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What does an operating system programmer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
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Operating system programmer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real operating system programmer resumes:

  • Develop daily automate process to down data from UNIX box to Novell server.
  • Achieve improved efficiency and cost reduction goals through efforts and expertise provide in multiple LPAR eliminations and data center consolidations.
  • Used SAS computer language to merge large databases and samples to optimize cooperative database response rates.
  • Produce PDF, RTF and HTML files using SAS/ODS.
  • Program laser for part cutting.
  • Encode all daily man-hours to payroll system.
  • Design and develop batch applications through COBOL and system utilities.
  • Process and provide support to employee payroll and account systems.
  • Prepare and operate a waterjet to process/produce a high quality product.
  • Level waterjet tank every time it's clean or if need.
  • Create and modify RPG software procedures and programs on IBM System38.
  • Develop the premium, agent commission, and annuity programs in COBOL.
  • Programme and operate the Fanuc EDM's as well as maintaining them.
  • Utilize precision tools and measuring devices (micrometers, calipers, etc . )
  • Create sub file screens, and RPG reports for accounting, and tax departments.

Operating system programmer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Operating System Programmers are proficient in CNC, Technical Support, and Calipers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Troubleshooting skills, and Analytical skills.

We break down the percentage of Operating System Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • CNC, 11%

    Operate and troubleshoot 2d-3d programs in order to work in the CNC 4 axis Repair CNC mechanical problems and computer issues

  • Technical Support, 6%

    Provide troubleshooting support on limited scale to all levels of technical support teams (Tiers I II and III).

  • Calipers, 6%

    Utilized precision tools and measuring devices (micrometers, calipers, etc.)

  • Mainframe, 5%

    Established disaster recovery procedures and documented custom mainframe tools for faculty members to use without assistance.

  • PC, 5%

    Performed all departmental hardware/software installations, PC configurations, and software training and support.

  • OS, 5%

    Worked directly with hardware components, building the servers, installing the OS and support stack and deploying them into production.

"cnc," "technical support," and "calipers" are among the most common skills that operating system programmers use at work. You can find even more operating system programmer responsibilities below, including:

Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for an operating system programmer to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what operating system programmers do because "computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program." Additionally, an operating system programmer resume shows how operating system programmers use detail oriented: "create detailed engineering drawings for manufacture. "

Troubleshooting skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling operating system programmer duties is troubleshooting skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "an important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find." According to an operating system programmer resume, here's how operating system programmers can utilize troubleshooting skills in their job responsibilities: "produced high-quality parts for various international manufacturers developed programs and set-ups for wire edms utilized essential software and mechanical troubleshooting techniques"

Analytical skills. operating system programmers are also known for analytical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to operating system programmer responsibilities, because "computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code." An operating system programmer resume example shows how analytical skills is used in the workplace: "provided support for two system 38 machines, including uploading data and ensuring that the backup ran every night. "

All operating system programmer skills

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Compare different operating system programmers

Operating system programmer vs. Mainframe developer

A mainframe developer specializes in designing and developing information technology systems. Their responsibilities include performing system installations and modifications, creating test structures, gathering and analyzing data, conducting risk assessments, providing support for project requirements, and implementing plans such as disaster recovery and interface layout. They may also investigate client feedback, troubleshoot issues, and perform systems repairs as needed. Furthermore, as a mainframe developer, it is essential to maintain regular maintenance checks, providing technical support and guidelines to company employees.

The annual salary of mainframe developers is $15,358 higher than the average salary of operating system programmers.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both operating system programmer and mainframe developer positions are skilled in sas, z os, and windows.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between operating system programmers and mainframe developer. For instance, operating system programmer responsibilities require skills such as "cnc," "technical support," "calipers," and "mainframe." Whereas a mainframe developer is skilled in "sql," "vsam," "java," and "cobol ii." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Mainframe developers tend to make the most money working in the insurance industry, where they earn an average salary of $96,137. In contrast, operating system programmers make the biggest average salary, $92,226, in the energy industry.The education levels that mainframe developers earn slightly differ from operating system programmers. In particular, mainframe developers are 9.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an operating system programmer. Additionally, they're 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Operating system programmer vs. Sap/abap developer

An SAP/ABAP developer is responsible for designing and creating software programs and applications through the SAP and ABAP programming codes. They conduct multiple diagnostic tests for newly-created and existing applications to ensure adherence to quality standards and requirements. They also provide technical resolution to end-users for their system issues and upgrade infrastructure to prevent the reoccurrence of downtimes and system failures. An SAP/ABAP developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in evaluating features for smooth navigation and operations.

Sap/abap developer positions earn higher pay than operating system programmer roles. They earn a $28,888 higher salary than operating system programmers per year.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real operating system programmer resumes. While operating system programmer responsibilities can utilize skills like "cnc," "technical support," "calipers," and "mainframe," sap/abap developers use skills like "java," "sap abap," "sap hana," and "sql."

Sap/abap developers may earn a higher salary than operating system programmers, but sap/abap developers earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $110,167. On the other hand, operating system programmers receive higher pay in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $92,226.sap/abap developers earn higher levels of education than operating system programmers in general. They're 16.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Operating system programmer vs. Program development internship

A Program Development Intern helps to improve the quality of education in schools and other academic institutions. They work in order to gain work experience and satisfy the requirements for a qualification.

On average scale, program development interns bring in lower salaries than operating system programmers. In fact, they earn a $41,858 lower salary per year.By looking over several operating system programmers and program development interns resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "sas," "html," and "c #." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an operating system programmer is likely to be skilled in "cnc," "technical support," "calipers," and "mainframe," while a typical program development internship is skilled in "java," "customer service," "professional development," and "html css."

Program development interns earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $40,028. Operating system programmers earn the highest pay from the energy industry, with an average salary of $92,226.Most program development interns achieve a higher degree level compared to operating system programmers. For example, they're 9.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Operating system programmer vs. Program developer

A software developer is mostly responsible for the development, implementation, and design of new or modified software products or current business projects. They typically work within the IT department of a company and will be involved in coordinating with the business analysts and development managers to guarantee software projects meet standard requirements. They do complex tasks from testing to evaluating new program design, modification of existing programs, and subsequently developing these modifications. In addition, deploying software tools, maintaining and upgrading existing systems are also part of their responsibilities.

Program developers typically earn lower pay than operating system programmers. On average, program developers earn a $795 lower salary per year.While both operating system programmers and program developers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like sql server, windows, and unix, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "cnc," "technical support," "calipers," and "mainframe" are skills that commonly show up on operating system programmer resumes. On the other hand, program developers use skills like development programs, community outreach, project management, and professional development on their resumes.In general, program developers hold higher degree levels compared to operating system programmers. Program developers are 14.9% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 2.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of operating system programmer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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