ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operating Systems Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prophecy Technologies

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$53 - $67.25/hr

This role requires strong expertise in mainframe operating systems, hardware, system automation ... Strong systems programming experience in a mainframe environment * In-depth knowledge of z/OS and z ...

Reqroute, Inc

Be Seen First

z/OS Systems Programmer

Charlotte, NC · Remote

$50 - $55/hr

Job Title: z/OS Systems Programmer Location: Charlotte, NC 28262- Hybrid/Onsite Contract Type: only ... Requires full understanding of the z/VM and z/OS operating systems and their components. · For z ...

MyFlorida

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER II

Tallahassee, FL

$62K/yr

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER II Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 70024198 Salary: $62,682.88 ... Provides tier 2 and 3 technical supports for Windows-based server operating systems and within the ...

MyFlorida

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER II

Tallahassee, FL

$62K/yr

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER II Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 70024198 Salary: $62,682.88 ... Provides tier 2 and 3 technical supports for Windows-based server operating systems and within the ...

State of Florida

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER II

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$62K/yr

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER II Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 70024198 Salary: $62,682.88 ... Provides tier 2 and 3 technical supports for Windows-based server operating systems and within the ...

MyFlorida

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER II

Tallahassee, FL

$62K/yr

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER II Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 70024198 Salary: $62,682.88 ... Provides tier 2 and 3 technical supports for Windows-based server operating systems and within the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperating Systems Programmer Jobs

Operating Systems Programmer information

See salary details

$5

$63

How much do operating systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating systems programmer in the United States is $63.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63.46 and $63.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Systems Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Systems Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C and C++, a solid understanding of computer architecture, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), debugging tools, and experience with Unix/Linux or Windows kernel development are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving are critical soft skills for diagnosing and resolving complex system-level issues. These skills ensure the reliability, efficiency, and security of operating systems that form the foundation for all computer applications.

What are some common challenges faced by Operating Systems Programmers in maintaining and updating legacy systems?

Operating Systems Programmers often encounter the challenge of maintaining and updating legacy systems, which can involve working with outdated programming languages, limited documentation, and hardware constraints. Adapting legacy code to integrate with modern technologies while ensuring system stability and security requires both technical expertise and creative problem-solving. Collaboration with hardware engineers and application developers is often necessary to address compatibility issues and deliver seamless updates. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and emerging OS trends helps programmers anticipate and address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Operating Systems Programmer vs Device Driver Developer?

AspectOperating Systems ProgrammerDevice Driver Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; programming skills in C/C++Bachelor's in Computer Engineering or related; expertise in hardware interfaces and C/C++
Work EnvironmentDevelops core OS components, often in a system programming environmentCreates and maintains hardware-specific drivers, often within OS or hardware teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by OS vendors, tech companies, and embedded systemsUsed by hardware manufacturers, OS vendors, and embedded systems

Both roles require strong programming skills in C/C++, but Operating Systems Programmers focus on core OS development, while Device Driver Developers specialize in hardware interface software. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus within the system architecture.

What are Operating Systems Programmers?

Operating Systems Programmers are specialized software engineers who design, develop, maintain, and optimize operating systems such as Windows, Linux, or macOS. Their work involves writing low-level code that manages hardware resources, handles system processes, and provides a platform for application software to run efficiently. They often work with programming languages like C, C++, and assembly, and need a deep understanding of computer architecture and system-level programming. Their role is crucial in ensuring the stability, security, and performance of computers and devices.
More about Operating Systems Programmer jobs
What states have the most Operating Systems Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Operating Systems Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Operating Systems Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Systems Programmer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Operating Systems Programmer jobs? For Operating Systems Programmer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Operating Systems Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Systems Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,000 per year, or $63.5 per hour.
Systems Programmer III/Remote

Systems Programmer III/Remote

Apetan Consulting llc

Jersey City, NJ • Remote

Contractor

Posted yesterday

Job description

Systems Programmer IIIPosition Summary

The Systems Programmer III is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and supporting system-level software, operating systems, middleware, and infrastructure components. This role works independently on complex technical assignments, troubleshoots system issues, and contributes to system architecture and performance improvements.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance system software and infrastructure components.
  • Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex system and application issues.
  • Monitor system performance and implement optimization solutions.
  • Support operating systems, middleware, databases, and related platform technologies.
  • Design and implement automation scripts and tools to improve operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with software developers, system administrators, and infrastructure teams.
  • Perform system upgrades, patches, and configuration management activities.
  • Ensure system security, reliability, availability, and compliance with organizational standards.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and system diagrams.
  • Participate in disaster recovery planning, testing, and implementation.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 5–8 years of experience in systems programming, infrastructure engineering, or related technical roles.
  • Strong knowledge of operating systems such as Linux, Unix, Windows Server, or mainframe environments.
  • Experience with scripting and programming languages (e.g., Python, Shell, PowerShell, C/C++, Java).
  • Knowledge of system performance tuning, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with networking concepts, security practices, and automation tools.
  • Experience with version control systems and software development lifecycle practices.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with cloud platforms and virtualization technologies.
  • Knowledge of DevOps tools and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Relevant industry certifications.
  • Experience working in enterprise-scale environments.