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Operating Systems Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

z/os systems programmer

Clemson, SC · On-site

$46.50 - $59.25/hr

Responsible for the for the analysts, development, modification, installation, testing and maintenance of operating systems software. Possesses a strong understanding of systems programming ...

MAINFRAME**SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER** ANNUAL BONUS PROGRAM! HYBRID WORK/MUST WORK ON SITE 2X WEEK ... ARCHITECT, INSTALL, UPGRADE, TUNE THE Z/OS OPERATING SYSTEM ( MAINFRAME ) FOR A GLOBAL (24X7 ...

z/OS SENIOR LEVEL SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER-ARCHITECT Z/OS MAINFRAME SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER ANNUAL BONUS ... ARCHITECT, INSTALL, UPGRADE, TUNE THE Z/OS OPERATING SYSTEM ( MAINFRAME ) FOR A GLOBAL (24X7 ...

z/OS SENIOR LEVEL SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER-ARCHITECT Z/OS MAINFRAME SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER ANNUAL BONUS ... ARCHITECT, INSTALL, UPGRADE, TUNE THE Z/OS OPERATING SYSTEM ( MAINFRAME ) FOR A GLOBAL (24X7 ...

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Operating Systems Programmer information

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How much do operating systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 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Programmers often encounter the challenge of maintaining and updating legacy systems, which can involve working with outdated programming languages, limited documentation, and hardware constraints.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:
Infographic showing various Operating Systems Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $132,000 per year, or $63.5 per hour.
Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer
Downey, CA
12+ months
Position Description:
The Senior Systems Programmer for Legacy Systems, for maintenance and support of Z/OS systems, is responsible for planning and upgrading the systems on a County-established basis, verifying the health of all systems, and making necessary changes as required. This includes analyzing the issues reported by development teams making necessary recommendations; planning and designing systems architecture; working with customers to test applications post-upgrade; ensuring software is compatible with operating systems; upgrading hardware in a timely manner with minimum downtime windows; evaluating new application software technologies; and/or ensuring that relevant security products are patched on a regular basis. The Senior Systems Programmer for Legacy Systems, for development of operating systems, is responsible for analyzing systems requirements, risks and costs; evaluating, selecting, verifying and validating systems software environments; evaluating, selecting and installing compilers, assemblers and utilities; integrating hardware and software components within systems environments; monitoring and fine-tuning performance of systems environments; evaluating new systems engineering technologies and subsequent effects on operating environments; and/or ensuring that information security/information assurance policies, principles and practices are integral elements of operating environments.
Skills Required:
A Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex IT infrastructure, modification, installation, testing, implementation, maintenance and enhancements of new or existing system software products. This classification must plan, install, configure, test, implement and manage core system software products in support of the County's IT architecture and business needs. Special organizational or functional industry position titles for systems programmer include, but are not limited to, Z/OS System Administrator, MVS Systems Administrator, CICS/IMS/DB2/ADABAS Systems Programmer, and Z/OS Network and Storage Administrator. The following technology skill sets are required to perform in this classification -IBM: Z/OS, IMS, DB2, ADABAS, SMP/E, JCL, IMS DB/DC, CICS, ACF2, ASSEMBLER/ COBOL/ REXX, CONTROL-M, VTAM, TCPIP, NETVIEW, NATURAL/ SUPERNAT, ENTIREX, CA SPOOL, IMS & DB2 BMC Tools, HMC/HOD/IODF, VTS.
This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in Z/OS Systems programming, with at least four (4) years of that experience in a lead role.
This classification requires the possession of a bachelor's degree in an IT-related or engineering field.
Regards
Naresh Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies, Inc
E: naresh.d@wati.com D: 279-666-5838
Serving government agencies for 22 Years
www.wati.com