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Operating System Engineer Jobs in La Mirada, CA (NOW HIRING)

Canopy A&D

Thermal Protection System Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Hands-on experience as a design engineer taking hardware from concept to manufacturing (CAD, ... Direct ownership of a TPS system that successfully operated and survived in a flight environment.

Canopy A&D

Thermal Protection System Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Hands-on experience as a design engineer taking hardware from concept to manufacturing (CAD, ... Direct ownership of a TPS system that successfully operated and survived in a flight environment.

1872 Consulting

Senior Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Senior Systems Engineer opening in Irvine, CA with a stable, global ... Provide Infrastructure services in all areas needed: storage networking, Operating System ...

Anduril Industries

Senior Software Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA

$131K - $173K/yr

ABOUT THE TEAM The LatticeOS Team builds the foundational software-defined operating system that ... As a core engineering capability, LatticeOS directly enables mission-critical operations across all ...

1872 Consulting

Senior Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Senior Systems Engineer opening in Irvine, CA with a stable, global ... Provide Infrastructure services in all areas needed: storage networking, Operating System ...

East West Bank

Senior Systems Engineer

El Monte, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

The Senior Systems Engineer will be responsible for the administration, automation, security, and ... operating system patching, and application deployment. This position will help ensure the secure ...

Albertsons

Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

The System Engineer is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of robotic material ... Train and assist operators on overall systems including automated adapters, vertical lifts ...

Albertsons

Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

The System Engineer is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of robotic material ... Train and assist operators on overall systems including automated adapters, vertical lifts ...

Anduril Industries

Systems Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

... operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control ... Anduril is seeking a Systems Engineer to join the Maneuver Dominance team at our Costa Mesa HQ to ...

Slope

Director, Systems and Integration

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$220 - $300/hr

... operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control ... Autonomous Airpower | Systems Engineering, Integration & Test (SEIT) Autonomous Airpower resides ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in La Mirada, CA

Operating System Engineer information

See La Mirada, CA salary details

$54K

$128.4K

$168.5K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in La Mirada, CA is $128,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,900.00 and $158,400.00 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 job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in La Mirada, CA look for?

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

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

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

Operating System Engineer jobs near you

Thermal Protection System Engineer

Canopy A&D

Irvine, CA • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense
Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D's advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute end-to-end ownership of TPS components and subassemblies, from initial requirements definition through final hardware delivery.
  • Own and drive material trade studies that balance thermal survivability, structural integrity, and manufacturing realities for hypersonic regimes.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with aerothermal, design, materials, and test groups to translate heat flux and aero loads into robust mechanical designs.
  • Develop detailed CAD, drawings, ICD's, interface directly with the manufacturing floor, and ensure parts are built to spec.
  • Support rigorous testing campaigns such as arc-jet, rapidly perform raw data reduction, and draw actionable conclusions to iterate designs based on empirical data.
  • Serve as the resident SME in the TPS space, maintaining robust knowledge of current state-of-the-art and next-generation technologies.
  • Contribute to the development of proposals and new products that enhance the organization's technical capabilities and support strategic defense growth objectives.

Required Qualifications
  • More than 2 years of direct, verifiable prior experience designing and owning TPS components or assemblies which were qualified through high-enthalpy testing such as arc-jet (e.g., AEDC, NASA Ames) or flight.
  • General familiarity with hypersonic systems, ablation mechanics, and current industry state-of-the-art TPS solutions.
  • Hands-on experience as a design engineer taking hardware from concept to manufacturing (CAD, drawing release, GD&T).
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, materials science, thermodynamics, and manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver on tight schedules using scrappy and creative solutions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication.
  • Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher), or the ability to obtain one based on eligibility. This includes meeting background check and other requirements, as required for access to controlled defense-related information and facilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
  • Flight Heritage: Direct ownership of a TPS system that successfully operated and survived in a flight environment.
  • Systems Experience: Direct experience working on the design, test, or integration of re-entry systems, launch vehicles, or hypersonic platforms.
  • Programmatic Acumen: Experience planning and estimating complex projects, constructing bids and Basis of Estimates (BOEs), and developing technical schedules that were successfully executed.
  • Business Development: Proven track record of writing and winning IRAD and/or CRAD proposals.
  • Customer Facing: Experience interfacing directly with government (DoW, NASA) and commercial customers to define requirements and deliver technical updates.
  • Supply Chain Command: Experience and high comfort level interfacing with, auditing, and managing suppliers specifically within the TPS and advanced materials space.
  • Strong background operating within the defense sector.
  • Familiarity with space and defense standards such as but not limited to SMS-S-016, MIL-STD-810, NASA-GSFC-7000 series or other industry equivalent standards for design, analysis, and testing of defense articles.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lb and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.
  • Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, inspecting components, and operating precision instruments.
  • Occasional travel to customer or test sites, including outdoor or industrial settings, with adherence to company and OSHA safety protocols.
  • Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English.

Job Details
FLSA Classification: Salary Exempt
Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000
Base Location: Irvine CA or Littleton, CO
Travel: Up to 25%
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.
EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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.

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