ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operating System Engineer Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

LRS

Senior Systems Engineer

Minneapolis, MN

$50 - $80/hr

Our client is seeking an experienced Linux Operating System Engineer to manage, maintain, and support enterprise Linux infrastructure across both On-Premises Data Centers and AWS Cloud environments.

VAST Data

Senior Systems Engineer - MN

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to assist customers with evaluations, configurations ... VAST Data offers an AI Operating System that integrates storage, database, and compute engine ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Operating System Engineer information

See Minneapolis, MN salary details

$55.8K

$132.8K

$174.3K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Minneapolis, MN is $132,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,300.00 and $163,900.00 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Operating System Engineer jobs in Minneapolis, MN? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Minneapolis, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Minneapolis, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:
What cities near Minneapolis, MN are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities near Minneapolis, MN with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Minneapolis, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,801 per year, or $63.8 per hour.

Linux Operating System Engineer

Horizontal Talent

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$33 - $68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Linux Operating System Engineer to support and improve enterprise Linux infrastructure across on-premises data centers and AWS environments. This role offers the opportunity to work on RHEL 8 systems, automation, troubleshooting, security, and service management in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities
  • Administer, maintain, and support Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 servers across on-premises and AWS environments.
  • Handle server provisioning, configuration, patching, upgrades, and ongoing lifecycle management.
  • Monitor system performance, capacity, and availability, and take proactive steps to support SLA goals.
  • Investigate and resolve complex issues related to Linux OS, applications, storage, and networking.
  • Support Linux hardening, access management, security patching, vulnerability remediation, and compliance activities.
  • Manage AWS Linux workloads, including EC2, EBS, VPC, IAM, CloudWatch, and Auto Scaling components.
  • Develop and maintain automation using Bash, Python, Perl, or Ansible to improve operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with infrastructure, application, database, network, and security teams to support business services.
  • Assist with backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and high-availability processes.
  • Use ITIL-based processes and ServiceNow for incidents, changes, problems, requests, and related service management activities.
  • Create and update technical documentation, operational procedures, and knowledge base content.
  • Participate in on-call support and major incident response as needed.
Skills
  • 5+ years of Linux system administration experience.
  • Strong hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, especially RHEL 8.
  • Experience supporting enterprise Linux environments at scale.
  • Practical AWS experience supporting Linux workloads in cloud environments.
  • Working knowledge of EC2, EBS, VPC, IAM, CloudWatch, and Auto Scaling.
  • Automation and scripting experience with Bash, Python, Perl, or Ansible.
  • Solid troubleshooting skills across Linux kernel, systemd, LVM, file systems, networking, DNS, SSH, and NFS.
  • Understanding of ITIL practices and service management workflows.
  • Experience using ServiceNow for incident, change, problem, and request management.
  • Ability to analyze logs, identify root causes, and resolve performance or availability issues.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Skills
  • Experience working in both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure environments.
  • Familiarity with enterprise security, compliance, and vulnerability remediation practices.
  • Experience supporting backup, recovery, disaster recovery, or high-availability solutions.
  • Experience creating clear technical documentation and knowledge base articles.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Horizontal is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion, where every team member is respected, supported, and empowered to contribute. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage qualified candidates to apply.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.


Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at www.horizontaltalent.com/job-board. Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $33 - $68 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

Apply