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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a System Engineer who has experience working all phases of the system engineering ... Demonstrated capability to work effectively within both Windows and Linux operating systems ...

We are seeking a System Engineer who has experience working all phases of the system engineering ... Demonstrated capability to work effectively within both Windows and Linux operating systems ...

We are seeking a System Engineer who has experience working all phases of the system engineering ... Demonstrated capability to work effectively within both Windows and Linux operating systems ...

Senior System Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Lead Engineer maintaining datacenters containing multi-domain, cross-platform networks ... Operating Systems - Linux, Windows, Mac OSX * Wireless * Familiar with data center power, space and ...

New

Senior System Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Lead Engineer maintaining datacenters containing multi-domain, cross-platform networks ... Operating Systems - Linux, Windows, Mac OSX * Wireless * Familiar with data center power, space and ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 13, 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:

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

Annapolis Junction, MD

Synergy ECP LLC
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Maintain and upgrade the customer's front-end systems to ensure efficient operation and expected output data.

  • Perform remote maintenance, system refresh efforts, and provide life cycle support for multiple sites, including potential travel as needed.

  • Manage requirements, validate system component functionality, and support systems administration, troubleshooting, software loading, and network configuration.


Job description

Description

Synergy ECP, a platform company with Falfurrias Capital Partners, has a talented, dedicated staff to provide a broad range of services to the defense and intelligence industries. Our capabilities are focused on software engineering, cybersecurity, system engineering and IT services. Providing these services, Synergy ECP, has earned a client list that includes numerous Fortune 100 companies, in addition to multiple US government agencies and US military services. Synergy ECP possesses pertinent and highly valued credentials, specialized certifications, and clearance levels to secure our clients' computer networks and information at a time when a premium is placed on cyber security. In an ultra-competitive environment, Synergy ECP has thrived by adhering to its name - making sure excellence is displayed by its Employees, to its Customers and by Improving Performance (ECP). We simply can't have one without the other. It's what sets us apart - enabling us to be an autonomous agile business that delivers huge results to meet the ever-evolving demands of our customers.


Synergy is looking for a LINUX/UNIX Sytems Engineer to join us on a newly awarded contract! As a member of a mission-focused team, you will maintain and upgrade the customers operations front-end systems, ensuring they are functioning efficiently and producing expected output data. In this role you will perform functions as Site Engineer to perform remote maintenance, refresh efforts, and life cycle support for multiple sites. 


Potential for travel as-is-needed for each site.


You will also interact daily with partner entities, managing requirements and validating functionality of system components. You will provide support in the areas of systems administration, troubleshooting, loading of software packages and network configuration. 


Requirements


Requires a Bachelor's degree in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or related discipline from an accredited college or university and seven (7) years of experience as a SE in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity. Five (5) years of additional SE experience may be substituted for a bachelors degree. 


REQUIRES a TS/SCI FSP level clearance with the Maryland customer. 


Required capabilities: 

  • Demonstrated experience using the Linux operating system, to include use of the command-line.
  • LINUX or UNIX and/or Network administration/maintenance experience.
  • Experience with modern telecommunication technologies.
  • Basic troubleshooting experience.

Desired capabilities: 

  • Front-end collection systems DNR/DNI collection and dataflow,
  • Experience with related GOTS products,
  • FEP configuration 
  • Scripting experience (Bash, Shell and/or Python)
  • Familiarity with Apache NiFi 
  • Basic knowledge of network protocols

Benefits 

  • Compensation: We offer highly competitive compensation so everyone can share in the growth of the company as we build its success together! 
  • Health & Retirement: We offer a comprehensive Health Benefits package and 401K Retirement plan so you can take care of yourself and your family, now and in the future. Other health-related benefits include an employee Gym wellness benefit.
  • Education: Individual growth is a priority at Synergy. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of our company-sponsored continuing education program so they can get their degree or that next certification needed to propel them towards the next level.
  • Work/Life Balance: A healthy work/life balance is essential for building and executing your work effectively at Synergy, but it's also necessary to allow you the room to pursue everything you want to develop in your personal life. We offer a generous Paid Time Off benefit and 11 paid holidays a year. Synergy also provides flexible work options that work with your schedule and lifestyle. 
  • Great Corporate Facilities: Come by our corporate office and enjoy a weekly happy hour, take a drive to nearby restaurants, grab a snack or coffee in our cafe, or utilize our collaborative office space and conference rooms. 

Synergy ECP was established in 2007 and its management team has over 30+ years of Department of Defense and Intelligence Community experience. Our leadership team and strong, determined staff are ready to embrace new challenges and continue as a driving force in our field.
 

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.

If you are interested in learning more about Synergy and what opportunities may be available to you, let's start a conversation together! Our team is happy to speak with you about your experience and goals so that they may work with you in finding the kinds of positions that you are most interested in. Feel free to drop off your resume with us via our website or send it along to staffing@synergyecp.com. Apply today and start your new career at Synergy!