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

IronEdge Group

Systems Engineer III

Houston, TX · On-site +1

Systems Engineer III (This is a remote position open to applicants residing in TX, NM, AZ, CO, or ... Perform advanced configuration, deployment, and implementation of software, operating systems ...

Raytheon

Principal Software Engineer - Test

Houston, TX · On-site

$128K - $172K/yr

TEE products are in engineering labs, in the field, and in production environments utilized for ... Prior experience in Windows Operating System and Microsoft Visual Studio is required. * Prior ...

Raytheon

Software Engineer II - Test

Houston, TX · On-site

TEE products are in engineering labs, in the field, and in production environments utilized for ... Experience with Windows Operating System and Microsoft Visual Studio is required. * Ability to ...

Raytheon

Senior Software Engineer - Test

Houston, TX · On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

TEE products are in engineering labs, in the field, and in production environments utilized for ... Experience with Windows Operating System and Microsoft Visual Studio is required. * The ability to ...

Hp

Systems Software Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

$116K - $182K/yr

... Control System) Linux New Product Development Operating Systems Python (Programming Language) Real-Time Operating Systems Software Development Software Engineering Cross-Org Skills Effective ...

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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

$121.4K

$159.4K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Houston, TX is $121,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 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 $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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $121,430 per year, or $58.4 per hour.
Systems Engineer III

Systems Engineer III

IronEdge Group

Houston, TX • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Systems Engineer III
(This is a remote position open to applicants residing in TX, NM, AZ, CO, or KS)
As a Systems Engineer III, you will serve as a senior technical resource within our MSP, providing advanced engineering, escalation support, and project leadership across diverse client environments. You'll design, deploy, and optimize cloud and hybrid solutions while acting as a trusted technical advisor to clients and internal teams. This role requires strong troubleshooting skills, excellent documentation practices, and the ability to mentor engineers while balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced MSP setting. The ideal candidate thrives on ownership, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is committed to delivering consistent and timely, high-quality client experiences.
Job Description
Perform advanced configuration, deployment, and implementation of software, operating systems, cloud platforms, and hardware in accordance with design specifications and industry best practices across multiple technology domains. Serve as the Senior Professional Services Engineer throughout project lifecycles, partnering with Project Managers on project planning, execution, and delivery. Support pre-sales efforts by contributing to the design and peer review of enterprise-level technology solutions spanning cloud, on-premises, colocation, and hosted environments.
Provide advanced troubleshooting and escalation support, ensuring timely diagnosis, resolution, documentation, and communication of issues to leadership and stakeholders. Develop high-quality technical documentation, including runbooks, as-built documentation, diagrams, cutover and rollback plans, validation plans, and standard operating procedures.
Mentor and guide team members while collaborating closely with support teams, project teams, and management to deliver high-quality outcomes. Deliver end-user training and provide professional, customer-focused support both remotely. Maintain accurate time of entry, ticket documentation, and adherence to company standards. Manage workload effectively, support after-hours project or incident needs, and assist the Client Success Team with technology roadmaps to ensure long-term client success.
Requirements
  • 6+ years of experience, or 4+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree in a related field
  • Ability to develop, deploy, and/or troubleshoot complex infrastructure implementations, both on-premises and in the cloud, adhering to budget and schedule, and project-based best practices
  • Ability to interact and communicate professionally with client executives
  • Ability to professionally interact in a variety of situations, including customer service, orientations, training, and networking both onsite and remotely.
  • All positions require the successful completion of a criminal background check, and further background checks if the position involves access to sensitive information or secure facilities.
  • Experience with ConnectWise or another PSA tool is required.
  • Managed Services Providers (MSP) experience is required.

Must be proficient at an advanced level in most of the following technologies:
  • Microsoft Windows Server setup/admin (including servers in Azure/cloud) (2019+), including Active Directory design (GPO, Policies, Sites, Users, Groups & Security)
  • Microsoft Azure and Office 365 cloud technologies and migrations to include Compute, Storage, Directory & Virtual Desktop, and conversions from on-prem or other cloud providers into these systems
  • Complex Network and Server (including virtualization, storage) deployment and setup best practice, including compliance-bound and security-prioritizing environments
  • Complex networking configuration, network solution architecture including VPN/networking security, routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, and VPN utilizing Cisco Meraki, Fortinet, Ubiquiti, and SonicWall
  • Design, deploy, support, and troubleshoot Microsoft AVD/RD environments, Citrix plus.

Get to the EDGE-where Everyone Deserves Great Experiences!
IronEdge is the premier IT solutions provider for small-to-medium sized businesses. We love what we do, and our team loves working together to eliminate the frustration companies face with technology.As a service-centric company with a culture that always puts people first, IronEdge is dedicated to providing a fun, fulfilling, and inclusive environment where teammates can excel in their specialized roles. Our company's core values are built upon the strong foundation of teamwork, continuous learning, integrity, courage, and ownership, guiding everything we do at IronEdge. With a great team comes outstanding achievement,s and we're proud to share that IronEdge has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® Certified™ company. Our award-winning team is honored to be recognized among the tech industry's leading MSPs and named to esteemed lists such as the CRN MSP 500 and Channel Futures MSP 501 year after year.
Benefits
  • IEG pays a portion of employee premiums for Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Time Off plus Holidays
  • Matching 401k
  • At IEG, everyone deserves great experiences!

Salary Range
$86,000 to $110,000(Exempt)

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