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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Under the direction of the Director of Clinical Engineering, this position applies IT methods ... Requires ability to maintain integrity and performance of an operating system environment, and ...

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ... Support desktop hardware and operating system set-up, imaging software loading, and antivirus ...

Showing results 41-60

Operating System Engineer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$53.1K

$126.3K

$165.8K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $126,313.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,300.00 and $155,900.00 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 are popular job titles related to Operating System Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

For Operating System Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Contract, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,313 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

Mainframe Systems Programmer/SR (37504)

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

IDEALFORCE LLC
IT Services • 11 - 50 employees

$54.50 - $69.50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Company Description

IDEALFORCE has a Contract position available immediately for a Mainframe System Programmer/SR to join our customer in Phoenix, AZ. Please find below additional details about this job. All work must be performed on site and some after hours might be required. Kindly respond with your most up to date resume if you would like to pursue this opportunity. 

Job Description

The Sr. Systems Programmer's main job responsibilities will include Installation and Upgrading a z/OS environment to z/OS V2.2, Customization, Problem Determination, Performance Analysis Tuning, Capacity Planning, and WLM for the IBM Mainframe zSeries z/OS Systems, Hardware Systems & Peripherals, zSeries based ISV (Independent Software Vendor) Software, and zSeries Network Communications.  


Professional skills should include utilizing Project and Change Management, along with excellent communications skills, and experience working directly with the user community, and vendor technical support personnel. The Systems Programmer is required to be on call 24x7 for providing problem resolution and high systems availability. 


The Sr. Systems Programmer will interface with management and the technical staff to plan and prioritize projects tasks in accordance with departmental goals.   


The Mainframe Sr. Systems Programming skills will require hardware expert knowledge of the currently supported IBM zSeries type Processors and their associated HMC (Processor Interface), SYSPLEX, Coupling Facilities, OSA (Networking Interface), ICC (Integrated Console Controller), FICON (Fiber connectivity to peripheral devices), DASD Storage/Flash Copy and ATL/VTL Tape Storage, and Network Routers (Managing device setup and addressability).  

A detailed knowledge of the z/OS Operating System with hands on experience with the latest z/OS Versions and Release levels is expected. Operating Systems experience should include expert knowledge of and experience with: z/OS z/AWARE, BCP, JES2, IOCP, HCD, RMF, SMF, DFSMS, DFHSM, DFDSS, FDR, SDSF, DFSORT, SMPE, TSO, CA-MIMS, ISPF/PDF, RACF, SVC Dumps, OMEGAMON, TMON, VTAM/SNA, TCP/IP, OSPF (TCP/IP Routing Protocol), VIPA, and FTP (File Transfer z/OS). Expert knowledge and experience with the following File Formats is required: PS, PO, PDS, PDS/E, z/FS and VSAM/E). Mainframe Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery with periodic DR testing experience is required.      


The following software experience will be a plus: Assembler, REXX, COBOL, PL1, XML, SAS, MXG, HTML, CRplus, BMC's CONTROL-M, CICS/TS, IMS and DB2. Additionally, UNIX, and/or Linux experience would also be a plus.     

The Sr. Systems Programmer position requires a minimum of 10 to 15 years in Data Processing, with 8 of those years in z/OS Systems Programming. Employment history should show Job responsibility within large zSeries environments.

Additional Information

Additional Information : 

- "All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines".

 - All candidates who are authorized to work in US are encouraged to apply. 

- Most of our positions require Candidate to clear the Background check prior to commencing the assignment. 

THIRD PARTY CANDIDATES:

Email your candidate/s resume to pete dot tylor at idealforce.com along with the following details: Rate, Current location and Availability.

Disclaimer : The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.


Idealforce logo

About Idealforce

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Idealforce is a reputable company headquartered in Austin, TX, United States, that operates within the dynamic technology industry. As indicated by the information derived from its official website, idealforce.com, the company's specialization lies in providing innovative technology solutions and digital services for various business operations. Founded on the principles of excellence, efficiency, and progressive technology, Idealforce has significantly contributed toward shifting the business landscape to a more digital realm.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US

Year founded

2008

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