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Operating System Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

Experience of VxWorks or other real-time operating systems Programming experience in C/C++ required; C# is highly desirable Experience with National Instruments Labview, Matlab and other simulation ...

This role spans hands-on systems engineering up through strategic technical leadership and team ... Define and evolve the embedded operating system architecture and platform strategy across the ...

Operating System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

This role spans hands-on systems engineering up through strategic technical leadership and team ... Define and evolve the embedded operating system architecture and platform strategy across the ...

... operating systemsProgramming experience in C/C++ required; C# is highly desirable • Experience with National Instruments Labview, Matlab and other simulation tools desirable • Ability to ...

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... operating systems • Solid background in mechanical a must • Good communication skills ...

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... operating systems • Solid background in mechanical a must • Good communication skills ...

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... operating systems • Solid background in mechanical a must • Good communication skills ...

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... operating systems • Solid background in mechanical a must • Good communication skills ...

Junior System Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Troubleshoot hardware, firmware, and operating system issues across server and cluster environments. * Collaborate with engineering teams to define system specifications and evaluate the interface ...

Junior System Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Troubleshoot hardware, firmware, and operating system issues across server and cluster environments. * Collaborate with engineering teams to define system specifications and evaluate the interface ...

Junior System Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Troubleshoot hardware, firmware, and operating system issues across server and cluster environments. * Collaborate with engineering teams to define system specifications and evaluate the interface ...

Sr. System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $165/hr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... Linux operating system level benchmarking, validation, testing, driver and software stack testing ...

New

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$95K - $112K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... Conduct functional and compatibility testing on various operating systems such as Linux and Windows

... operating systems, device drivers, and system programming. • Good working knowledge or experience in GPU architecture and CUDA programming. • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to ...

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K - $138K/yr

Job Summary: The Product Engineer position provides an extraordinary opportunity support our ... Linux operating systems • Solid background in mechanical a must • Experience in ProE, CAD ...

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K - $138K/yr

Job Summary: The Product Engineer position provides an extraordinary opportunity support our ... Linux operating systems • Solid background in mechanical a must • Experience in ProE, CAD ...

Knowledge of operating systems, device drivers, and system programming. * Good working knowledge or experience in GPU architecture and CUDA programming * Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ...

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Operating System Engineer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$62.7K

$149.1K

$195.7K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in San Jose, CA is $149,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,900.00 and $184,000.00 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 San Jose, CA? For Operating System Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA are:
What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in San Jose, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,061 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

System Engineer

Infotech Spectrum

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Greetings from InfoTech Spectrum.!!!

InfoTech Spectrum delivers comprehensive fully integrated creative IT solutions ranging from IT consulting services to advanced technology deployment and product development

Job Description

Role : System Engineer

Location : Sunnyvale, CA (Need Locals)

Duration : 6+ Months

Job Description:

Experience developing and programming of control systems for complex hardware systems

Experience in programming real-time motion control systems highly desirable.

Experience of VxWorks or other real-time operating systems

Programming experience in C/C++ required; C# is highly desirable

Experience with National Instruments Labview, Matlab and other simulation tools desirable

Ability to write documents that describe requirements, specifications, design, and test specifications.

Experience with MRI and/or radio-therapy applications desirable

Familiarity with medical device hazard analysis and design of mitigations for risk highly desirable

Ability to multi-task in a fast moving environment

Additional Information

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