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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Prosync

System Engineer III

Annapolis Junction, MD

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 ...

Belay Technologies

Junior System Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

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

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 ...

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 ...

Onyx Point, Inc.

System Engineer 3-BP-083

Hanover, MD · On-site

$78K - $250K/yr

Installs/loads operating system software, troubleshoot and maintain integrity and configures ... A Bachelor's degree in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering ...

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 Baltimore, MD

Operating System Engineer information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$53.2K

$126.4K

$165.9K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Baltimore, MD is $126,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,400.00 and $156,000.00 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 Baltimore, MD? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Baltimore, MD 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 $126,406 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
System Engineer, Level 3

System Engineer, Level 3

Independent Software, Inc.

Annapolis, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

What You Will Do:
As a Systems Engineer Level 3 at Independent Software, you will support the administration, engineering, security, and operational sustainment of mission-critical Linux infrastructure across secure enterprise and real-time operational environments. This role is heavily focused on Linux systems engineering within containerized, cloud-hosted, virtualized, and dataflow-processing environments supporting DoD and Intelligence Community missions.
You will work closely with users, customers, and a small mission-focused engineering team to maintain system integrity, performance, security, and operational availability across enterprise and mission systems. This position requires strong troubleshooting skills, deep Linux systems expertise, and experience supporting secure operational environments requiring SSP compliance and STE/STN support.
The ideal candidate enjoys working across infrastructure layers including operating systems, networking, storage, security, and application support while solving complex operational challenges in secure mission environments.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Support systems engineering and system administration activities across secure Linux enterprise environments
  • Maintain system integrity, availability, performance, and security across mission-critical Linux systems
  • Support and maintain containerized and cloud-hosted environments, including Kubernetes-based deployments and AWS infrastructure
  • Administer and support virtualization platforms and enterprise storage management solutions
  • Configure and troubleshoot IP networking, routing, switching, and firewall technologies within Linux-centric environments
  • Support application deployments and provide advanced troubleshooting across OS, network, storage, and security layers
  • Implement and maintain system hardening, PKI/TLS configurations, cryptographic policies, and secure configuration baselines
  • Ensure systems comply with SSP documentation requirements and STE/STN security standards
  • Support system patching, vulnerability remediation, and secure operational sustainment activities
  • Troubleshoot complex system, network, application, and dataflow issues while escalating operational risks and outages as required
  • Support mission dataflow systems, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing data pipelines
  • Assist in the operation and support of RF systems, signal transport components, and mission transport environments
  • Support logging, monitoring, and analytics platforms such as ELK / Elasticsearch for system observability and troubleshooting
  • Develop and maintain operational procedures, system documentation, and technical implementation guidance
  • Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and security teams to support mission objectives

Required Skills and Qualifications:
  • Strong Linux systems engineering and administration experience
  • Experience supporting containerized and cloud-hosted environments
  • Experience supporting virtualization platforms and enterprise storage management solutions
  • Strong understanding of IP networking, routing, switching, and firewall technologies
  • Strong understanding of PKI, TLS, cryptographic principles, and Linux crypto policies
  • Experience supporting SSP compliance documentation and STE/STN security requirements on Linux systems
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across infrastructure layers including operating systems, networking, storage, and applications
  • Experience supporting enterprise applications within secure Linux environments
  • Familiarity with Kubernetes, AWS, and modern infrastructure technologies
  • Experience with automation and configuration management tools such as Ansible or similar platforms is a plus
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within operational engineering teams

Education and Experience:
One of the following combinations is required:
  • Bachelor's degree in a qualified engineering field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus six (6) years of systems engineering experience; OR
  • High School Diploma or GED, plus ten (10) years of general systems engineering experience across any process area; OR
  • Master's degree in a qualified engineering field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus four (4) years of systems engineering experience; OR
  • PhD in a qualified engineering field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience.

Qualified engineering fields include, but are not limited to: Aeronautics, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Nuclear, Software, Systems, and Engineering Management. Comparable or closely related engineering degrees will be considered.
Related disciplines include, but are not limited to: Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, and Physics. Comparable or closely related degrees will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting real-time or near-real-time data processing environments
  • Experience supporting RF systems, antenna hardware, or signal transport systems
  • Experience with dataflow processing platforms or mission transport systems
  • Experience supporting ELK / Elasticsearch monitoring and analytics environments
  • Experience supporting secure DoD or Intelligence Community operational systems

Clearance Requirement:
  • Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role

Why Choose Independent Software:
At Independent Software, our people are the mission. We've built a company around collaboration, integrity, and innovation and we make sure our team has the tools and support to grow, succeed, and thrive.
When you join us, you will:
  • Support critical national security missions that matter
  • Be part of a close-knit, employee-first culture where your voice is heard
  • Expand your skills through ongoing training, mentorship, and career development
  • Enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and work-life balance

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of something bigger.
Apply today.
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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