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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

12v System Design Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

The 12V Systems Design Engineer is a key contributor within the Product Development & Technology (PDT) organization, operating in the Electrified Hardware Engineering (EHE) and Hardware Engineering ...

Designs system configuration, determines hardware, software and functional specifications, and ... Advanced understanding of operating systems, business applications, printing systems, and network ...

Designs system configuration, determines hardware, software and functional specifications, and ... Advanced understanding of operating systems, business applications, printing systems, and network ...

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Software Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$50.71 - $56.51/hr

Experience working within mixed operating system environments including: * * VxWorks * Linux * RTOS * BSPs * Virtualization * GVOS * Experience with communication and networking protocols including:

ADAS Systems Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$99K - $192K/yr

... real-time operating systems (RTOS), safety-critical applications, and automotive communication ... ADAS Platform System Design & Development * Support the design, development and analysis of an ...

... operating system migrations, and version upgrades. • Analyze and optimize system performance ... Required : • 10+ years of experience in z/OS Administration and Mainframe Systems Programming ...

Senior Software Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

Develop software on a Real Time Operating System, like FreeRTOS based SafeRTOS. * Develop software ... Collaborate with other engineers to optimize performance, memory usage, and power efficiency for ...

Senior Software Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$115K - $151K/yr

Develop software on a Real Time Operating System, like FreeRTOS based SafeRTOS. * Develop software ... Collaborate with other engineers to optimize performance, memory usage, and power efficiency for ...

Develop System Engineering and other client documents * Participate in document review, design ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

V2X Systems Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$115K - $195K/yr

Develop System Engineering and other client documents * Participate in document review, design ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

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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:
12v System Design Engineer

12v System Design Engineer

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Stellantis rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

The 12V Systems Design Engineer is a key contributor within the Product Development & Technology (PDT) organization, operating in the Electrified Hardware Engineering (EHE) and Hardware Engineering (HWE) perimeter. The role supports the design, integration, validation, and vehicle-level performance of the 12V Energy Provider subsystem.
This position is responsible for defining robust, cost-effective, and innovative 12V electrical system solutions by ensuring alignment between vehicle needs, system and subsystem strategies, and architectural constraints. The engineer works cross-functionally on system architecture, requirements definition, component sizing, vehicle testing, diagnostics, and validation to ensure correct vehicle behavior and customer satisfaction.
Hands-on experience with vehicle electrical systems, communication networks, testing tools, and data analysis is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
System Engineering & Architecture
  • Gather, analyze, and consolidate stakeholder inputs from vehicle systems and 12V sub-domains
  • Identify and manage environmental, operational, and architectural constraints
  • Define and manage upper-level 12V system requirements, constraints, and use cases
  • Define functional system architectures aligned with Quality, Cost, Timing, and Performance (QCTP) objectives
  • Perform functional decomposition and allocation across hardware, software, and processes
  • Provide system-level synthesis of system behavior, operating strategies, and vehicle interactions

Electrical Power System Design & Sizing
  • Perform battery sizing calculations based on vehicle load profiles, duty cycles, and customer usage scenarios
  • Perform alternator sizing and capability analysis to ensure adequate power generation under all operating conditions
  • Conduct Ignition Off Draw (IOD) and parasitic load analysis, including network and module sleep behavior
  • Support definition and optimization of charging and power management strategies

Requirements & Functional Specification
  • Define high-level functional and technical requirements for hardware, software, and validation teams
  • Ensure full requirements traceability throughout the development lifecycle
  • Ensure clear understanding, alignment, and acceptance of system requirements across stakeholders
  • Support diagnostics and functional behavior definition related to the 12V system

Vehicle-Level Testing & Validation
  • Define and execute system-level and vehicle-level validation plans for the 12V electrical system
  • Plan, set up, and conduct vehicle tests covering:
  • 12V lead-acid and future lithium battery systems
  • Alternators and charging systems
  • 120V / 230V DC/AC inverters
  • Battery sensors and intelligent power components
  • LIN- and CAN-based loads and control modules
  • Execute testing under various environmental and operating conditions (hot, cold, key on/off, high load, charging, sleep modes)
  • Review, approve, and document system validation and test results
  • Ensure system strategies are correctly implemented and validated to achieve expected vehicle behavior

Diagnostics, Communication & Issue Management
  • Use CANoe and CANalyzer to analyze CAN and LIN communication, signal behavior, and diagnostics
  • Validate network behavior during key-on, key-off, and sleep transitions
  • Diagnose LIN communication issues including wake-up behavior, timeouts, and configuration issues
  • Use PICO Scope and oscilloscopes to analyze voltage, current, ripple, transients, and communication signals
  • Perform root cause analysis of electrical, communication, and sleep current issues
  • Track, manage, and resolve issues and deviations across the development lifecycle

Cross-Functional & Supplier Collaboration
  • Work closely with systems, software, hardware, and validation teams to align architecture and requirements
  • Support supplier coordination for batteries, alternators, inverters, sensors, and LIN/CAN-controlled components
  • Participate in design reviews, technical reviews, issue resolution meetings, and program milestones

Documentation & Process Compliance
  • Create and maintain technical documentation including system analyses, requirements, test plans, and reports
  • Support compliance with internal development processes, system engineering methodologies, and automotive standards
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of system engineering and validation processes

Basic Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in system engineering, electrical architecture, or vehicle integration
  • Hands-on experience with vehicle-level electrical testing and troubleshooting
  • 12V electrical power systems and energy storage experience
  • Root cause analysis and risk assessment experience

Preferred Requirements:
Skills & Competencies
  • Battery and alternator sizing
  • Ignition Off Draw (IOD) and vehicle sleep behavior
  • DC/DC converters, DC/AC inverters, and other power electronics
  • CAN & LIN communication and diagnostics
  • Functional analysis, requirements management, and validation strategy

Tools & Languages
  • CANoe, CANalyzer
  • PICO Scope and electrical measurement equipment
  • Vehicle data logging and test instrumentation
  • Microsoft Office (Teams, Outlook, Excel, Visio)

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