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

Foxconn Assembly LLC

Senior System Administrator

Houston, TX · On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

Establish corporate system engineering standards and approve technical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Actively mentor and cross-train junior system administrators and network engineers to ...

ExxonMobil

HPC Systems Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

The HPC Systems Engineer will be involved in various aspects of designing and engineering our HPC ... Perform software installations and upgrades, inclusive of operating system in world class HPC ...

ExxonMobil

HPC Systems Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

The HPC Systems Engineer will be involved in various aspects of designing and engineering our HPC ... Perform software installations and upgrades, inclusive of operating system in world class HPC ...

ExxonMobil

HPC Systems Engineer

Spring, TX

The HPC Systems Engineer will be involved in various aspects of designing and engineering our HPC ... Perform software installations and upgrades, inclusive of operating system in world class HPC ...

Addison Group

Desktop Engineer

Houston, TX

$120K - $130K/yr

Manage operating system updates, software deployments, patching activities, and endpoint lifecycle processes * Lead desktop engineering initiatives and technology implementation projects from ...

Addison Group

Desktop Engineer

Houston, TX · Remote

$120K - $130K/yr

Manage operating system updates, software deployments, patching activities, and endpoint lifecycle processes * Lead desktop engineering initiatives and technology implementation projects from ...

Addison Group

Desktop Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Manage operating system updates, software deployments, patching activities, and endpoint lifecycle processes * Lead desktop engineering initiatives and technology implementation projects from ...

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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 Jul 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 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 200,000 a year?

Operating System Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior roles. Factors such as working in large tech companies, possessing expertise in systems architecture, and working in competitive markets contribute to higher salaries.

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 tools and technologies.

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 systems or their components, ensuring efficient performance, security, and stability. They often work with low-level programming languages, troubleshoot system issues, and optimize hardware-software interactions, frequently using tools like debugging software and version control systems.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

An Operating System Engineer or similar senior-level software engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies. Such roles often require advanced knowledge of system architecture, programming, and certifications, and may include bonuses and stock options that contribute to total compensation.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,487 per year, or $58.4 per hour.
2024 Cleared Embedded Software Engineer (Top Secret) with Security Clearance

2024 Cleared Embedded Software Engineer (Top Secret) with Security Clearance

All Points Logistics LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

THIS IS A FEDERAL CONTRACT - US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED 100% ON-SITE ACTIVE, CURRENT, AND FULLY ADJUDICATED US DoD TOP SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED DESCRIPTION OF POSITION / DUTIES All Points is seeking a Top Secret Cleared Embedded Software Engineer to support Lockheed Martin's Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) Program. The successful candidate will provide embedded software engineering expertise in support of mission-critical missile defense capabilities. This position is 100% on-site due to mission sensitivity and program requirements. The role involves the design, development, testing, and integration of embedded software components within real-time operating system (RTOS) environments, supporting complex defense systems using Agile development methodologies. The selected candidate will work closely with systems engineers, software teams, and program stakeholders to deliver high-quality, reliable embedded software solutions aligned with NGI program objectives. DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: * Design, develop, test, and integrate embedded software applications using C and C++ * Develop software within Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) environments (e.g., VxWorks, Green Hills) * Support software development activities across the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) using Agile methodologies * Perform unit testing and integration testing using Google Test / Google C++ Unit Testing frameworks * Develop and review software designs, architecture documentation, and UML diagrams using Cameo * Collaborate with systems engineering teams to align software behavior with system-level requirements * Debug, test, and resolve complex embedded software issues * Support software integration, verification, and validation activities in classified environments * Produce and maintain technical documentation in accordance with program and defense standards * Communicate technical status, risks, and issues clearly to team members and program leadership EDUCATION Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE * 5+ years of embedded software development experience in secure or defense environments REQUIRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE * Strong hands-on experience developing embedded software in C and/or C++ * Experience working within RTOS environments (VxWorks, Green Hills, or equivalent) * Experience with Agile software development processes * Experience creating and interpreting UML models using tools such as Cameo * Experience using Google Test or similar unit testing frameworks for embedded software * Strong communication and organizational skills * Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented development environment * Ability and willingness to work 100% on-site in a secured SCIF SECURITY CLEARANCE * U.S. Citizenship required * Active, current, and fully adjudicated US DoD Top Secret clearance required * Must be able to maintain clearance eligibility throughout employment ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Positions with All Points are full-time, direct hire and include a full benefits package. For more information, please visit our Career Portal:
https://www.allpointsllc.com/careers/ ALL POINTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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