How to hire a computer systems engineer

How to hire a computer systems engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer systems engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a computer systems engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer systems engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a computer systems engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a computer systems engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A computer systems engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, computer systems engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of computer systems engineers.

   Type of Computer Systems Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Systems Engineer	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$28-47
   Systems Analyst	A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes... Show more	$27-46
   Systems Support	A systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables... Show more	$21-42

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Computer System
   • Python
   • C++
   • Linux
   • Java
   • SAN
   • Troubleshoot
   • Unix
   • Customer Service
   • DOD
   • VMware
   • Visualization
   • System Administration
   • Virtualization

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage SQL and FoxPro databases.
   • Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
   • Maintain PC and UNIX hardware and operating systems and function as a UNIX administrator.
   • Design and implement a 100Base-T network and T1 DSU/CSU connection, replacing an archaic token ring LAN infrastructure.
   • Lead the team that develop standards and data deployment architecture.
   • Lead a team of programmers, mainframe coding on business ordering systems.

   More computer systems engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the computer systems engineer job description is a good way to get more applicants. A computer systems engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a computer systems engineer in South Carolina may be lower than in Maryland, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level computer systems engineer. Additionally, a computer systems engineer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average computer systems engineer salary

   $76,534yearly

   $36.80 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer systems engineer salary

   $59,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average computer systems engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$87,719	$42
   2	Washington	$82,702	$40
   3	Delaware	$81,225	$39
   4	New York	$78,973	$38
   5	New Jersey	$77,437	$37
   6	Connecticut	$76,809	$37
   7	Pennsylvania	$74,441	$36
   8	Illinois	$74,343	$36
   9	Arizona	$73,389	$35
   10	Texas	$72,169	$35
   11	North Carolina	$71,588	$34
   12	Ohio	$71,379	$34
   13	Georgia	$70,671	$34
   14	Michigan	$70,462	$34
   15	Florida	$67,485	$32
   16	Colorado	$66,591	$32

   Average computer systems engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Google	$123,863	$59.55	166
   2	NVIDIA	$119,593	$57.50	43
   3	Apple	$119,550	$57.48	225
   4	Mapbox	$115,885	$55.71
   5	JPMorgan Chase & Co.	$115,868	$55.71	87
   6	Slalom	$113,424	$54.53	52
   7	Box	$113,100	$54.38	9
   8	Microsoft	$112,905	$54.28	110
   9	Parsons	$111,780	$53.74	85
   10	Genentech	$108,914	$52.36	10
   11	Barclays	$108,601	$52.21	2
   12	Dell	$106,973	$51.43	11
   13	Juniper Networks	$106,325	$51.12
   14	Cirrus Logic	$105,164	$50.56	3
   15	Dolby Laboratories	$104,395	$50.19	1
   16	HP	$103,988	$49.99	3
   17	DataStax	$103,236	$49.63
   18	Oracle	$102,712	$49.38	2,586
   19	Yahoo	$102,209	$49.14
   20	General Motors	$100,208	$48.18	188

4. Writing a computer systems engineer job description

   A computer systems engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a computer systems engineer job description:

   Computer systems engineer job description example

   Quantum Research International, Inc. (Quantum) is a certified DoD Contractor providing services and products to US/Allied governments and industry in the following main areas: (1) Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing Systems, Cloud Services and Systems; (2) Space and Ground Support Systems; (3) Aviation Systems; (4) Missile Systems; (5) Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning Systems and Experimentation/Training; and (6) Audio Visual Systems and Services. Quantum's Corporate Office is in Huntsville, AL, but Quantum actively hires for positions nationwide and internationally. We pride ourselves on providing high quality support to the U.S. Government and our Nation's Warfighters. In addition to our corporate office, we have physical locations in Aberdeen; MD; Colorado Springs, CO; Orlando, FL; Crestview, FL;Orlando, FL Madison, AL, and Tupelo, MS.
   Mission:
   
   Quantum Research Intl is seeking an experienced candidate to serve as a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect- SME to join our team supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) High Performance Computing (HPC) Modernization Program (DoD HPCMP) and the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) DoD Supercomputing Resource Center (DSRC) located at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD. The position leads the system administration team in the maintenance and operations of multi-user computer systems.
   
