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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

AT and T

Senior System Engineer (Government)

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Our AT&T National Security organization supports our Nation's Intelligence Community, operating and ... The Sr. System Engineer will work in conjunction with a matrixed team of systems engineers ...

Nightwing

Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Perform operating system upgrades, patch management, lifecycle maintenance, and performance ... Advanced Network Engineering Design and implement advanced routing architectures utilizing:

Nightwing

Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Perform operating system upgrades, patch management, lifecycle maintenance, and performance ... Advanced Network Engineering Design and implement advanced routing architectures utilizing:

Redapt

Network System Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

Network System Engineer Location: Manassas, VA (Onsite) Hours: 8-5 We are seeking a multi ... Operating systems: Familiarity with Linux and Windows Server administration and patching * Security:

Andworx, LLC

Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

RedHat Linux operating system, including implementation, administration, and troubleshooting skills ... Broad systems engineering or integration experience with emphasis in system design and integration.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Operating System Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$126.1K

$165.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Virginia is $126,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $155,700.00 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 Virginia?

For Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:

Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Senior System Engineer (Government)

AT and T

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

AT&T rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 729 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 99 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

This position requires office presence of a minimum of 5 days per week and is only located at customer's site.
AT&T Global Public Sector is a trusted provider of secure, IP enabled, cloud-based, network solutions and professional services to the Federal Government. We are dedicated to recruiting, developing and empowering a diverse, high-performing workforce that is passionate about what they do, committed to our shared values and dedicated to our customers' mission.
Our AT&T National Security organization supports our Nation's Intelligence Community, operating and assuring critical data, voice, video, and collaboration services for the full spectrum of intelligence operations.
AT&T has an opening for a Senior System Engineer to support a professional services effort for a US Government customer in the Washington DC metropolitan area. This Sr. System Engineer role will be primarily focused on the design, development, installation and operations of customer mission application systems and services, as well as the underlying network infrastructure that supports it. The Sr. System Engineer will work in conjunction with a matrixed team of systems engineers, database administrators, and software developers to design, install, configure, implement, and maintain complex solutions that support the mission objectives of the customer. This role requires familiarity and experience with both Windows and Linux as well as multiple vendor applications in virtualized environments. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who demonstrates effective problem-solving skills, high attention to detail and is a strong communicator. The candidate should be comfortable working both independently and with a team. Position is full-time on customer premise.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Maintain, configure, and operate mission application systems hosted over Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows in both physical and virtual environments. This also involves regular engagement with multiple third-party vendors to implement and maintain products and services supported for the customer.
  • Install and configure software patches and upgrades (OS, database, and applications) as well as hardware components (servers, SANs, hard disks etc.)
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software errors by running diagnostics, documenting problems and resolutions, prioritizing problems, and assessing impact of issues
  • Monitor and review system and application logs to audit for performance and security related activity and anomalies
  • Create and implement scripts and automation tools to support or enhance routine system/application tasks, gather data/metrics for system dashboards and generate reports
  • Create and maintain application and system backups as well develop and perform disaster recovery plans and failover procedures when necessary
  • Create and maintain technical documentation that supports system administration procedures and tasks for installing, operating, and maintaining the systems and applications
  • Implement, maintain, and document system security hardening and compliance per customer's standards/requirements
  • Manage capacity, storage planning and database performance for all systems
  • Proficient with building, deploying and administering virtual servers using vSphere and ESXi
  • On-call 24x7 incident response and occasional need to work outside normal business hours to perform system maintenance activities.
  • Occasional travel to different locations within the Washington Metro Area

Required Clearance:
TSSCI with poly (#tssci) (#polygraph)
Required Qualifications:
B.S. in Computer Science, Information Technology or similar
Education requirements are flexible depending on experience
The following skills / prerequisites are required:
Approximately 3-5 years of working experience designing, configuring, implementing and maintaining enterprise class system solutions to include:
  • Full stack system engineering of complex systems and networks to include design, implementation and configuration & maintenance during the life cycle of the system. Experienced with analyzing requirements and collaborating with multiple engineering resources (i.e. developers, database, application SMEs) to deliver overall solutions.
  • System network and/or database administration experience on enterprise-class environments with a focus in Linux as well as Windows platforms. Familiar with user account and group policy management, application/service management and application patching and upgrades.
  • Proficiency with both operating systems and networking software, hardware, and networking protocols. Strong understanding of TCP/IP networks, networking troubleshooting and network protocols (SSH, SFTP, SCP, HTTPS, DNS, SNMP, etc.)
  • Proficiency with database systems and basic database administration (Oracle, MySQL, PostGres)
  • Knowledgeable of system cybersecurity concepts, best practices and enforcing system security baselines configurations (i.e. CIS, STIG) in both Windows and Linux environments
  • Experienced with creating technical documentation such as system design diagram, user guides as well as test plans and installation and troubleshooting guides.
  • Experienced with monitoring and review systems, database and application logs to audit and address anomalies.
  • Experienced with creating and implementing scripts and/or automation tools to support routine system/application tasks, gather data/metrics and generate reports.
  • Experienced with creating and maintaining system continuity such as application and system backups as well disaster recovery plans and failover procedures.
  • Strong and efficient problem-solving and inter-personnel communication skills, written and verbal.
  • Commitment to continuous learning/education both on and off the job to further enhance and develop skills and expertise for progression in role.
  • Strong time management skills, comfortable managing multiple priorities, strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and a team-oriented approach to colleague engagement and work responsibilities.

Desired Qualifications
- Certifications:
  • CompTIA Server+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Red Hat Certified System Administrator
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
  • VMWare Certified Professional

- Experience with database administration (Oracle, MySQL, PostGres)
- Experience with implementing CIS/STIG benchmarks for cybersecurity baselines configurations of Windows and RHEL
- Experience with bash scripting (Bash, Python, Perl) and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet)
- Experience with data management and analytics tools such as Splunk
- Working knowledge of virtualization environments, VMWare or equivalent
Our Senior System Engineer's earn between $108,000 - $228,600. Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers. Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training.
Joining our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Caregiver Leave
  • Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
  • Adoption Reimbursement
  • Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
  • Life and Accidental Death Insurance
  • Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Extensive employee wellness programs
  • Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T wireline phone

Weekly Hours:
40
Time Type:
Regular
Location:
Chantilly, Virginia
AT&T and its subsidiaries are committed to equal employment opportunity. All hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions remain merit-based and free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made. Click here to learn more or request an application accommodation here.

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