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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Lockheed Martin

Systems Engineer Lead

Moorestown, NJ · On-site

... Lead Systems Engineer. In this role, you will lead a team that perform analysis, design ... Linux Operating System, troubleshooting product and system level issues. Candidate will be ...

Lockheed Martin

Systems Engineer

Mount Laurel, NJ · On-site

$75K - $135K/yr

... System. The successful candidate will have experience and/or knowledge of Java, C++, or Python and Linux/UNIX operating systems, experience in requirement development, experience user interface ...

Gnostech

Systems Engineer

Marlton, NJ · On-site

Systems Engineer Salary: Commensurate with industry position, depending on experience Typical Shift ... Perform system validation, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure proper functionality of operating ...

Lockheed Martin

Systems Engineer

Mount Laurel, NJ

... self-defense system for the United States and allied Navies, the Aegis Combat System. The ... UNIX operating systems, experience in requirement development, experience user interface ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

Moorestown, NJ

Job Title: Software Engineer This Software Engineer role focuses on designing, developing ... Design and develop compilers, assemblers, utility programs, and operating system components as ...

Lockheed Martin

Senior Systems Engineer

Mount Laurel, NJ · On-site

$91K - $181K/yr

... System. The successful candidate will have experience and expertise knowledge of Java, C++, or Python and Linux/UNIX operating systems, experience in requirement development, experience user ...

Lockheed Martin

Senior Systems Engineer

Mount Laurel, NJ

$103K - $141K/yr

... self-defense system for the United States and allied Navies, the Aegis Combat System. The ... UNIX operating systems, experience in requirement development, experience user interface ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Operating System Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$52.6K

$125.1K

$164.3K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $125,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,400.00 and $154,400.00 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 Philadelphia, PA? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $125,125 per year, or $60.2 per hour.
Senior Systems Engineer (Deployment)

Senior Systems Engineer (Deployment)

Red River

Moorestown, NJ • On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Red River Technology is actively seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to join our team in supporting a mission-critical program for the Navy. The Senior Systems Engineer will work with the program team to install, configure, test, and maintain operating systems applications across various DoD client sites.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with development teams and program leadership to plan and execute deployment strategies and timelines.
• Manage software versioning and ensure proper code repository maintenance.
• Implement automation tools and scripts for efficient and consistent deployments.
• Conduct Diagnostics and Troubleshooting of complex network issues, using Cisco tools and protocols to ensure uptime and performance across diverse data centers.
• Conduct thorough testing to verify functionality and compatibility of deployed software.
• Monitor live deployments, identify issues, and provide timely resolutions to minimize downtime.
• Maintain detailed documentation of deployment processes and configurations.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field or applicable work experience.
• Active DoD Secret clearance required.
• 5 years of Systems Engineer experience within the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Field deployment experience, with the ability to travel up to 25% of the time to perform on-site installation and configurations.
• Demonstrated experience in Cisco technical environments
• Demonstrated experience with VMware
• Demonstrated knowledge of Data Center Infrastructure from both a hardware and software perspective.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to relate to and understand customer needs in order to build relationships and drive customer success.
• Excellent communication, computer, and analytical skills.
• U.S. Citizenship Required
Preferred:
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
• VMware Certified Professional 5
• Software Engineering Master Certification
• Amazon Web Services Certified DevOps Engineer
• Experience with network monitoring tools such as WTI, or RoomAlert
Company:
Red River is a technology integrator that helps customers optimize business processes and maximize technology investments. Founded in 1995, the company is headquartered in Claremont, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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