ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operating System Engineer Jobs in Hayward, CA (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Sr. System Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Join a team of passionate and creative engineers dedicated to building technologies that will shape ... Proficiency with embedded systems development, including firmware, real-time operating systems ...

Nvidia

Senior System Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Debug complex system-level issues spanning software, operating systems, networking, middleware, and hardware interfaces * Collaborate across engineering teams to integrate, test, and deliver robust ...

Aptiv

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$13K - $160K/yr

Strong understanding of operating system concepts * Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in ...

Aptiv

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$13K - $160K/yr

Strong understanding of operating system concepts * Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in ...

Aptiv

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Strong understanding of operating system concepts * Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality * Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in ...

Apple

Sr. System Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Writing low-level firmware, device drivers, and working with real-time operating systems (RTOS ... Experience programming in C++ and/or Python for robotics applications. Pay & Benefits At Apple ...

Meta

Enterprise Systems Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$142K/yr

Lead operating system lifecycle management, hardware refresh initiatives, endpoint modernization program * Apply modern engineering methodologies such as Infrastructure-as-Code, container ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Hayward, CA

Operating System Engineer information

See Hayward, CA salary details

$61.3K

$145.9K

$191.5K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Hayward, CA is $145,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,400.00 and $180,000.00 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 Hayward, CA?

For Operating System Engineer jobs in Hayward, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Hayward, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Hayward, CA are:

What cities near Hayward, CA are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs?

Cities near Hayward, CA with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:

Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Hayward, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,851 per year, or $70.1 per hour.

Sr. System Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Appleexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Join a team of passionate and creative engineers dedicated to building technologies that will shape the future. We are a cross-functional group that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and tackling challenging problems to create products that are both profoundly useful and delightful to use. Our work lies at the intersection of groundbreaking hardware, software, and design, and we are looking for a key contributor to help us explore what's possible.
We are seeking a versatile Sr. Software System Engineer with end-to-end expertise to accelerate the exploration of new concepts. In this role, you will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of complex concepts, from initial hardware design and sensor integration to software development and the application of machine learning. You are a builder at heart, someone who can seamlessly navigate the stack from low-level firmware to high-level applications to bring innovative ideas to life.
Description
As a Sr. Software Systems Engineer, you will be a critical member of a multi-disciplinary team, responsible for rapidly prototyping and validating novel concepts. Your work will directly influence future product direction by demonstrating the viability and potential of new technologies.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
5+ years of hands-on experience designing, building, and deploying robotic systems that encompass both hardware and software components.
Experience programming in C++ and/or Python for robotics applications.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven experience in system integration, bringing together complex hardware (sensors, actuators) and software (firmware, control, perception) into a functional whole.
Experience with a variety of sensor modalities (e.g., cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, depth sensors) and developing perception algorithms for object detection, tracking, or localization.
Strong understanding of electromechanical systems, motor control theory, and implementation of real-time control systems.
Proficiency with embedded systems development, including firmware, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and low-level device drivers.
Experience applying machine learning (ML) techniques to robotics problems such as perception, sensor fusion, or adaptive control.
Experience in rapid prototyping and building user interfaces or interaction models for human-robot interaction (HCI).
Master's or PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.

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