How to hire a desktop systems engineer

How to hire a desktop systems engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step desktop 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 desktop systems engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new desktop systems engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a desktop 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 desktop systems engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, desktop 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.

   The following list breaks down different types of desktop systems engineers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Desktop Systems Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Desktop 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.	$28-48
   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
   Systems Operator	Systems operators often act as the front liners whose primary job is to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity service to consumers and businesses. They are responsible for overseeing and managing the power grid and controlling electricity flow through transmission lines... Show more	$13-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Infrastructure
   • PowerShell
   • Mobile Device Management
   • Troubleshoot
   • Desktop Systems
   • Windows Server
   • Technical Support
   • Desktop Hardware
   • VPN
   • MDT
   • Linux
   • Workstations
   • User Accounts
   • Endpoint Management

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
   • Point of escalation to troubleshoot and resolve issues enterprise wide relate to the desktop systems environment.
   • Support client servers, printers and workstations.
   • Set GPO for small and medium size business.
   • Upgrade departmental software using SCCM and windows deployment tools.
   • Create various powershell scripts to improve deployment and automation process.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your desktop systems engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A desktop systems engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, desktop systems engineers' average salary in florida is 37% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level desktop systems engineers earn 40% less than senior-level desktop systems engineers.
   • Certifications. A desktop systems engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a desktop systems engineer's salary.

   Average desktop systems engineer salary

   $78,131yearly

   $37.56 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level desktop systems engineer salary

   $60,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

4. Writing a desktop systems engineer job description

   A desktop 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a desktop systems engineer job description:

   Desktop systems engineer job description example

   **Type of Requisition:** Regular
   
   **Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:** Top Secret SCI + Polygraph
   
   **Job Family:** Systems Engineering
   
   GDIT is your place. Make it your own by bringing your ideas and unique perspective to our culture. By owning your opportunity at GDIT, you are helping us ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work depends on a Systems Engineer joining our team to support Government activities in Washington, D.C., Sterling, VA, or Annapolis Junction, MD.
   
   At GDIT, people are our differentiator. As a Systems Engineer supporting the Government, you will be a part of a team charged with engineering solutions for desktop (physical & virtual) builds for Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems, STIF compliance, lifecycle, etc.
   
   In this role, a typical day may include:
   
   + Building the strategy for the endpoint environment, including emerging technology, new technical solutions, software, and hardware based on DIA CIO roadmaps
   
   + Maintaining DISA-approved WIM and Secure Host Baseline (SHB) including testing and transferring to appropriate enclaves
   
   + Downloading, packaging, and deploying Windows and Office Security Updates
   
   + Developing, implementing, and documenting formal configuration guides as needed
   
   + Developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining Group Policy Objects (GPOs) in Microsoft Active Directory (AD) for end user devices, which implement STIG and other device and account controls
   
   + Developing, testing, and deploying desktop images including applications and GPO updates
   
   + Deploying and updating approved packaged applications using PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT)
   
   + Developing technical supporting documentation for IT equipment and systems as required
   
   WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
   
   + Active TS/SCI clearance and ability to obtain and maintain a CI poly.
   
   + Must meet DoD 8570 IAT Level II requirements including one of the following: Security+ CE, CND, SSCP, GSEC, GICSP, CySA+, or CCNA Security.
   
   + Bachelor's Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and years of experience.
   
   + Detailed knowledge of end user computing environments including Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac OSX, and their supporting infrastructure components such as Active Directory, group policy creation and maintenance, and SCCM
   
   + Experience with deploying, configuring, and managing enterprise solutions for Windows 10 and 11
   
   + Experience with Python, PowerShell, and Bash Scripting
   
   + Familiarity with VMware ESXi and VSphere.
   
   + Familiarity with virtualization network on multiple classifications.
   
   + Familiarity with Citrix or VMware VDI architecture.
   
   WHAT GDIT CAN OFFER YOU:
   
   Full-flex work week
   
   401K with company match
   
   Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
   
   Collaborative teams of highly motivated critical thinkers and innovators
   
   Ability to make a real impact on the world around you
   
   COVID-19 Vaccination: GDIT does not have a vaccination mandate applicable to all employees. To protect the health and safety of its employees and to comply with customer requirements, however, GDIT may require employees in certain positions to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination requirements will depend on the status of the federal contractor mandate and customer site requirements.
   
   We are GDIT. The people supporting some of the most complex government, defense, and intelligence projects across the country. We deliver. Bringing the expertise needed to understand and advance critical missions. We transform. Shifting the ways clients invest in, integrate, and innovate technology solutions. We ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. We are there. On the ground, beside our clients, in the lab, and everywhere in between. Offering the technology transformations, strategy, and mission services needed to get the job done.
   
   GDIT is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.

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5. Post your job

   To find desktop 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 desktop systems engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level desktop 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 desktop systems engineer job on Zippia to find and attract quality desktop 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 desktop 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.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   If your interviews with desktop systems engineer applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • 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 desktop systems engineer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the desktop systems engineer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new desktop systems engineer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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