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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Exploration Company

Software System Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and ... Software System Engineer to support the certification activities of the flight software for the Nyx ...

Staffingine LLC

Control System Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Control System Engineer Job Location: Houston, TX Job Type: Full Time * Design, program, and ... Prepare detailed technical documentation, manuals, and operator training materials. * Lead or ...

Ketjen

IT Systems Engineer

Pasadena, TX

About the Role The IT/OT System Engineer supports and maintains Operational Technology (OT) and ... Manage operating system patching and vulnerability remediation activities within OT environments ...

Ketjen

IT Systems Engineer

Pasadena, TX · On-site

About the Role The IT/OT System Engineer supports and maintains Operational Technology (OT) and ... Manage operating system patching and vulnerability remediation activities within OT environments ...

Quanta Services

Senior Power System Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

... operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power ... Professional Engineer (P.E. or P.Eng.) license Systems & Skills * Experience in protection or ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Operating System Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$51.1K

$121.5K

$159.5K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Houston, TX is $121,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,600.00 and $149,900.00 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 Houston, TX?

For Operating System Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:

Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Houston, TX 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 $121,487 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Software System Engineer

Houston, TX • On-site

The Exploration Company
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about The Exploration Companyexternal

$165K - $195K/yr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

Software System Engineer to support the certification activities of the flight software for the Nyx program. You will work in a dedicated team focused on verification & validation (V&V), software certification, requirements tracing, test planning and system engineering interfacing. In this role, you will collaborate closely with software development teams, system engineering, certification bodies, and safety authorities. You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where cross-functional integration is essential.

Key Responsibilities
  • Contribute to V&V and IV&V activities to ensure that flight software meets functional, performance, and safety requirements
  • Support requirements management and tracing, ensuring full traceability from system-level requirements to software implementation, test and verification artifacts
  • Prepare and review documentation required for software certification and NASA Safety Reviews
  • Interpret, tailor, and apply formal standards
  • Interface with internal Product Assurance
  • Collaborate daily with system engineers and software development teams to resolve technical issues and clarify requirements
  • Develop and maintain software functional design baseline
  • Plan software testing of the integrated mission
  • Use your understanding of C++ and Python to meaningfully engage in software design and test discussions
Required Qualifications
  • Experience working on safety-critical or highly regulated software systems (preferably in aerospace)
  • Solid understanding of requirements management, V&V, test and certification processes
  • Strong technical background in software engineering, with practical experience in flight software frameworks and modern C++
  • Experience with real-time systems, embedded development, or spacecraft software
  • Familiarity with software testing methodologies and simulation tools
  • Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills
  • Focus on detail, quality, and testing
  • Familiarity with agile and modern development practices
Nice to Have
  • Familiarity with standards such as SSP 50808, NASA-NPR-7150.2, NASA-STD-8739.8B, RCC319, ECSS-Q-ST-80C
  • Prior work on human-rated spaceflight programs
  • Experience with model-based system engineering
  • Experience with CI/CD systems and build systems

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful completion of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process is efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

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