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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Our Systems Engineer team takes escalations from the Systems Specialist team and interface with ... Operating Systems, 3rd party business applications * Excellent analytical skills and problem ...

Our Systems Engineer team takes escalations from the Systems Specialist team and interface with ... Operating Systems, 3rd party business applications * Excellent analytical skills and problem ...

Systems Engineer Location: Lebanon, TN If you're looking for a career where purpose meets ... Experience with personal computers including operating systems and hardware configurations

Systems Engineer Location: Lebanon, TN If you're looking for a career where purpose meets ... Experience with personal computers including operating systems and hardware configurations

Our Systems Engineer team takes escalations from the Systems Specialist team and interface with ... Operating Systems, 3rd party business applications * Excellent analytical skills and problem ...

... operating systems and hardware configurations • Ability to assess technology needs, obtain ... engineers, vendors, consultants, and customers • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced ...

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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 Jun 19, 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 $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 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:
Control System Software Engineer

Control System Software Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16433
Overview:
The Controls Integration Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is seeking a Control System Software Engineer who will focus on control system applications, system development and operations support. This position is part of the Controls Integration Group within the Control Systems Section, Research Accelerator Division of the Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
The group is responsible for maintaining and improving fully integrated control systems for the SNS Accelerator to ensure safe, high-reliability beam delivery to the target. These systems typically utilize PLC, VME, or MicroTCA hardware, integrated using the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) framework.
This position reports to the Controls Integration Group Leader. The group is currently focused on modernizing the control system environment. Ongoing upgrade projects include replacing legacy equipment with modern solutions, expanding those associated applications, and enhancing the control room operator experience using the latest software tools.
The selected candidate will support these modernization efforts by:
  • Developing EPICS applications to support embedded and FPGA based systems
  • Upgrading existing EPICS applications and user interfaces
  • Complete verification, deployment, and system integration of EPICS applications for production use

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Support the scientific mission of SNS by developing reliable, maintainable software for accelerator and target control systems as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Collaborate with group members, scientific staff and operations personnel to design, develop, maintain, and improve EPICS-based control systems.
  • Maintain and support existing production software, including performing troubleshooting and resolving bugs.
  • Create and maintain software documentation and accompanying training materials.
  • Adhere to Software Quality Assurance procedures, including managing source code in a central repository with version control systems and developing comprehensive software testing procedures.
  • Provide operational support, troubleshooting, and system improvements for accelerator and target control systems. While typical work hours are office-based, occasional off-hours or weekend support may be required to meet user facility needs.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality procedures and programs.
  • As a member of the ORNL scientific community, commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. The full code of conduct and a statement from the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:
  • A BS degree in engineering, computer science or related field plus two or more years of relevant experience (a relevant MS degree will be considered with at least one year of experience)
  • Demonstrated experience with embedded systems and/or systems programming
  • Experience developing applications or systems programming in a Linux environment
  • Demonstrated programming experience in modern object-oriented programming languages, preferably C++
  • Proficiency with collaborative software development tools and practices, such as software debugger, version control, issue tracking, documentation

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with EPICS or a similar toolkit for developing distributed control systems
  • Exposure to additional programming languages, such as C, Python, Java or similar
  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems and software practices
  • Prior experience working in a scientific user facility
  • Experience with GitLab and CI/CD pipelines
  • Hands-on experience with in-field troubleshooting of software and hardware interfaces

Special Requirements:
  • Physical Requirements: Work involves some physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
Benefits at ORNL:
We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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