The Ultimate Guide on How to Hire Systems Engineers

Systems engineers are critical in designing, implementing and maintaining complex systems. With rapid and consistent technological advancements, the demand for skilled systems engineers continues to grow, making the hiring process competitive and challenging. Zippia projects the job growth rate for systems engineers to be 21% from 2018-2028, with an estimated 284,100 new jobs over the next decade.

This article provides an overview of best practices for the systems engineer recruitment process. It offers practical, actionable advice for employers and recruiters, highlighting strategies to attract top talent, evaluate candidates effectively and create an inclusive hiring process.

Why Hire a Systems Engineer

Systems engineers help businesses design systems that can generate new customers and clients and improve overall business efficiency. Organizations need to hire systems engineers because:

• Systems engineers can evaluate an organization’s needs and develop systems to improve operations. 
• They collaborate with other engineers and project managers to create step-by-step processes for immediate and long-term needs. 
• They can help companies secure new customers and improve business efficiency. 
• They can design, develop and integrate complex work systems for every stage of a project life cycle. 
• They can ensure the delivery of mission-critical infrastructure with a focus on accessibility, optimization and security. 
• They can help advance 21st-century technology, contributing to human and societal well-being. 
• They can play a vital role in solving socioeconomic and physical environment challenges and address issues related to globalization, population growth, security, environmental change and sustainability.

Cost of Hiring a Systems Engineer

The cost of hiring a systems engineer can vary depending on location, experience, company size, seniority and certifications. However, the average costs of hiring a systems engineer are:

• Contract or per-project hires typically cost between $29 and $52 an hour.
• The average total pay for a systems engineer in the United States is $113,646 annually.
• The average base salary is $123,330 per year, with an estimated additional pay of $14,789 per year.
• Entry-level systems engineers (less than one year of experience) can expect a starting salary of $89,989 annually.
• Experienced systems engineers (5 #43; years) can earn up to $157,414 per year.

How to Find a Systems Engineer

Here are a few strategies organizations can use for finding systems engineers: 

• Utilize specialized job platforms and professional networks such as LinkedIn, Obsidi and other reputable job boards. 
• Attend industry conferences and diversity-focused events.
• Partner with universities and technical schools.
• Leverage employee referrals.
• Consider remote hiring to access a global talent pool.
• Leverage AI recruiter technology to find top talent.
• Utilize proactive outreach strategies for passive candidates.

How to Hire Systems Engineers

Here is a step-by-step process for hiring systems engineers:

1. Identify your requirements and determine if you need to hire a full-time, part-time or contract employee. 
2. Create an ideal candidate profile outlining all essential skills you require and the specific responsibilities for this role. 
3. Develop a competitive compensation package.
4. Write a compelling job description that includes a summary of the role, responsibilities, required skills and experience and a salary range. 
5. Post the job on relevant platforms, and use an inclusive hiring process to attract diverse candidates. 
6. Screen resumes and applications to shortlist candidates who would be a good fit for your organization. 
7. Perform technical assessments using tools specifically designed for systems engineers.
8. Conduct in-depth interviews to assess a candidate’s suitability and ability to work on cross-functional teams.
9. Check references and verify other important details.
10. Make a job offer once you’ve found the right candidate and include salary and other important details. Be ready to negotiate and formalize the agreement when you finalize it. 
11. Onboard the new hire, complete the necessary paperwork and create an onboarding schedule.

Tips to Hire a Systems Engineer

Here are some tips for attracting and securing top talent in systems engineering: 

• Understand the specific systems engineering needs of your organization.
• Look for candidates with a mix of technical skills and soft skills.
• Consider cultural fit and alignment with company values.
• Offer competitive salaries and benefits packages.
• Highlight opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Streamline your hiring process to avoid losing top candidates.
• Implement skills-based hiring methods to reduce bias.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive hiring process and work environment. 
• Leverage employee referrals for diverse candidates.
• Adopt flexible working arrangements.
• Enhance onboarding processes to ensure new hires’ success.

Job Requirements, Skills and Qualifications for a Systems Engineer

Key job requirements for systems engineers include:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or related field
• Proven experience in systems engineering or software development
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., C #43; #43;, Java, Python)
• Knowledge of systems design, architecture and integration
• Experience with cloud technologies and containerization
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies
• Understanding of DevOps principles and tools
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, SysML)
• Knowledge of configuration management and project management tools
• Familiarity with verification and validation processes

A good systems engineer should not only have excellent technical skills but also critical soft skills such as:

• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Communication and collaboration
• Adaptability and continuous learning
• Excellent teamwork abilities

Create a Job Description

It’s important to create a compelling job description to attract the best candidates. An effective job description should include: 

• Clear and concise job title
• Company overview
• Summary of the role 
• Key responsibilities
• Required qualifications and skills
• Information about the work environment and culture
• Salary range and benefits 

Interviewing Systems Engineer Candidates

When interviewing shortlisted candidates, creating a positive candidate experience is important. A well-structured interview is typically more effective. Include a mix of behavioral and technical questions. During the interview, hiring managers should try to assess the candidate’s problem-solving skills through real-world scenarios. In addition, they should evaluate the candidate’s communication skills and teamwork abilities. Interviewers should allow candidates to ask questions about the role and company. Since this is a highly technical role, interviewers should use technical assessment tools specifically designed for systems engineers to evaluate their skills. 

Deciding and Making an Offer

Systems engineering is a competitive field, and moving quickly to secure top talent is important. When you have found the best candidate, create an attractive and competitive offer package and extend the offer verbally and in writing. Be ready to negotiate. Make it a point to communicate the potential for growth and leadership within the organization, and highlight your company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most In-Demand Certifications for Systems Engineers in 2024?

The most in-demand certifications for systems engineers include Associate Systems Engineering Professional, Expert Systems Engineering Professional, Certified Enterprise Architect and Certified Systems Engineering Professional.

For effective strategies to attract qualifed systems engineers, evaluate candidates and create an inclusive hiring process, please contact our hiring team today.