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Operating System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cymertek

System Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

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 ...

Diverse Lynx

Linux System Engineer

Addison, IL

$60 - $70/hr

Plano, TX/Hybrid Linux System Engineer Experience Required - 10+ Yrs Responsibilities: * Install ... Apply patches and upgrades to operating systems and system components. * Troubleshoot system ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

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 ...

Athenix Solutions Group

System Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$112K - $275K/yr

... engineering fundamentals to the development, testing, deployment, maintenance, operation ... Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ...

Apex Informatics

System Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

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

Cymertek

System Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Accelint

Senior System Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

We build the technologies that help operators and organizations see what's happening, make faster ... We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to support systems and system-of-systems engineering ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Burke, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Springfield, VA

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

Leidos

System Engineer

Merrifield, VA

$107K - $195K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

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Operating System Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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 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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs are:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
System Engineer

System Engineer

Athenix Cyber & SIGINT Solutions, LLC

Annapolis Junction, MD

$112K - $275K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description

Athenix Solutions Group is looking for professionals in 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!
  • Entry Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and no or minimal experience (Note: even without a degree, 4 years of relevant experience can qualify you for this level)
  • 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.

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