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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Synergy ECP

System Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

Configures and manages UNIX and Windows operating systems and installs/loads operating system ... Bachelor's degree in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science ...

Collabera

System Engineer

Rockville, MD

... operating systems through regular maintenance- Maintain configuration and support documentation ... science, computer engineering or related field required- 5-7 years experience required- Broad ...

Athenix Solutions Group

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

Athenix Solutions Group

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

Exatech Solutions Inc

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

TLA-LLC

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems like Linux and Windows Server, virtualization technologies such as VMware or ...

TLA-LLC

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

A Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science or IT. • Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Cymertek Corporation

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

System Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

New

Cymertek Corporation

System Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting and automation DESIRED SKILLS * Familiarity with virtualization technologies * Knowledge of DevOps ...

New

Cymertek

System Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Washington

Operating System Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$60.6K

$144.1K

$189.1K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Washington is $144,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $177,800.00 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,083 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

System Engineer

Synergy ECP

Columbia, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Synergy ECP is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business SD(VOSB) that was formed in July 2007 with Headquarters in Columbia, MD and is made up of talented, dedicated staff to provide a broad range of services to the defense, intelligence and health care industries.
In an ultra-competitive environment, Synergy ECP has thrived by adhering to our name, making sure excellence is displayed by our Employees, to our Customers and by Improving Performance (ECP).
It's what sets us apart, enabling us to be an autonomous yet agile business that delivers huge results - showing we're ready to meet our customers' evolving demands.
Synergy ECP has earned a client list that includes numerous Fortune 100 companies, in addition to multiple branches of the US government and military services.
Synergy ECP is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.
Clearance Required: TS/SCI
Other Requirements: U.S. Citizenship
Job Description:
Provides support for implementation, troubleshooting and maintenance of Information Technology systems.Manages IT system infrastructure and any processes related to these systems. Provides support to IT systems including day-to-day operation, monitoring and problem resolution for all the client/server/storage/network devices, mobile devices, etc. Provides Tier 1 (Help Desk) and Tier 2 (Escalation) problem identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems.Provides support for the escalation and communication of status to agency management and internal customer. Provides support for the dispatch system and hardware problems and remains involved in the resolution process. Configures and manages UNIX and Windows operating systems and installs/loads operating system software, troubleshoots, maintains integrity and configures network components along with implementing operating systems enhancements to improve reliability and performance.
Qualifications:
Fourteen (14) years' experience in programs and contracts of similar scope, type and complexity within the Federal Government is required. Bachelor's degree in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional SE experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

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