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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

GEM Technologies, Inc

System Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking a System Engineer with an active DOE "Q" Clearance to join our team ... facilities operating within a nuclear regulated environment. * Strong verbal and written ...

Akima, LLC

System Engineer, Level V

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

... operating within a nuclear regulated environment. * Requires strong verbal and written ... Requires an ABET accredited BS degree in an Engineering discipline plus 15 or more years of ...

Akima, LLC

System Engineer, Level III

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

... operating within a nuclear regulated environment. * Requires strong verbal and written ... Candidates with systems and equipment experience in mechanical and electrical systems preferred.

Akima, LLC

System Engineer, Level IV

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

... operating within a nuclear regulated environment. * Requires strong verbal and written ... Requires an ABET accredited BS degree in an Engineering discipline plus 10 or more years of ...

Lifepoint Health

Engineer, System

Brentwood, TN · On-site

The Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Services is responsible for designing, implementing ... Working knowledge of virtualization concepts, server operating systems, and data center ...

Humana

Senior Systems Engineer

Nashville, TN · Remote

$100K - $138K/yr

Includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and software; development tools (e.g., assemblers, compilers, etc.). The Senior Systems Engineer work assignments involve moderately complex to ...

Humana

Senior Systems Engineer

Nashville, TN · Remote

$100K - $138K/yr

Includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and software; development tools (e.g., assemblers, compilers, etc.). The Senior Systems Engineer work assignments involve moderately complex to ...

Humana

Senior Systems Engineer

Nashville, TN · Remote

$100K - $138K/yr

Includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and software; development tools (e.g., assemblers, compilers, etc.). The Senior Systems Engineer work assignments involve moderately complex to ...

Helenoftroy

Systems Engineer

Arlington, TN · Hybrid

Document system performance statistics and reports * Meet company define SLA requirements * Manage ... Establish, configure, test, and maintain operating systems, application software and system ...

OPmobility

SITE IT OPERATIONS ENGINEER

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Participate in IT BU / Country Meetings & IT System Engineer meetings Requirements: Bachelor in Sciences/Business Administration or equivalent experience in IT IT certifications (operating system ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Operating System Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$48.6K

$115.5K

$151.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Tennessee is $115,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $142,500.00 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 200,000 a year?

Operating System Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior roles. Factors such as working in large tech companies, possessing expertise in systems architecture, and working in competitive markets contribute to higher salaries.

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 tools and technologies.

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 systems or their components, ensuring efficient performance, security, and stability. They often work with low-level programming languages, troubleshoot system issues, and optimize hardware-software interactions, frequently using tools like debugging software and version control systems.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

An Operating System Engineer or similar senior-level software engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies. Such roles often require advanced knowledge of system architecture, programming, and certifications, and may include bonuses and stock options that contribute to total compensation.

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 Tennessee? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,462 per year, or $55.5 per hour.
System Engineer

System Engineer

GEM Technologies, Inc

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a System Engineer with an active DOE "Q" Clearance to join our team supporting the DOE's Y-12 National Security Complex. This position is full-time and will be based out of Oak Ridge, TN.
Responsibilities
  • Support new machining center installations and/or existing machining production operations through supporting configuration management activities, various paperwork activities, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities.
  • Perform troubleshooting and improvement activities.
  • Apply systems and equipment expertise needed to resolve technical system and equipment issues in cooperation with other related disciplines.

Requirements
  • Education & Years of Experience - ABET Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Citizenship - To be considered, you must be a United States (U.S.) citizen due to the federal nature of the work.
  • Clearance - To be considered, you must have an active or very recently active DOE "Q" Clearance or DoD "Top Secret" Clearance.
  • Machining background experience.
  • An understanding of Conduct of Engineering, Conduct of Operations, and Conduct of Maintenance for facilities operating within a nuclear regulated environment.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interface effectively with various clients, production and support organizations, management, and hourly wage employees.
  • Willingness to work in a production environment.

Desired Skills
  • Experience in a NRC or DOE regulated environment.
  • Experience in Integrated Safety Management.
  • Systems and equipment experience in mechanical and electrical systems.
  • MS Degree in Engineering.

About the Site
The NNSA's Y-12 National Security Complex, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is the nation's only source of enriched uranium nuclear weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in materials science, precision manufacturing, and stores enriched uranium. Y-12 supports efforts to reduce nuclear proliferation risk and performs work for other government agencies (energy.gov).
ABOUT GEM
GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is an award-winning federal contractor with more than 30 years of experience providing environmental, construction, facility management, and technical services to federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial organizations. Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM has since expanded into a nationwide, multi-disciplinary provider with over 270 employees and a diverse portfolio of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:
  • Our philosophy - We believe in the power of effective collaboration and recognize that good partnerships are the building blocks to success.
  • Our relationships - Partnering with federal clients, we solve complex problems, exceed expectations, and advance critical missions.
  • Our team - We are committed to managing a cohesive workforce and cultivating a supportive workplace for our employees on contracts and in-office.
  • Our community involvement - Supporting our communities, we invest time and money in local schools and non-profit organizations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
GEM's offered compensation is dependent on candidates' education, qualifications, and relevant years of experience. To recruit and retain our exceptional staff, we offer the opportunity to elect benefit packages that best suit our employee's needs; this includes, but is not limited to, a competitive Salary, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (including HSA & PPO options), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and a matching 401(k) Retirement Plan.
Please Note: With the exception of mandated state requirements, GEM does not publish salary information on external job boards; as such, most ranges listed are estimates made by vendors and not actual salary ranges.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
GEM Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

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