   Duties may include coordinating with multiple stakeholders to plan/execute the safe and seamless update of systems and software. Interfaces with the customer regarding current system status, user needs, and future endeavors. Makes recommendations to purchase hardware and software, coordinates installation and provides backup recovery to existing systems. Coordinates with other team leads to avert and/or mitigate issues. Participates in technical forums and represents our company in joint meetings with the customer on technical topics. This position typical has generous telework and does require classified access and DoD TS clearance.
   
   Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
   Works directly with Government/contractor counterparts to develop, coordinate and maintain executable strategic plans based on identified organizational, cultural, and technical priorities. Directs technical personnel and contractor Project Managers regarding the architecture and design of solutions to meet requirements, improve service, reduce costs, and increase automation. Drives implementation teams and provides technical guidance and implementation priorities related to modernization projects. Enterprise data management solutions to enhance customer operations. Standardization and consolidation of IT Services for increased efficiency and value. Performs systems enhancement, configuration, maintenance, installation, interfaces, coordination, and software installations and upgrades to Linux operating systems (Red Hat, CentOS) and layered software packages. Monitors and tunes systems to achieve optimum level of performance in accordance with established policies, procedures, and service level agreements. Monitoring log files, performance issues, and the production environment for mission critical systems. Ensuring compliance with established standards, policies, and configuration guidelines.
   Required Experience :
   BS degree with 6 years exp is preferred or will considered , MS+ 4, AS +8 or HS diploma with a minimum of 10 years' experience performing Computer Systems Administrator and information technology functions Support the Government in the development of certification and accreditation (C&A) packages IAW AF Policy Directive (AFPD) 17-1, AFSSI 7703, DoDI 8510.01, DODI 8500.01, Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 503, SP 800-53v4 , DoD 8570-01 M, CNSSI 1253, and, DoD Joint Security Implementation Guide (DJSIG), and provide the Designated Approval Authority (DAA) and/or Certifying Authority with system certification and accreditation recommendations for all managed systems and networks at the level specified. Hold current DOD 8570 IAT II certification (CCNA-Security, CND, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, Security+ CE, or SSCP) prior to start. Solid Understanding of LAN/WAN networks. Experience with release management tools and techniques. Comprehensive understanding of Server Management. Experience with RHEL. Knowledge of cyber defensive architecture and technologies to protect, detect and respond to cyber threats and attack Technologies include SIEM, vulnerability assessment, discovery, infrastructure (firewall, IPS/IDS, proxy, network capture), host-based security, penetration testing/external assessment tools, forensics, etc. Current DoD TOP SECRET clearance required Must be a US citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.
   Desired:
   Server Administration experience VI Editor experience Experience in various HPC systems, various HPC technologies Cray/Cray EX, IBM, SGI, Penguin, or custom architectures Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, or Linux variants operating systems (OS) InfiniBand (IB), Intel Omni-Path interconnects Portable Batch System (PBS), Simple Linux Utility for Resource Management (SLURM), or IBM Platform Load Sharing Facility (LSF) schedulers Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC, or ARM CPUs Nvidia graphic processing units (GPU)s ITIL Foundation DoD cybersecurity experience is a plus Experience with databases (MS SQL, PostgreSQL) Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments. VMWare experience with current version Knowledge of environmental monitoring tools (HBSS/Solar Winds/Splunk) Rudimentary Scripting Creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment
   Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V:
   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find computer systems engineers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any computer systems engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level computer systems engineers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer systems engineer job on Zippia to find and attract quality computer systems engineer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting computer systems engineers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   Sometimes, it's not enough to interview computer systems engineer candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer systems engineer

   Once you've decided on a perfect computer systems engineer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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