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

Strong understanding of operating system concepts * Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in ...

Strong understanding of operating system concepts * Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in ...

Systems Engineer

Dublin, CA ยท Hybrid

$36 - $42/hr

Systems Engineer Location: Hybrid (Must reside in Bay Area) 1-2 days per week in Vacaville, CA ... Operational knowledge of the Linux operating System. * Experience with software testing/integration ...

... operating system releases and patches in coordination with application, operations personnel and vendor recommendations. * Provides technical support and training for customers and co-workers to meet ...

... operating system releases and patches in coordination with application, operations personnel and vendor recommendations. * Provides technical support and training for customers and co-workers to meet ...

Systems Engineer III

Fairfield, CA ยท On-site

$72.58 - $88.24/hr

... operating system releases and patches in coordination with application, operations personnel and vendor recommendations. * Provides technical support and training for customers and co-workers to meet ...

Systems Engineer III

Fairfield, CA ยท On-site

$72.58 - $88.24/hr

... operating system releases and patches in coordination with application, operations personnel and vendor recommendations. * Provides technical support and training for customers and co-workers to meet ...

Engineer II

Dublin, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $187K/yr

Server hardware, Operating System, Clustering, database, storage, backup, monitoring, network, load ... Windows System Engineer in a large Windows server environments with the proven ability to ...

Engineer II

Dublin, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $187K/yr

Server hardware, Operating System, Clustering, database, storage, backup, monitoring, network, load ... Windows System Engineer in a large Windows server environments with the proven ability to ...

Engineer II

Dublin, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $187K/yr

Server hardware, Operating System, Clustering, database, storage, backup, monitoring, network, load ... Windows System Engineer in a large Windows server environments with the proven ability to ...

Engineer II

Dublin, CA

$109K - $187K/yr

The Engineer II (Windows Systems) is an experienced IT professional who demonstrates expertise with ... Server hardware, Operating System, Clustering, database, storage, backup, monitoring, network, load ...

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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 23, 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 are popular job titles related to Operating System Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Berkeley, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,767 per year, or $74.9 per hour.
Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Aptiv

Walnut Creek, CA โ€ข On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Location: Walnut Creek, CA

ABOUT WIND RIVER

Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.

Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company's software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world. Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We've achieved recent 5G milestones including the world's first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone.

The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a "Top Workplace" for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world.


YOUR ROLE

As a Senior OS Kernel Engineer, you will contribute to the development of kernel components for the VxWorks operating system, supporting implementation, testing, and debugging while collaborating with other senior engineers to ensure performance, reliability, and security.

In your daily job you will:

  • DevelopCore OS technologies for our embedded VxWorks OS

  • Develop and deliver high quality design, code, and tests following a CI/CD model and agile methodology

  • Investigate and resolve issues reported during product verification and from customers

  • Create design documents for new technologies and conduct code reviews

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hardware and software solutions

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

Key skills and competencies for succeeding in this role are:

  • Strong understanding of operating system concepts

  • Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality

  • Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in embedded systems development

  • Experience with assembly, C++, Python, and other development languages is a plus

  • Experience with low-level device drivers, BSP board bring-up, or architecture-level development is a plus

  • Experience in developing software compliant with industry certification standards, including DO-178C, ISO 26262, ASPICE, MIL is a plus

  • Ability to drive a project end-to-end, from concept and requirements through implementation, delivery, and release

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to thrive as an exceptional team player who works well in collaborative environments

  • Self-motivated, fast learner with a demonstrated ability to adopt and master new technologies

BENEFITS

  • Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance

  • Short and long-term disability coverage

  • RRSP matching for financialsecurity

  • Flexibletime-off policies for work-life balance

  • Employee assistance program for mental well-being

  • Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars

Compensation

This role is compensation range is between $130,000 to $160,000 USD plus annual incentive plan bonus. Compensation is determined through interviews and a review of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities of the applicant, and equity with other team members. Employees in this role are also eligible for the following benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company's plans: health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, flex time off, eligibility to enroll in 401k, and 12 paid holidays.

APPLICANT PRIVACY NOTICE:

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. At Wind River, we strictly adhere to all applicable data privacy laws. Please review Wind River's Applicant Privacy Notice, which can be foundhere.

Wind River is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.

#LI-AL3

Join us at Wind River, where we're not just shaping technology; we're shaping the future of a safer, more connected world. Your journey to make a meaningful impact begins here.

Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: https://www.aptiv.com/privacy-notice-active-candidates

Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.