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Operating System Engineer Jobs in St Louis, MO (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Scott Air Force Base, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a System Engineer to support an IT Service Management ... Installing, configuring, testing, and maintaining operating systems, application software and ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Scott Air Force Base, IL

$40K - $80K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a System Engineer to support an IT Service Management ... Installing, configuring, testing, and maintaining operating systems, application software and ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in St. Louis, MO

Operating System Engineer information

See St Louis, MO salary details

$52K

$123.7K

$162.4K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in St. Louis, MO is $123,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,300.00 and $152,600.00 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 St. Louis, MO?

For Operating System Engineer jobs in St. Louis, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in St. Louis, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in St. Louis, MO are:

What cities near St. Louis, MO are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs?

Cities near St. Louis, MO with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:

Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in St. Louis, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,682 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

System Engineer (Unix)

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Scott Air Force Base, IL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Company Overview
By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.
Position Overview
By Light is supporting the Managed Information Technology Service (MITS) Enterprise Support Managed Services effort for the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). The USTC Managed Information Technology Services (MITS) contract is intended to provide strategic, technical, and program management guidance and support services to facilitate the operations and modernization of the combatant command's infrastructure, systems, and applications. This support will be provided to the USTC Command, Control, Communications & Cyber Systems Directorate (TCJ6).
The successful candidate will perform systems engineering work to maintain, configure, and reliably operate network servers, server virtualization systems, laptops, desktops, VDI, and supporting software/hardware.
This position is for Monday through Friday, normal business hours. However, employee may be required to provide after-hours and weekend support during planned or emergency events.
Responsibilities
  • Managing and monitoring all installed systems and infrastructure
  • Installing, configuring, testing, and maintaining operating systems, application software and system management tools
  • Proactively ensure the highest levels of systems and infrastructure availability
  • Monitor and test application performance for potential bottlenecks, identify possible solutions, and work with developers to implement those fixes
  • Maintain security, backup, and redundancy strategies
  • Participate in the design of information and operational support systems
  • Provide 2nd and 3rd level support
  • Liaise with vendors and other IT personnel for problem resolution
  • System vulnerability remediation and reporting.
  • System configuration and compliance
  • Proven working experience in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting UNIX/Linux/RedHat based environments.

Required Experience/Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and ten (10) years or more experience
  • One of these IAT Level II certifications: CompTIA Security + CE, CECCNA-Security, CySA+ **, GICSP, GSEC, CND, SSCP
  • A Computing Environment (CE) certification or certificate for the technical area of responsibility in either Network support/defense (e.g., Splunk, Cisco, McAfee, etc.) OR (e.g., Microsoft, Linux, Solaris, etc.)
  • Must possess competencies in installation, service design, and support in an environment that uses Microsoft Windows Server 2012/2016.
  • Experience with Azure or AWS Cloud Environments.
  • Experience with Linux.
  • Experience with production environments.
  • Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Must be available to participate in on-call work on a reoccurring basis.
  • Solid troubleshooting skills and demonstrated ability of end-to-end problem management and ownership.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of authentication functions and protocols such as LDAP, Kerberos, and Active Directory.
  • Conceptual knowledge of Storage systems (SAN/NAS).
  • Any of the following IT certifications are also desirable for this position: MCP, CompTIA A+ / Network+ / Security+, AWS, Azure.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Master's degree
  • ITILv4 Foundations certification
  • One of the IAM Level II certifications: CAP, CASP+ CE, CISM, CISSP (or Associate), GSLC, CCISO, HCISPP

Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • DoD Secret clearance or higher; TS/SCI preferred

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