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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Systems Software Engineer I

Detroit, MI · On-site

$158K - $187K/yr

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

Systems Software Engineer I

Detroit, MI · On-site

$171K - $202K/yr

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

Systems Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$98K - $113K/yr

Analyze customer and system requirements to define the functional and performance specifications ... Design, develop and maintain standards for online cloud platforms, multi-operating systems, design ...

Server Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site +1

$45 - $55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating systems. • Demonstrated experience with vulnerability remediation programs in large ... Vulnerability Management & Security Engineering • Serve as a technical contact for server ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 17, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,880 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Physical Security Systems Engineer

Rock Security LLC

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

As the Systems Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, building, and integrating server and switch infrastructure as well as ensuring the stability, integrity and efficient operation of the information systems that support core organizational functions. The System Engineer shall monitor the security network and devices to ensure proper operation, security and an extremely high level of availability and up-time. The system engineer will also provide instruction and support to the tech team, as well as be the level 2 on call support.
In addition, the systems engineer will be involved in testing and evaluating new products for use in the environment and by customers, these may items software, cameras, new technologies or other services/devices to help promote physical security.
About the role
  • Troubleshoot advanced operating systems and application issues and provide administration and support on Windows and Linux servers
  • Install, support, and configure systems or applications
  • Provide support for identity and access management corporate infrastructure
  • Create automation solutions
  • Collaborate with developers and clients to develop solutions using Windows Server technology
  • Provide tier 2 support for the technology team
  • Administer server backup and recovery
  • Coordinate and manage IP and device routing to ensure network and system efficiency
  • Identify and manage system monitoring tools
  • Partner with the business and other technology teams to develop and support new technologies
  • Manage tools and systems that make our team members productive
  • Understand and identify business processes and opportunities for technology value creation
  • Participate in an on-call rotation
  • Review existing logging/monitoring deployment of security tools

About you
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a field related to computer science or information technology or equivalent experience
  • 3 years of experience in workstation or server administration
  • 1 year of experience in systems engineering

Preferred Qualifications
  • 5 years of experience in workstation or server administration
  • 3 years of experience in systems engineering
  • Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite
  • Scripting language knowledge
  • Windows and Linux server knowledge
  • Network knowledge (SAN/LAN)
  • .NET development knowledge
  • 3 years of experience Cisco Meraki networking solutions, including configuration, deployment, and troubleshooting of Meraki devices and dashboard knowledge, management, and configuration of Physical Security Technology Equipment (CCTV, Access Control, Alarm Central Station, Video Management Software and Recording Servers)

What you'll get
Our team members fuel our strategy, innovation and growth, so we ensure the health and well-being of not just you, but your family, too! We go above and beyond to give you the support you need on an individual level and offer all sorts of ways to help you live your best life. We are proud to offer eligible team members perks and health benefits that will help you have peace of mind. Simply put: We've got your back. Check out our full list of Benefits and Perks.
About us
Rock Security offers 24/7 safety and security services and training to Rock Family of Companies team members, tenants and visitors. We're proud to be part of collaborative public-private partnerships working toward the common goals of enhancing the safety of everyone who lives, works and visits Detroit, Cleveland and our other home cities.
This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may be modified at the discretion of the company at any time. Decisions related to employment are not based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations in completing the application and/or participating in the application process should contact a member of the Human Resources team, at Careers@Rocket.com.