1

Operating System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

... operating systems, directory services, identity management, access management, and automation. * Engineering experience in one or more of the following 3 disciplines: * Core Systems (Active Directory ...

Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems like Linux and Windows Server, virtualization technologies such as VMware or ...

Sr. System Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Experience working with Operating System Configuration/Administration (Windows/Linux) * Must ... Programming / Scripting languages (a plus) * TCP/IP networking - Window Server 2016 (a plus)

A Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science or IT. • Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems ...

System Engineer

King George, VA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Install, configure, and maintain Linux (primarily RHEL and Ubuntu) and Windows operating systems ... Programming or development experience. * VMware or IaaS certifications. * Containerization ...

... cards Operating systems: Experience using communicating and troubleshooting systems using Linux ... RF Engineering - At least 10 years of experience on microwave systems, microwave collection ...

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 LOCATION Honolulu, HI 96815 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

System Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

System Engineer LOCATION San Antonio, TX 78208 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

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 LOCATION Aurora, CO 80014 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

System Engineer LOCATION Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

... • Provide Operating System technical and break/fix level support • shell scripting and ... engineering experience "" " """Broad knowledge of the following: • IBM Power servers • DB2 ...

Showing results 21-40

Operating System Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 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.
More about Operating System Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Operating System Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Operating System Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 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 $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description

Athenix Solutions Group is looking for a Systems Engineer in Northern Virginia for a variety of roles to apply system engineering fundamentals to the development, testing, deployment, maintenance, operation, sustainment, and disposition of systems assisting in the defense of our nation. We have roles that focus in on a specific portion of the system development lifecycle, and others that span the entire process. 


Do you have skills and experience in some of the following areas? 

  • Understanding of or background in end-to-end Signals Intelligence or Cyberspace workflows 
  • Requirements development and management 
  • Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line interface (bash, ssh, etc)  
  • Using Information management tools such as SharePoint or Confluence. 
  • Working knowledge of a variety of software development principles and languages (Python, C++, Java, etc) 
  • Development of system architectural drawings using DODAF framework or similar 
  • Presenting information in writing and verbally explaining complex topics and ideas to a variety of audiences from development teams to senior leadership 
  • Understanding of dataflows and familiarity with tools such as Apache Niagra Files 

If so, we have an exciting job waiting for you! 

Requirements

  • Active Clearance: TS/SCI with Polygraph?is required
  • Education: Positions available no matter where you are in your career!
  • Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience
  • Mid-Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 12 years of relevant experience
  • Senior Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 20 years of relevant experience 

Note: A Master's degree in engineering or relevant field can be used to substitute for 4 years of experience

Note: 5 years experience can also replace the degree requirement in most cases 

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.