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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kids for the Future

Systems Engineer 1

Lombard, IL · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Technical expertise, including proficiency in Microsoft Server operating systems, Office 365 ... Knowledge of system security; * Proficient with networking; and * Authorized to work for any ...

Vibehackers

IoT Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$59 - $72/hr

Apply design patterns, data structures, operating system concepts, and algorithms in solution implementation. Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent. * Basic ...

New

Actalent

Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$55 - $120/hr

Embedded Software Engineer This role focuses on developing, integrating, and testing C++ embedded ... Experience developing embedded software on Linux or other real‑time operating systems.

Wittenstein SE

Systems Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... operating systems, and device drivers is also preferred.Because this position will be part of a ... The systems engineer will be responsible for improving department knowledge and capabilities by ...

Kett Engineering

Be Seen First

Autonomous Systems Validation Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Operating at the intersection of hands-on vehicle testing and systems engineering, this role is responsible for driving, evaluating, and troubleshooting prototype vehicles equipped with cutting-edge ...

Kett Engineering

Be Seen First

Autonomous Systems Validation Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Operating at the intersection of hands-on vehicle testing and systems engineering, this role is responsible for driving, evaluating, and troubleshooting prototype vehicles equipped with cutting-edge ...

Oakton College

Senior Systems Administrator

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Includes Hypervisor (Currently VMWare/Hyper-V), Linux, and Windows. • Installs system software and operating systems for the college's computing systems. • Performs system programming tasks to ...

Yusen Logistics

System Architect

Elk Grove Village, IL

$109K - $184K/yr

... operating systems * Azure, AWS, GCP, and VMware virtualization * Kubernetes on-premise and in the cloud (AKS, GKE, EKS); Docker and container orchestration * Azure DevOps and CI/CD pipeline design ...

TEKsystems

Systems Engineer - Traveling

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

The engineer will serve as an extension of the field engineering team, staging and rebuilding ... Windows Server 2022 administration and operating system deployment/image management * Experience ...

Ensono

Senior Systems Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$104K - $142K/yr

The Senior Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining components ... Perform installation and configuration of software including operating system, patches, and 3rd ...

Fermilab

CMMS Systems Administrator III

Batavia, IL · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

Implements operating system enhancements that will improve the reliability and performance of the ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, business systems, or a ...

Grubhub

Senior Site Reliability Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Deep, expert-level proficiency in Linux operating systems with proven experience in low-level ... Strong engineering experience with AWS services (specifically EC2, Load Balancers, and AMI building ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Operating System Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.1K

$131.1K

$172K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Chicago, IL is $131,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $161,700.00 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 Chicago, IL?

For Operating System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:

Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,153 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Systems Engineer 1

Kids for the Future

Lombard, IL • On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Kids For The Future rating

3.3

Company rating: 3.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join a 3-peat Winner of Inc. Best Workplaces!

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  • Location N/A,Saint Charles, IL, 60175,United States
  • Base Pay $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 / Year
  • Job Category Operations
  • Employee Type FT Exempt

Contact information

  • Email ggoffinet@prescientsolutions.com

SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Prescient Solutions is an award-winning, Chicagoland-based Managed IT Services Partner. We have been providing CIO-level advisory support as well on-site and remote IT services since 1996. Prescient was a 2025 winner of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for three years in a row!

We are looking for a self-motivated Systems Engineer who shares our commitment and believes in the value of communication and client interaction. As an IT Systems Engineer, you will:

  • Establish, Maintain, and Provide the engineering direction needed to connect and configure Microsoft servers on enterprise networks;
  • Work cross-functionally on-site at our clients' locations between technology and the rest of their business to design and implement large scale solutions; and
  • Implement Prescient Solutions' best practices.

*** Applicant must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. ***

Responsibilities

  • Supports both operational and engineering functions at our clients' locations in St. Charles and Schaumburg, IL;
  • Evaluates customer generated requirements and works with the clients to ensure the implementation meets the clients' needs;
  • Works with technicians and engineering groups at both Prescient Solutions and at the client locations to troubleshoot and resolve issues as required;
  • Prepares operational and technical documentation;
  • Troubleshoots and maintains clients' IT infrastructures 24/7; and
  • Performs other duties and assists with special projects as needed.

Requirements

  • Technical expertise, including proficiency in Microsoft Server operating systems, Office 365, Active Directory, Azure;
  • Knowledge of system security;
  • Proficient with networking; and
  • Authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Summary

Benefits include:

  • 15+ days Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Monthly BYOD expense reimbursement
  • Professional Development
  • Employee Assistance Program

Grow your IT career with Prescient Solutions - watch the video to learn more.

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