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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Cambridge, MA (NOW HIRING)

Collabera LLC

Systems Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

System Engineer II Location: Boston, MA (Onsite) Duration: 6 Months + Possible conversion ... operator workflow improvements (approximately 60% office / 40% shop floor). Must Haves:

System One

Sr. Systems Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$165K/yr

Apply broad theoretical and practical knowledge of system engineering to the acquisition process ... Thorough understanding of application software, operating systems, networks, storage platforms, and ...

System One

Sr. Systems Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$165K/yr

Apply broad theoretical and practical knowledge of system engineering to the acquisition process ... Thorough understanding of application software, operating systems, networks, storage platforms, and ...

System One

Sr. Systems Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$165K/yr

Apply broad theoretical and practical knowledge of system engineering to the acquisition process ... Thorough understanding of application software, operating systems, networks, storage platforms, and ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Operating System Engineer information

See Cambridge, MA salary details

$58.5K

$139K

$182.5K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Cambridge, MA is $139,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,100.00 and $171,600.00 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 Cambridge, MA? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA are:
What cities near Cambridge, MA are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities near Cambridge, MA with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Cambridge, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,043 per year, or $66.8 per hour.
Systems Security Engineer II (Anti-Tamper/Program Protection) (Onsite) - P2

Systems Security Engineer II (Anti-Tamper/Program Protection) (Onsite) - P2

Raytheon

Marlborough, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Raytheon rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary:
Raytheon, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, is seeking a well-qualified Systems Security Engineer II to join their elite Systems Security Engineering team. This role involves developing cybersecurity requirements and implementing security controls to protect the Warfighter’s technology advantage.
Responsibilities:
• Support the development of cybersecurity requirements, design and architecture artifacts, plans, and policies
• Support security development and test efforts implementation of security controls of networking devices, databases, operating systems, and hardware and software component
• Implement proper cybersecurity controls
• Integrate cybersecurity development activities
Qualifications:
Required:
• Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and 2 years of prior relevant experience
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Experience in systems engineering or cybersecurity engineering
Preferred:
• Experience in anti-tamper, program protection, or cybersecurity engineering
• Usage of information security toolsets including anti-virus, Vulnerability Assessment, HIDS/ NIDS host-based or endpoint security solutions, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) and centralized auditing tools familiarity with splunk is preferred
• Linux Bash scripting or Python scripting experience
• Experience with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF)
• DoDI 8570.01-M IAT Level-II Compliant Certification (e.g. Security+, CISSP, or equivalent)
• Security systems engineering involving various computer hardware and software S/W operating system and application solutions in both a stand-alone and in LAN/WAN configurations
• Experience with IT and/or network and system security administration, including operating system security configuration and account management best practices for UNIX, MS Windows, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and CISCO systems
Company:
Raytheon, an RTX business, creates next-generation defense solutions that are smarter, faster and better than previously thought possible. Founded in 1948, the company is headquartered in Waltham, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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