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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

CHAREM ISD

System Engineer Level 1

Charlevoix, MI · On-site

$21.53/hr

... operating system images. - Identifies, communicates and prioritizes training needs to the Director of Technology as requested. - Provide support for the implementation of technology projects ...

Versigent

Enterprise Operating System Director

Troy, MI · On-site

$101K - $126K/yr

ENTERPRISE OPERATING SYSTEM DIRECTOR Versigent designs and delivers the systems that move power ... As a standalone company, we combine deep engineering expertise with the speed and focus needed to ...

Centroid Systems, Inc.

Oracle Linux Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site +1

The Senior Systems Engineer is responsible for systems management across Linux, Unix and Windows ... Key responsibilities include system installation, operating system patch management, system ...

Wayne State University

Systems Software Engineer II

Detroit, MI · On-site

$171K - $202K/yr

Incumbents alsoprovide continuing support for their assigned operating system,trouble-shooting and ... Systems Software Engineer II This is the career level where incumbents are fully knowledgeable in ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Operating System Engineer information

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$46.6K

$110.9K

$145.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Michigan is $110,880.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $136,800.00 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 Michigan? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Software Engineer, II - Operating System

Software Engineer, II - Operating System

Torc Robotics

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Torc Robotics is a leader in autonomous driving technology focused on developing software for automated trucks. The Software Engineer, II - Operating System will work on Linux kernel modules, system-level debugging, and performance tuning while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure system security and scalability.
Responsibilities:
• Work on Linux kernel modules
• Incorporate Linux Distribution in to build and deployment toolchain
• Perform system-level debugging and performance tuning
• Develop shell scripts and automation tools
• Troubleshoot system issues and optimize performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (DevOps, QA, Hardware, Networking)
• Ensure system security, stability, and scalability
• Manage package builds and deployments
• Contribute to documentation and technical design discussions
• Optimize performance, memory usage, and real-time behavior of embedded applications.
• Integrate and maintain third-party software and open-source software
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 3-5+ years experience
• Strong understanding of Linux internals, including user space vs kernel space, device trees, systemd and system boot-up.
• Familiar with Linux Kernel architecture (Scheduler (CFS vs RT), Memory management (paging, slab, CMA), Interrupt handling, softirq/tasklets)
• Deep understanding of Process and IPC (fork/exec, signals, shared memory, pipes, sockets).
• Familiar with Linux boot up sequence and bootloaders.
• Experience with device drivers and user space drivers. (PCIe, DMA, Ethernet, CAN)
• Linux security knowledge (secure boot chain, signed kernel modules), filesystem hardening, namespace isolation (LSM).
• Strong experience with Linux development in Embedded Systems, latency analysis (CyclicTest, ftrace)
• Strong knowledge in building real time Embedded Systems for automotive or similar industries
• Knowledge of build systems (Make, CMake, Yocto, Buildstream, Bazel)
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming
• Namespace Isolations (Containers, CGroups)
• Experience with Shell scripting (Bash)
• Familiarity with system calls, memory management, and process management
• Knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, SSH, HTTP)
• Experience with debugging tools like GDB, strace, and Valgrind
• Experience working in multi-threaded, multi-core, and multi-processor systems.
• Solid understanding of Semaphore, Mutex, Message Queue, shared memory and other operating system concepts.
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Automotive Ethernet, CAN, and GPIO.
• Knowledge of software version control (e.g., Git), CI/CD practices, and issue tracking systems.
• Experience with Python, Bash scripting, or other relevant tools for automation and testing.
• Exposure to Nvidia DriveOs.
• Experience with Vector Cast or GTest for unit testing.
• Experience working with scrum / Agile teams.
Preferred:
• Knowledge of ISO 61508 or/and ISO 26262 desirable.
• Automotive ASPICE knowledge – V Cycle
Company:
Torc provides L4 end-to-end self-driving software for mobility, trucking, mining, and defense markets through strategic partnerships Founded in 2005, the company is headquartered in Blacksburg, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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