comp Sci ... operating sys deployment w/XCAT/ROCKS; configure administer & support network storage subsys (IBM ...

ShiftCode Analytics

DB2 Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

DB2 Systems Engineer End Client: United Airlines Location: Houston TX or Chicago IL- hybrid onsite ... such as Operating System Data Base Administration Storage Management Operations/Coverage ...

Lean Synergy Solutions

Systems Engineer

Rockford, IL

$97K - $120K/yr

System Engineer CNC Machine Tool Commissioning Position Summary We have an immediate opening for a ... Ability to communicate technical information effectively with customers, operators, and engineering ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Operating System Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$51.8K

$123.3K

$161.8K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Illinois is $123,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $152,100.00 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 Illinois? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
System Engineer

System Engineer

Collabera

Chicago, IL • On-site

$68 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position Details: Job Title: Mainframe Programming Analyst Contract: 3 months Location: Chicago, IL - 60606 Pay Range: $68/hr - $75/hr Job overview and responsibilities: DB2 Systems professional responsible for DB2 for z/OS and associated ISV products. This is a key position within the Mainframe Engineering team in Business Operations Services. Responsibilities include software installation, system tuning, monitoring of system performance, capacity planning, problem analysis and resolution, and interface with vendor support.

The position will require significant interaction with Business Users and Application Development team in addition to working with other Mainframe support groups such as Operating System, Data Base Administration, Storage Management, Operations/Coverage, Information Security, and Job Scheduling. Support & System Maintenance: Support the Infrastructure and DB2 Data Repository on the Mainframe for critical Tier 1 application systems: Peoplesoft (HR/Payroll), Engine Maintenance, Reservation Centers, Employee Travel Management Provide 24/7/365 on-call support Responsible for keeping DB2 and all associated ISV products at current supported levels Provide testing support and product verification for DB2 and DB2 related software on all system upgrade (Operating System, Software Products, Hardware Replacement) Consultation & Collaboration: Provide consultation services to Business users and Application Development teams related to accessing business data stored on the Mainframe Significant interaction with other Mainframe support groups such as Operating System, Data Base Administration, Operations/Coverage, Resource Management, Information Security, Job Scheduling to support ongoing operations Qualifications - External What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications): 3+ years of experience in DB2 Systems Programming on Mainframes Strong working knowledge of DB2 for z/OS, Assembler and SMP/E Experience with installing, maintaining, monitoring/tuning DB2 and ISV products The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid parking/public transportation, paid time off, paid sick and safe time, hours of paid vacation time, weeks of paid parental leave, and paid holidays annually – as applicable.

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