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

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

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$113K - $181K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$113K - $181K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $185K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $185K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

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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

$55.2K

$131.2K

$172.2K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Chicago, IL is $131,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $161,900.00 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 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 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 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 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.

Senior Systems Administrator

Oakton College

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Oakton College is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to oversee the day-to-day operations and system security of their hypervisor, Windows, and Linux systems. The role includes supervising installations and maintenance of server operating systems, ensuring system security, and managing technical support for the college's email system.
Responsibilities:
• Maintains, administers, and coordinates the day-to-day planning, design, operation, maintenance and resource allocation for host systems for the academic and administrative networks. 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 ensure system security and proper operations of servers and infrastructure. Monitors and recommends changes regarding server security.
• Plans and schedules backups of all computer systems, and performs disaster recovery planning and testing.
• Monitors and manages system utilization and performance and proactively addresses issues.
• Installs, maintains, and provides user support for server and cloud software and applications.
• Administers and leads technical support for campus-wide e-mail system.
• Manages AD object creation and schema changes, identity management system, and audits accounts for compliance with policies.
• Directs the technical analysis of operating system software and hardware. Leads the analysis and makes recommendations for changes to virtualization, hardware, cloud application, software, and facilities. Coordinates the acquisition and installation of all servers and supporting equipment and creates configuration and procedure documentation.
• Provides technical training in procedures and the proper use of equipment.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required:
• A Bachelor of Science in computer science or related field or equivalent work experience.
• At least two years experience working with Windows Server, VMware, or Linux operating systems with experience in system administration is required.
• At least two years experience working with TCP/IP protocols.
• Experience with Google Workspace and Gmail administration or equivalent email systems management and administration.
• Two years experience with directory services.
Company:
Oakton is a community college with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie. Founded in 1969, the company is headquartered in Des Plaines, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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