ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Anduril Industries

Senior Systems Engineer

Quincy, MA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

... operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control ... We are seeking a hardcore Senior Systems Engineer to own the execution and reality-check of our ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Senior Systems Engineer

Quincy, MA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

... operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control ... We are seeking a hardcore Senior Systems Engineer to own the execution and reality-check of our ...

Anduril Industries

Senior Systems Engineer

Quincy, MA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

... operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control ... We are seeking a hardcore Senior Systems Engineer to own the execution and reality-check of our ...

Nasuni

Senior Software Engineer - File System

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$133K - $175K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - File System Engineering | File System Team | Full-Time | US Boston ... Hands-on experience designing, building, or operating distributed systems in production.

Nasuni

Senior Software Engineer - File System

Boston, MA · On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - File System Engineering | File System Team | Full-Time | US Boston ... Hands-on experience designing, building, or operating distributed systems in production.

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 17, 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 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 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% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,043 per year, or $66.8 per hour.

Systems Software Engineer, Platform Architecture

Apple

Cambridge, MA

$116K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Imagine what you can do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job, and there’s no telling what we can accomplish together.
Do you love crafting elegant solutions to highly complex challenges? Can you intrinsically see the importance in every detail? At Apple, our Platform Architecture group is responsible for connecting our hardware and software into one unified system. Join this team, and you’ll collaborate with engineers across Apple to build and deploy forward-looking prototype systems that contribute to the development of our world renowned hardware and software architecture.
You and your team will confirm that every product we make performs exactly as intended. Together, our work will be the reason millions of customers feel they can trust their devices every single day.
Description
Apple’s Platform Architecture group is seeking a systems engineer to build high performance functional models of advanced SoC designs and to help bridge the gap between Software and Hardware, influencing performance improvements, power efficiency, security, and the programming ease of Apple products.","responsibilities":"Prototype and analyze architecture and operating system proposals.
Interface kernels and drivers with processor & SoC models.
Work closely with cross-functional teams across product groups.
Promote new opportunities and techniques with other groups.
Preferred Qualifications
MS or PhD degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
Experience debugging large, complex system software.
Scripting skills (Python).
Assembly experience.
Experience with kernel, driver and firmware development.
Experience with modeling and simulation.
Knowledge of ARM and/or X86 architecture.
Minimum Qualifications
BS degree.
Experience in low-level software, operating systems, or compilers.
Programming experience (C++/C).
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $116,400 and $203,000, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

View All Apple Jobs

Apply