ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

ACI Infotech

Desktop Support Engineer

Mokena, IL · On-site

Desktop Support / End User Support / System Engineer Duration: Long Term Location: Mokena, IL ... as hardware, operative systems, and programs or applications. * Giving regular maintenance to ...

Alignerr

Computer Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $60/hr

Computer Engineering - AI Data Trainer * Location: Remote About the job At Alignerr, we partner ... Evaluate AI-generated code (C/C++, Verilog, VHDL), logic gate designs, and operating system kernels ...

Benesch Law

IT Sr. Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$113K - $140K/yr

Assists in system monitoring, reviewing infrastructure and application logs, and verifying ... Assists with deployment of new desktop and server operating systems and applications. * Assists ...

CACI International, Inc.

System Test Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$63K - $127K/yr

... operating systems. Responsibilities: * Work with engineers to design/write detailed test plan and ... execute tests on complex communication systems * Define and communicate basic test strategies

IMC Trading

Trading Engineer - Execution

Chicago, IL · On-site

... Linux operating systems, network configuration, and server management • Strong understanding of ... engineering discipline (or equivalent practical experience) Preferred : • Experience with MySQL ...

Hudson Manpower

Sr. Windows OS Software Engineer

Skokie, IL · On-site

$160 - $170/day

... Operating System internals and Windows kernel/module • development • Designs software and ... Engineering or • equivalent experience • Experience performing low level Windows OS software ...

Samprasoft

Windows Engineer

Deerfield, IL · On-site

Window Engineers Background: Lifecycle work, staffing to specific projects where they have older ... Things are frozen on platforms they need to get off of because the operating systems have a ...

Benesch

IT Sr. Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Assists in system monitoring, reviewing infrastructure and application logs, and verifying ... Assists with deployment of new desktop and server operating systems and applications. * Assists ...

AMBE Engineering LLC

Quality Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

Quality Engineer Full-Time Fairfax, Kansas We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Quality Engineer ... Business Operating System and supporting documentation. * Establish and maintain PPAP/APQP ...

Lightedge

Sr. Midrange Engineer - IBMi

Chicago, IL

$107K - $147K/yr

LightEdge is looking for experienced technical individuals for our IBMi - Sr. Midrange Engineer ... Maintain and deploy IBMi operating system upgrades, cumulative PTF packages, group PTFs, and ...

Lightedge

Sr. Midrange Engineer - IBMi

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

LightEdge is looking for experienced technical individuals for our IBMi - Sr. Midrange Engineer ... Maintain and deploy IBMi operating system upgrades, cumulative PTF packages, group PTFs, and ...

Fermilab

Control System Hardware Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

What your day-to-day as a Control System Hardware Engineer at Fermilab will look like: * Analyze ... Plan medium to large projects from inception to completion and brings them to operating status.

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 26, 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. These roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, or working in competitive markets with high compensation packages.

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 knowledge of hardware, virtualization, or security. Salary levels depend on location, company size, and individual expertise.

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 system software, ensuring efficient hardware and software integration. They troubleshoot system issues, optimize performance, and may work with tools like kernel development, scripting, and debugging. Strong knowledge of computer architecture, programming languages, and system security is essential for this role.

How hard is coding an OS?

Operating System Engineers typically find coding an OS to be highly complex due to the need for low-level programming, understanding hardware interactions, and managing system resources. It requires strong knowledge of programming languages like C or C++, familiarity with system architecture, and often involves debugging and testing in specialized environments. The work demands significant technical skill and experience, often gained through advanced education and hands-on practice.

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 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
Desktop/Workstation Design Engineer

Desktop/Workstation Design Engineer

Contact Government Services, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Desktop/Workstation Design Engineer
Employment Type: Full-Time, Experienced
Department: Information Technology
 
CGS is seeking an experienced Desktop/Workstation Design Engineer to participate in architecture discussions, system reviews, design planning, and technology roadmap planning for current and future desktop integration efforts.
 
CGS brings motivated, highly skilled, and creative people together to solve the government’s most dynamic problems with cutting-edge technology. To carry out our mission, we are seeking candidates who are excited to contribute to government innovation, appreciate collaboration, and can anticipate the needs of others. Here at CGS, we offer an environment in which our employees feel supported, and we encourage professional growth through various learning opportunities.
 
Skills and attributes for success:
- Acts as the Subject Matter Expert for the development and implementation of the Desktop Operating System (OS) Images.
- The candidate engineers’ robust solutions for large-scale deployment of software using OS deployment technologies such as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) and the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).
- Develops tests and implements software distribution packages, to include updates to software applications to be applied to desktops, laptops, tablets, and servers used within the enterprise.
- Provides information and recommendations to meet various user-based software requirements.
- Strong familiarity with scripting languages such as Powershell and VB script.
- Implements server OS deployment methodologies to include automated server build processes. 
- Provides support for an OS patching infrastructure such as HCL BigFix or Windows Update/MECM that applies mandatory security updates to enterprise systems.
- Analyzes, evaluates, and recommends desktop, laptop, tablet, and server hardware.
- Performs security related tasks which include, documentation, vulnerability scan review, assessment support, patch management, and auditing as required.
 
Qualifications:
- The ideal candidate for this position will possess experience with integrating and upgrading desktops and laptops from the Windows 7 operating system to Windows 10 operating system, upgrading Microsoft and 3rd party applications, and have experience with litigating software such as Ipro and Concordance. 
- The ability to work independently with only minor guidance is a must.  Our team is engineering a Windows 10 image on an Intel based system which will be integrated with Microsoft Exchange 2013, Microsoft Office 2013, and various 3rd party applications. 
·       Windows OS engineering experience
·       Understanding of the application of security controls on the image
·       Microsoft Office engineering experience
·       Integrating anti-virus applications in an image
·       VPN/Remote access (Cisco Secure Access with RSA a plus)
·       Windows Scripting experience
·       Good writing skills
 
Ideally, you will also have:
-      VB and/or VBA coding experience a plus
·       VDI/Citrix experience
·       SMS/SCCM experience a plus
·       Understanding of PKI
·       VMWare experience
·       Litigating software such as Ipro and Concordance
 
Our Commitment:
Contact Government Services (CGS) strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class personnel to deliver customized solutions that fit our client’s specific needs. We are committed to solving the most challenging and dynamic problems.
 
For the past seven years, we’ve been growing our government-contracting portfolio, and along the way, we’ve created valuable partnerships by demonstrating a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and quality work.
 
Here at CGS we value honesty through hard work and self-awareness, professionalism in all we do, and to deliver the best quality to our consumers mending those relations for years to come.
 
We care about our employees. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
-         Health, Dental, and Vision
-         Life Insurance
-         401k
-         Flexible Spending Account (Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter)
-         Paid Time Off and Observance of State/Federal Holidays
 
Contact Government Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
 
Join our team and become part of government innovation!
 
Explore additional job opportunities with CGS on our Job Board:
https://cgsfederal.com/join-our-team/
For more information about CGS please visit: https://www.cgsfederal.com or contact:
Email: info@cgsfederal.com
 
#CJ

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.