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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Belcan

System Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

System Engineer Pay Rate: Up to $ 65-75/hr. (DOE) Location: Berkeley, CA Zip Code: 94702 A System ... operating conditions. * Perform trade-off analyses to optimize system performance, cost, and ...

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North East Medical Services

SYSTEM ENGINEER

Daly City, CA · On-site

$103K - $118K/yr

The Systems Engineer will be responsible for overseeing the entire IT system infrastructure ensuring that servers, operating systems, applications, and related procedures result in a reliable, secure ...

AMAX

Junior System Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Troubleshoot hardware, firmware, and operating system issues across server and cluster environments. * Collaborate with engineering teams to define system specifications and evaluate the interface ...

Aptiv

System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA

$100K - $135K/yr

Knowledge of operating systems concepts * Knowledge or basic experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Knowledge or basic experience in C programming with ...

Aptiv

System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA

$100K - $135K/yr

Knowledge of operating systems concepts * Knowledge or basic experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Knowledge or basic experience in C programming with ...

Aptiv PLC

System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Knowledge of operating systems concepts * Knowledge or basic experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Knowledge or basic experience in C programming with ...

Aptiv PLC

System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Knowledge of operating systems concepts * Knowledge or basic experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Knowledge or basic experience in C programming with ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Operating System Engineer information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$65.5K

$155.8K

$204.5K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Berkeley, CA is $155,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $192,200.00 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 job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
System Engineer

System Engineer

Belcan

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Job Title: System Engineer
Pay Rate: Up to $ 65-75/hr. (DOE)
Location: Berkeley, CA
Zip Code: 94702
A System Engineer job opportunity is available with our client in Berkeley, CA. You will be responsible for defining the technical requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies that ensure our large-scale energy storage systems operate reliably and safely. This role requires a holistic mindset, strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing), and a drive to solve tough technical challenges in service of our clean energy mission.
Job Duties
* Define and manage system-level requirements, functional specifications, and interface control documents for core battery system architecture.
* Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineering teams to ensure subsystem designs are seamlessly integrated and meet performance targets.
* Lead system-level validation and integration testing, developing test plans that verify safety, reliability, and functionality under diverse operating conditions.
* Perform trade-off analyses to optimize system performance, cost, and manufacturability, identifying potential risks early in the development lifecycle.
* Conduct root cause analysis for complex system-level failures, working cross-functionally to implement effective engineering solutions.
* Decompose requirements and functions from system-level down to component-level, ensuring traceability.
* Help bridge the gap between complex subsystem designs and high-level product architecture.
Knowledge/Skills/Education/Experience
* Bachelor"s or Master"s degree in Engineering (Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or equivalent) with 3+ years of professional experience.
* Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements management, interface definition, and lifecycle development.
* Experience in multidisciplinary integration, preferably in power electronics, battery systems, or large-scale electro-mechanical hardware.
* Proficiency with electrical battery systems.
* Proficiency with technical modeling and documentation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, SysML, or similar) to manage system architecture and performance data.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to bridge communication gaps between specialized engineering domains and non-technical stakeholders.
Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.' Belcan provides a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a pay range of $65-75/hr. however, we consider several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline.
Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law
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About Belcan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world's most respected enterprises. We offer excellent opportunities for contract/temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments in the engineering, IT, and professional fields. We are the employer of choice for thousands worldwide. Our overriding goal is to provide quality staffing solutions that help people, organizations, and communities succeed.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US

Year founded

1958

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