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Operating Systems Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

... the Mainframe Systems Programming team. Works closely with application support teams ... Install, configure, maintain, and support IBM z/OS operating systems and related system software in ...

As a z/OS (Z Operating System) Systems Programmer, you will work on Z Enterprise Systems and help build the most secure systems for US Government customers to deploy their mission critical ...

... the Mainframe Systems Programming team. Works closely with application support teams ... Install, configure, maintain, and support IBM z/OS operating systems and related system software in ...

As a z/OS (Z Operating System) Systems Programmer, you will work on Z Enterprise Systems and help build the most secure systems for US Government customers to deploy their mission critical ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

San Antonio, TX · On-site +1

$49.50 - $63/hr

This role requires a strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies. Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$49.50 - $63/hr

This role requires a strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies. Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

San Antonio, TX · On-site +1

$49.50 - $63.25/hr

This role requires a strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies. Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

Tampa, FL · On-site +1

$52 - $66.25/hr

This role requires a strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies. Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

Tampa, FL · On-site +1

$52 - $66.25/hr

This role requires a strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies. Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

Tampa, FL · On-site +1

$52 - $66.25/hr

This role requires a strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies. Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

Plano, TX · On-site +1

$52.75 - $67/hr

This role requires a strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies. Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

Charlotte, NC · On-site +1

$51 - $65/hr

This role requires a strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies. Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with ...

Showing results 21-40

Operating Systems Programmer information

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$63

How much do operating systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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 is an operating systems programmer?

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.

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 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 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.

More about Operating Systems Programmer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Operating Systems Programmer jobs?

For Operating Systems Programmer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Operating Systems Programmer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,000 per year, or $63.5 per hour.

Mainframe Systems Programmer II

Roy, UT • On-site

America First Credit Union
Finance and Insurance • 1 - 5K employees

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


America First Credit Union rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 154 rated financial services


Job description

Schedule

Mon - Fri Flex

Overview

Senior mainframe systems programmer who evaluates, installs, and configures hardware and software mainframe computing environments. Maintains hardware and software systems for integrity, security, performance, and capacity planning purposes. Participates in planning, implementing, and testing mainframe computing business continuity and disaster recovery plans. Communicates effectively with system users. Coordinates with management to implement mainframe computing objectives. Relies on experience, judgment, and initiative to plan and accomplish objectives. Works under general supervision – typically reports directly to a manager.

Responsibilities

1. Evaluates, installs, and configures hardware and software mainframe computing environments.

  • Assists with new hardware and software assessments and procurement.
  • Oversees mainframe hardware installation and configuration.
  • Installs and configures mainframe operating systems and application software on newly acquired hardware.
  • Maintains mainframe operating system and application software via patching and upgrades.
  • Resolves software-related problems for mainframe systems.
  • Ensures that systems operations are performed in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Documents systems procedures.

2. Maintains hardware and software systems for integrity, security, performance, and capacity planning purposes.

  • Monitors hardware/software configurations to ensure data integrity and system security.
  • Monitors hardware and software functionality and assists in failure resolution.
  • Performs capacity planning and reporting.
  • Documents hardware configurations.
  • Documents software configurations.

3. Participates in planning, implementing, and testing mainframe computing business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

  • Participates in evaluation and procurement of best-of-breed business continuity and disaster recovery software and hardware practices.
  • Participates in business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
  • Participates in business continuity and disaster recovery implementation.
  • Participates in business continuity and disaster recovery testing.

4. Communicates effectively with system users. Coordinates with management to implement operating systems goals and objectives.

  • Assists and supports Programming and Computer Operations personnel as needed.
  • Prepares reports of system activities, discussing changes and their ramifications.
  • Completes records and other required documents.
  • Attends and participates in meetings and committees as required.
  • Completes special projects as assigned.
  • Communicates information to users including reasons for problems, project status, and deadlines.
Qualifications

Training/Education/Certification:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required Knowledge:

  • Understanding of Credit Union operations and information needs.
  • Thorough understanding of programming and information systems.
  • Thorough knowledge of business software applications.

Experience Required:

  • 10+ year’s work experience in the development of complex mainframe computing environments or equivalent.
  • Extensive mainframe systems programming and application development experience.
  • Experience with Job Control Language (JCL) – a scripting language used on IBM mainframe operating systems to instruct the system on how to run batch jobs or start subsystems.
  • Experience with Rexx (Restructured Extended Executor) – an interpreted scripting and macro programming often used for processing data, text, and generating reports.
  • Experience with CLIST (Command List) – a procedural programming language for Time Sharing Option (TSO) in z/OS systems. A CLIST program is a simple list of commands to be executed in strict sequence.
  • Experience with ISPF Panel Dialogs (Interactive System Productivity Facility) – an interface to run tools on the underlying Time Sharing Option (TSO). Generally, these panels provide a convenient interface to do tasks, mostly to execute modules of IBM mainframe utility programs.
  • TCP/IP network administration experience.
  • IBM zSeries hardware experience.

Skills/Abilities:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Well-organized.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Ability to assist others.
  • Able to use PC and terminal keyboards, various computer hardware.
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