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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Belay Technologies

Junior System Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

Linux operating systems Ability to: * * Analyze system applications and perform troubleshooting ... We hire software engineers, web designers, test engineers, systems engineers, systems ...

ISR Transport

System Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

This opportunity will suit an engineer who enjoys troubleshooting complex production systems and working directly with customers operating business-critical transportation technology. Key ...

Onyx Point, Inc.

System Engineer 3-BP-083

Hanover, MD · Hybrid

$78K - $250K/yr

Installs/loads operating system software, troubleshoot and maintain integrity and configures ... Demonstrated experience in planning and leading Systems Engineering efforts is required. Must be ...

camd

IT - SYSTEM ENGINEER

Columbia, MD · On-site

The Systems Engineer (SE) serves as a technical expert in system administration for complex operating systems and recommends configuration of operating systems and applications. The SE investigates ...

camd

IT - SYSTEM ENGINEER

Columbia, MD · On-site

The Systems Engineer (SE) serves as a technical expert in system administration for complex operating systems and recommends configuration of operating systems and applications. The SE investigates ...

Columbia Association

IT - SYSTEM ENGINEER

Columbia, MD · On-site

The Systems Engineer (SE) serves as a technical expert in system administration for complex operating systems and recommends configuration of operating systems and applications. The SE investigates ...

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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 Jul 9, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,083 per year, or $69.3 per hour.
Junior System Engineer

Junior System Engineer

Belay Technologies

Laurel, MD • On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Belay Technologies has been voted Baltimore Business Journal's (BBJ) Best Places to Work 2019, runner up in 2020 and a finalist in 2021!
Belay Technologies is seeking a System Engineer to join our intel team. We are looking for technical staff to provide 24x7 support to an existing Operations Center for a suite of Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) systems. The candidate will be responsible for monitoring ICAM systems and providing Tier 1 & Tier 2 support. This includes supporting customers who are integrating with Enterprise and IC Attribute and Authorization services. Support may include assisting end-users to resolve access issues, as well as aiding development teams in understanding and resolving issues with REST Services. The candidate will use JIRA for ticket management and provide support via email, chat, and phone. The ideal candidate is an analytical thinker who can solve difficult problems independently and must be a fast learner to understand the technologies and operational environment quickly.
Candidates should have the following qualifications:
  • TS/SCI Clearance with polygraph
  • Bachelor's Degree in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or related discipline
  • Seven (7) years' experience as a System Engineer in programs or contracts of similar scope, type and complexity.
  • Five (5) years of additional System Engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree for a total of 12 years' experience.

Experience with knowledge of:
    • Online and telephone customer support
    • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
    • Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC)
    • Entitlements Management
    • LDAP directories
    • SQL and basic database querying abilities
    • RESTful services
    • Ticket tracking systems (e.g., JIRA, Redmine, ServiceNow)
    • Linux operating systems
Ability to:
    • Analyze system applications and perform troubleshooting.
    • Understand and communicate complex software systems.
    • Modify Confluence pages and write technical documentation to support customers.
    • Assist with educating/training customers on software capabilities.
    • Assist with understanding and defining customer needs.
    • Work independently

Perks and Benefits:
  • 8 weeks paid leave - 4 weeks of personal leave, 3 Yay! days, take off on your birthday,11 paid holidays and optional leave up to 6 days through Belay's volunteer program
  • 10% matching in 401(k) contributions vested on day one
  • $5,000 annual training/tuition
  • Student Loan Repayment Program
  • 100% company-funded HSA
  • Rich medical coverage (100% coinsurance)
  • Dental coverage including orthodontia
  • Up to $420,000 in life insurance, premiums 100% company funded
  • Amazon Prime, gym reimbursement, monthly lunches, games and prizes
  • Pet adoption program, generous referral bonus program, fun events, and more!

At Belay, we are committed to creating an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally. We believe in transparency and fairness in compensation. Several factors influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, education, specific skills and competencies and certifications. Belay offers a competitive total compensation package that includes benefits and perks, a flexible work-life balance, and career development.
Salary Range: $105,000 to $200,000
Belay Technologies is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business located in Columbia, Maryland (Baltimore/Washington area). Belay Technologies specializes in systems automation and full stack development. Belay Technologies provides leading technology and engineering solutions to the DoD, as well as state-of-the-art commercial products. We hire software engineers, web designers, test engineers, systems engineers, systems administrators, database engineers and other tech services. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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