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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Linux Software Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$44.51 - $49.51/hr

Linux operating system internals Experience in Linux shell scripts, Perl and/or python. Working ... Cmake/C++ programming language experience. Operating System and Network security. Experience with ...

Systems Engineer

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Perform regular system updates and patch management to safeguard against vulnerabilities. * Develop ... Strong knowledge of operating systems (Windows and macOS) and server management. * Broad knowledge ...

Perform regular system updates and patch management to safeguard against vulnerabilities. * Develop ... Strong knowledge of operating systems (Windows and macOS) and server management. * Broad knowledge ...

Systems Engineer

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Perform regular system updates and patch management to safeguard against vulnerabilities. * Develop ... Strong knowledge of operating systems (Windows and macOS) and server management. * Broad knowledge ...

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Systems Engineer

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Perform regular system updates and patch management to safeguard against vulnerabilities. * Develop ... Strong knowledge of operating systems (Windows and macOS) and server management. * Broad knowledge ...

Systems Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Microsoft Server 2019, 2016, 2012 and other Operating Systems * Active Directory Group Policies ... Utilize AI-based productivity and engineering tools, such as Thread, to assist with ticket review ...

Microsoft Server 2019, 2016, 2012 and other Operating Systems * Active Directory Group Policies ... Utilize AI-based productivity and engineering tools, such as Thread, to assist with ticket review ...

Microsoft Server 2019, 2016, 2012 and other Operating Systems * Active Directory Group Policies ... Utilize AI-based productivity and engineering tools, such as Thread, to assist with ticket review ...

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Operating System Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$52.4K

$124.6K

$163.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Minnesota is $124,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $153,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Minnesota? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,596 per year, or $59.9 per hour.
Sr Engineer - Network Operating Systems

Sr Engineer - Network Operating Systems

Target

Minneapolis, MN • Hybrid

$98K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Target rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6,797 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The pay range is $98,000.00 - $176,000.00

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position.These include labor markets and in some instancesmay include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

About us:

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision tolife through our values and culture.Learn more about Target here.


As a Senior Engineer, you will build and debug software across the Linux stack (kernel and user space), contribute to SONiC builds that produce full Linux OS images, and work with hardware interfaces such as I2C and networking ASICs. Develop and support container-based workflows using Docker, troubleshoot issues across systems, networking, and infrastructure, and collaborate with teammates while supporting and mentoring others as needed.


Use your skills, experience, and talents to contribute to innovative thinking and forward-looking goals. As a Sr. Engineer, you will lead by applying deep technical expertise to evaluate and adopt current and emerging technologies, considering factors such as viability, maintainability, and total cost of ownership. You will drive research and proof-of-concept efforts, lead service design and lifecycle management, and guide architecture and design discussions using system and process insights. You will also lead code reviews, testing, optimization, and implementation activities, ensuring solutions meet architectural and operational best practices. In this role, be comfortable debugging complex hardware and software issues, work effectively both independently and collaboratively, communicate clearly across diverse perspectives, mentor and support teammates, and operate successfully within Agile/Scrum environments.

Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.

About you:
4-year degree or equivalent experience
5+ years of software development experience

Programming

  • Strong experience in C /C++ in a Linux environment
  • Working knowledge of Python and scripting (bash or similar)
  • Familiarity with common tools like git, make, and basic build systems
  • Linux operating system services (e.g. systemd).

Containers & Build Environments

  • Experience using Docker and understanding how containers work
  • Familiarity with build tools and package management (apt, pip, etc.)
  • Basic understanding of handling certificates, credentials, and secure access

Networking Fundamentals

  • General understanding of networking concepts:
    • Ethernet basics (Interfaces copper and optical, MAC addressing etc.)
    • Layer 2 / Layer 3 concepts (switching vs routing)
  • Experience with protocols including ARP, ICMP, BGP, LACP, STP, LLDP, VLANs, etc.
  • Awareness of infrastructure components like DNS, firewalls, and TLS

Hardware / Embedded Exposure

  • Experience or familiarity with:
    • I2C devices and communication
    • Network switch architecture
    • Switching ASIC concepts
    • Low-level concepts like memory-mapped I/O or interrupts

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota.

Benefits Eligibility

Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_D

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.


What Target employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Target logo

About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US