ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operating System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nwis

Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Perform operating system upgrades, patch management, lifecycle maintenance, and performance ... Engineering experience * 3+ years of advanced Linux networking experience * 3+ years of VPN ...

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.

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.

Dice

Senior System Engineer (McLean)

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

As a Systems Engineer supporting the US Intelligence Community, you'll work closely with the ... Install, configure, and maintain operating systems, software applications, and server hardware on ...

New

Insight Global

Linux Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$57 - $71/hr

Required Skills & Experience · 3+ years of experience in infrastructure engineering, systems administration, or technical consulting. · Hands-on experience supporting: o Linux operating systems ...

BruckEdwards Inc

Senior System Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

Senior System Engineer Manassas, VA Full-time, Exempt Security Clearance: Top Secret Does working ... Maintain documentation of configurations, diagrams, and standard operating procedures * Support and ...

BruckEdwards, Inc

Senior System Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

Maintain documentation of configurations, diagrams, and standard operating procedures * Support and ... system administration, engineering, information assurance, or cybersecurity roles (preferably ...

BruckEdwards Inc.

Senior System Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$97K - $134K/yr

Maintain documentation of configurations, diagrams, and standard operating procedures * Support and ... system administration, engineering, information assurance, or cybersecurity roles (preferably ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 9, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.
Systems Engineer (Servers / Operating Systems) - Level II

Systems Engineer (Servers / Operating Systems) - Level II

RiVidium, Inc

Quantico, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Description
RiVidium Inc. is seeking a skilled Systems Engineer (Servers / Operating Systems) - Level II to plan, design, implement, and sustain enterprise server and operating system environments that support secure, reliable, and scalable computing services.
The ideal candidate will possess broad technical expertise across server platforms, virtualization technologies, cloud-enabled infrastructure, and cybersecurity operations. This role requires collaboration with Government personnel, vendors, engineering teams, and cybersecurity stakeholders to deliver mission-focused infrastructure solutions within secure enterprise environments.
Key Responsibilities
  • Plan, design, implement, and maintain enterprise server and operating system environments
  • Support secure, scalable, and highly available computing services across physical, virtualized, and cloud-enabled infrastructures
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that improve performance, security, and operational effectiveness
  • Engineer and support enterprise data center infrastructure solutions
  • Administer and support:
    • Windows Server environments
    • VMware virtualization platforms
    • Enterprise platform technologies and system-level applications
  • Support cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments, including:
    • Microsoft Azure
    • AWS DevOps-enabled environments
    • Kubernetes
    • Containers and clustering technologies
  • Coordinate and support cybersecurity activities associated with RMF continuous monitoring processes
  • Maintain secure system baselines and support vulnerability mitigation and remediation efforts
  • Ensure compliance with organizational cybersecurity standards and security requirements
  • Collaborate with Government personnel, vendors, and multi-disciplinary engineering teams
  • Prepare and deliver technical documentation, engineering analyses, and graphical presentations for technical and non-technical audiences
  • Provide technical direction and guidance to subordinate staff as needed
  • Deliver responsive customer support across all organizational levels in a dynamic operational environment

Minimum Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance required at contract start
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive experience operating computer systems consistent with enterprise infrastructure environments
  • Experience engineering and supporting enterprise data center environments
  • Broad experience with virtualization technologies supporting enterprise computing capabilities
  • Experience with some or all of the following:
    • Windows Server
    • VMware
    • Enterprise platform technologies
    • System-level applications
  • Familiarity with or experience supporting cloud-enabled services and environments, including:
    • Microsoft Azure
    • AWS DevOps environments
    • Kubernetes
    • Clusters and container technologies
  • Experience supporting cybersecurity and system security activities associated with RMF continuous monitoring
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare technical documentation and engineering presentations
  • Proven ability to provide excellent customer support across technical teams, management, and executive stakeholders

Required Certifications
  • CompTIA Security+ certification required
  • Must meet DoD 8570.01-M IAT II certification requirements

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing and implementing enterprise server and operating system solutions in secure or mission-critical environments
  • Experience evaluating emerging technologies and making engineering recommendations based on operational needs
  • Experience supporting hybrid infrastructures integrating on-premises, virtualized, and cloud-based systems
  • Microsoft Azure certifications such as:
    • Azure Administrator Associate
    • Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification
  • Experience with cloud-native technologies, container orchestration, and platform modernization initiatives
  • Experience working directly with Government customers, vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams
  • Experience supporting enterprise modernization and cloud adoption initiatives

About the Organization
Established in 2008, RiVidium, Inc. (dba TripleCyber) is a VA-Verified SDVOSB and an SBA-Certified 8(a) company. To prepare our clients for the future, RiVidium has balanced all parts of our organization to attract the finest employees in order to 'Strive to be the missing element defining tomorrow's technology'. RiVidium keeps pace and surpasses its competitors by meeting challenges of advancements in Logistics, Human Capital, Cyber, Intelligence & Technology.
EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources (HR) at hr@rividium.com.
This position is currently accepting applications.

Apply