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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Woodridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

System Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68 - $75/hr

... such as Operating System, Data Base Administration, Storage Management, Operations/Coverage ... Systems Programming on Mainframes Strong working knowledge of DB2 for z/OS, Assembler and SMP/E ...

The System Engineer team is responsible for the optimization and performance of the system. As the ... Train and assist operators on overall system including automated adapters, vertical lifts ...

Z/OS Mainframe System Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Z/OS operating systems including JES2 * IBM Assembler Language programming * Parallel Sysplex clustering technology * Unix System Services (USS) * IPCS, SMP/E * TCP/IP / OSA / VTAM * WLM * IBM ...

DB2 Systems Engineer End Client: United Airlines Location: Houston TX or Chicago IL- hybrid onsite ... such as Operating System Data Base Administration Storage Management Operations/Coverage ...

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Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and software; development tools (e.g., assemblers, compilers, etc.). The Senior Systems Engineer work assignments involve moderately complex to ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and software; development tools (e.g., assemblers, compilers, etc.). The Senior Systems Engineer work assignments involve moderately complex to ...

Mainframe /DB2- ZOS Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

... such as Operating System, Data Base Administration, Storage Management, Operations/Coverage ... DB2 Systems Programming on IBM Mainframes • Strong working knowledge of DB2 for z/OS, IBM ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and software; development tools (e.g., assemblers, compilers, etc.). The Senior Systems Engineer work assignments involve moderately complex to ...

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Operating System Engineer information

See Woodridge, IL salary details

$53K

$126.1K

$165.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Woodridge, IL is $126,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $155,700.00 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 Woodridge, IL? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Woodridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Woodridge, IL are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities near Woodridge, IL with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
System Engineer

System Engineer

Collabera

Chicago, IL • On-site

$68 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Details: Job Title: Mainframe Programming Analyst Contract: 3 months Location: Chicago, IL - 60606 Pay Range: $68/hr - $75/hr Job overview and responsibilities: DB2 Systems professional responsible for DB2 for z/OS and associated ISV products. This is a key position within the Mainframe Engineering team in Business Operations Services. Responsibilities include software installation, system tuning, monitoring of system performance, capacity planning, problem analysis and resolution, and interface with vendor support.

The position will require significant interaction with Business Users and Application Development team in addition to working with other Mainframe support groups such as Operating System, Data Base Administration, Storage Management, Operations/Coverage, Information Security, and Job Scheduling. Support & System Maintenance: Support the Infrastructure and DB2 Data Repository on the Mainframe for critical Tier 1 application systems: Peoplesoft (HR/Payroll), Engine Maintenance, Reservation Centers, Employee Travel Management Provide 24/7/365 on-call support Responsible for keeping DB2 and all associated ISV products at current supported levels Provide testing support and product verification for DB2 and DB2 related software on all system upgrade (Operating System, Software Products, Hardware Replacement) Consultation & Collaboration: Provide consultation services to Business users and Application Development teams related to accessing business data stored on the Mainframe Significant interaction with other Mainframe support groups such as Operating System, Data Base Administration, Operations/Coverage, Resource Management, Information Security, Job Scheduling to support ongoing operations Qualifications - External What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications): 3+ years of experience in DB2 Systems Programming on Mainframes Strong working knowledge of DB2 for z/OS, Assembler and SMP/E Experience with installing, maintaining, monitoring/tuning DB2 and ISV products The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid parking/public transportation, paid time off, paid sick and safe time, hours of paid vacation time, weeks of paid parental leave, and paid holidays annually – as applicable.