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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

AFCGI System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

... Engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space ... system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors. At ...

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor'sin engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

AFCGI System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

... Engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space ... system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors. At ...

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Jun 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Freedom Technology Solutions Group is looking for a Cloud Engineer to accelerate mission delivery and connect mission partners with the power of commercially-driven cloud computing. The team brings multi-cloud solutions to mission environments, supporting cloud services providers (CSPs), and offering cloud services across multiple networks. In this role, the ideal candidate manages security assessment, security compliance, change management, and continuous monitoring responsibilities across four (4) cloud service providers: Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

The Contractor shall ensure that all development and modifications to existing Sponsor applications comply with Sponsor's security and architectural policies and regulations. The Contractor shall be required to communicate and collaborate across organizational boundaries, to include other contractor teams. The Contractor shall be required to work with Sponsor staff and contractor personnel as well as external stakeholders. The Sponsor will direct priorities and delegate tasks.

Responsibilities:

  •  Assess cloud security technologies for security gaps and weaknesses according to industry standards.
  • Review cloud security body of evidence packages for completeness and accuracy.
  • Facilitate TEMs with cloud service providers to review cloud service architectures.
  • Provide project management support including project planning, task tracking, milestone management, and resource coordination.

Technical Requirements:

  • Manage security assessment, security compliance, change management, and continuous monitoring activities, including associated program management functions, across four (4) CSPs: AWS, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
  • Assess cloud security technologies for security gaps and weaknesses according to industry standards.
  • Analyze security scan findings and perform risk analysis on the findings.
  • Review cloud security body of evidence packages for completeness and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with other internal components and security peers to determine security and potential weaknesses of cloud infrastructure and cloud services.
  • Advise Sponsor leadership on cloud security services.
  • Analyze system alerts to determine if a security weakness exists and document risk mitigation procedures.
  • Sustain and evolve the Sponsor's standard operating procedures to meet Program Objectives.
  • Facilitate technical exchange meetings (TEMs) with cloud service providers to review cloud service architectures.
  • Provide program management support including project planning, task tracking, milestone management, and resource coordination.
  • Develop and maintain program metrics and performance indicators including security assessment completion rates, finding remediation timelines, compliance status dashboards, and other KPIs as directed by the Sponsor.
  • Respond to Sponsor inquiries and requests for information within established timelines, providing accurate and complete technical and programmatic information.
  • Prepare periodic program highlights, status reports, and briefing materials for Sponsor leadership.
  • Support ad hoc taskings from the Sponsor including research, analysis, documentation, and coordination activities.
  • Maintain regular communications with the Sponsor through scheduled status meetings, written reports, and other communication channels.

Required Skills:

  1. Facilitating TEMs with cloud service providers to review cloud service architectures
  2. Active Security Clearance with Polygraph.
  3. Maintaining A&A packages across multiple services/systems in accordance with FIPS-199, NIST 800-53, and CNSS 1253
  4. Designing, implementing, assessing or reviewing systems utilizing cloud technology with AWS, Oracle Cloud, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure
  5. Utilizing or reviewing cross domain technology and common architecture designs
  6. Continuous monitoring requirements including scan analysis with tools such as Rapid 7, Nessus, and Qualys
  7. Creating, monitoring, or closing POA&Ms
  8. Utilizing compliance tools such as Xacta 360, Risk Vision, RSA Archer
  9. Common control provider concept within the NIST RMF
  10. Security control assessments including working with SCAs and preparing security packages
  11. Information system security engineering activities
  12. Project management including planning, task tracking, milestone management, and resource coordination
  13. Developing and maintaining program metrics, performance indicators, and compliance status dashboards
  14. Preparing technical reports, program highlights, status briefings, and leadership communications

Desired Skills:

  1. Using the Sponsor's or IC element A&A process
  2. Creating or reviewing A&A body of evidence documentation in a cloud security environment
  3. Identifying, implementing, or reviewing appropriate information security controls
  4. Working in Xacta 360
  5. Experience with Sponsor's A&A tools