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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Working knowledge of z/Operating System internals in JES2 or JES3 environments. Experience in ... Provide system-programming support for the installation and upgrade of mainframe hardware ...

New

Mainframe Systems Engineer (z/OS)

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$159K - $188K/yr

The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to support capacity planning, resource ... operating system and hardware issues. Development Experience * Strong proficiency in: * Assembler

New

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 ...

Infrastructure Engineer

Dearborn, MI

$98K - $129K/yr

Infrastructure Engineer #1063704 * Employees part of this function are responsible for building and ... Working knowledge of z/Operating System internals in JES2 or JES3 environments. * Experience in ...

Position Summary The Quality Systems Engineer / Quality Systems Coordinator is responsible for ... Operating System (BOS) standards. This role serves as the primary point of contact for quality ...

Quality Systems Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$90 - $115/hr

Position Summary The Quality Systems Engineer / Quality Systems Coordinator is responsible for ... Operating System (BOS) standards. This role serves as the primary point of contact for quality ...

New

Systems Engineer

Coopersville, MI · On-site

$82K - $92K/yr

Performing system upgrades, migrations, replacements, and configuration changes. * Participating in ... Experience with server and workstation operating systems and general infrastructure technologies.

New

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 Sep 6, 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, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,880 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

$71 - $87/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Evaluate, install, customize, configure, and maintain enterprise operating systems including installing and testing new releases.

  • Analyze and troubleshoot operating problems to find problem areas and make fixes or work with the vendor for correction.

  • Review and evaluate new or upgraded systems software packages and related hardware and make recommendations based on established standards.


Job description

Systems Software Engineer I

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced SystemsSoftware Engineer I at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties): Basic Purpose:

Positions in the Systems Software Engineer job family are responsible for evaluating, selecting, installing, and maintaining enterprise operating systems and technical applications for assigned platforms including enterprise servers and networks and for serving as a technical resource on enterprise hardware issues. Incumbents interact with technical and business customers to provide training and expertise in the design of specific applications to ensure the optimization of the platforms or technologies involved. The focus of work is on the efficient operation of enterprise operating platforms to support customer applications and the effective use of hardware and operating software in new or enhanced applications.

Essential Functions:
  • Evaluate, install, customize, configure, and maintain enterprise operating systems including installing and testing new releases;
  • Evaluate operating efficiency, analyze performance and tuning, and assist in capacity planning and DASD management;
  • Analyze and troubleshoot operating problems to find problem areas and make fixes or work with the vendor for correction;
  • Advise technical staff in complex applications development to assist in avoiding problems of incompatibility with software capabilities;
  • Document changes to system functions and/or configurations for technical and customer reference; and
  • Review and evaluate new or upgraded systems software packages and related hardware and make recommendations based on established standards.
Comments (Level Descriptions): Systems Software Engineer I

This is the proficiency level where incumbents apply their basics skills and expertise, typically with a specific operating system and platform. They perform routine assignments to complete system change and modification requests and assist higher level staff in all aspects of maintaining, updating, documenting, and monitoring the operating systems. Incumbents also provide continuing support for their assigned operating system, trouble‑shooting and resolving common immediate problems. Work is assigned to provide a broader knowledge of the technology supported and to develop a high level of creative problem‑solving in preparation for qualification at the next level of the family.

Systems Software Engineer II

This is the career level where incumbents are fully knowledgeable in the operating system and platform supported and work as a part of a team to develop or install new systems software or supporting applications. The emphasis at this level is the incumbent’s ability to identify and resolve all but the most unusual operating systems problems quickly and with dispatch. While at this level, incumbents are increasing their knowledge and expertise in a complex operating system and platform or are expanding their capabilities in a second technology. They may also have specific assignments in areas such as performance tuning, security, disaster recovery, and the like to broaden their overall knowledge of their assigned technology.

Senior Systems Software Engineer

This is the specialist level where incumbents have full and specialized knowledge in their assigned operating system(s). This may be a single, highly complex system or multiple, less complex systems. Incumbents have primary accountability for the installation, maintenance, and operating efficiency of their assigned systems. They work with a high degree of independence, providing technical leadership and work review for less experienced staff. Individuals at this level are able to identify and resolve the most complex system‑related problems and deal directly with key vendor service representatives. Their work is characterized by the rapid application of technical knowledge to increase the efficiency and operation of the platform(s) supported. Incumbents may also be a Subject Matter Expert for their assigned system serving as a third‑tier support for operating problems and technical consultant on complex applications development projects. They are key members of project teams for enterprise applications involving their assigned system.

Lead Systems Software Engineer

This is the leadership level where incumbents are recognized experts in a complex operating system and related areas such as network or database applications. Incumbents lead projects for a major upgrades or installations, providing technical guidance and work direction to technical staff and ensuring that projects are completed smoothly and on time. Incumbents may also be a Subject Matter Expert for an enterprise‑wide system, assisting in technology planning and serving as a technical consultant on enterprise applications development project teams. They may also have formal leadership responsibilities for enterprise‑wide functions such as security, disaster recovery, and the like.

Unique duties: Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of the specific operating systems, networks, and/or platforms supported;
  • Understanding of the hardware supported including mainframe, servers, workstations, peripheral devices, and the like;
  • Skill in the use of operating system software, companion software, utilities, and the like;
  • High level skill in identifying and resolving technical problems and/or effectively communicating the problems to vendor representatives; and
  • Ability to analyze complex operating problems, working independently until the problem is resolved.
  • Knowledge of operating systems software, platforms, and computer operations typically acquired through an undergraduate program in Computer Science with an emphasis on systems software or the equivalent and one to two years of related experience; and
  • Specific knowledge and experience in at least one related platform and operating system
Preferred qualifications:
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  • -Comrex and ZIPone remote audio equipment-Enco Programs such as Digital Audio Driver, Cutserver, and NewDB-AOIP equipment and software management
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School/College/Division:

H2502 - Campus & Classroom Tech Services

Primary department:

H2502 - Campus & Classroom Tech Services

Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum:
  • Salary hire maximum: $78,841
Working conditions: Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offeredemployment to undergo a background check, including a criminalhistory check, before starting work. If you are offered employment,the university will inform you if a background check isrequired.

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