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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

Responsibilities • Perform Operating System (OS) tasks such as OS installation, upgrades, patches ... engineering, specifically including: • Analysis related to the design, development, and ...

... Operating System (OS) tasks such as OS installation, upgrades, patches, fixes, testing, and ... engineering, specifically including: · Analysis related to the design, development, and ...

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Operating System Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$46.6K

$110.9K

$145.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 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 $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. These roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, or working in competitive markets with high compensation packages.

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 knowledge of hardware, virtualization, or security. Salary levels depend on location, company size, and individual expertise.

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 system software, ensuring efficient hardware and software integration. They troubleshoot system issues, optimize performance, and may work with tools like kernel development, scripting, and debugging. Strong knowledge of computer architecture, programming languages, and system security is essential for this role.

How hard is coding an OS?

Operating System Engineers typically find coding an OS to be highly complex due to the need for low-level programming, understanding hardware interactions, and managing system resources. It requires strong knowledge of programming languages like C or C++, familiarity with system architecture, and often involves debugging and testing in specialized environments. The work demands significant technical skill and experience, often gained through advanced education and hands-on practice.

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 cities in Michigan are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Senior Software Engineer - Operating System

Senior Software Engineer - Operating System

Torc Robotics

Ann Arbor, MI

$119K - $158K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

About the Company 

At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. 
A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a decade commercializing our solutions with experienced partners.Now a part of the Daimler family, we are focused solely on developing software for automated trucks to transform how the world moves freight. 
Join us and catapult your career with the company that helped pioneer autonomous technology, and the first AV software company with the vision to partner directly with a truck manufacturer. 

Meet the Team 

The Operating System Team develops and maintains a light-weight in-house modified Linux distribution based on the usage of open source technologies. This also comprises the integration of third party libraries to efficiently run Machine Learning based Applications on NVIDIA target SoCs as wall as the development, operation and maintenance of the required build-system technologies

What You'll Do 

  • 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 

What You'll Need to Succeed 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering or related technical field with 5+ years of experience OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering or related technical field with 3+ years of experience.
  • Strong understanding of Linux internals, including user space vs kernel space, device trees, systems and system boot-up. 
  • Strong experience with Linux development for time critical Embedded Systems. 
  • 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. 
  • Linux security knowledge (secure boot chain, signed kernel modules), filesystem hardening, namespace isolation. 
  • Strong knowledge in building real time Embedded Systems for automotive or similar industries 
  • Understanding bootloaders and hypervisors. 
  • Knowledge of applying kernel patches is desirable. 
  • Board bring up and SOC bring up experience with Linux OS. 
  • Strong experience with structured fault identification approaches such as STPA or FEMA execution 
  • Strong experience on requirements based and test-driven release execution 
  • Knowledge of build systems (Make, CMake, Yocto, Buildstream, Bazel) 
  • Proficiency in C/C++ programming 
  • Strong understanding of Linux kernel architecture 
  • 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. 
  • Knowledge of ISO 61508 or/and ISO 26262 desirable. 
  • Automotive ASPICE knowledge - V Cycle 

Perks of Being a Full-time Torc'r 
Torc cares about our team members and we strive to provide benefits and resources to support their health, work/life balance, and future. Our culture is collaborative, energetic, and team focused. Torc offers:    
 

  • A competitive compensation package that includes a bonus component and stock options 
  • 100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees 
  • 401K plan with a 6% employer match 
  • Flexibility in schedule and generous paid vacation (available immediately after start date) 
  • AD+D and Life Insurance 

At Torc, we're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate the uniqueness of our Torc'rs and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, or disabilities. 
Even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications listed for this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several geographic markets. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Torc's total compensation package will also include our corporate bonus and stock option plan. Dependent on the position offered, sign-on payments, relocation, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. 

Job ID: 102524