How to hire a digital systems engineer

How to hire a digital systems engineer, step by step

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

What does a digital systems engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your digital systems engineer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a digital systems engineer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a digital systems engineer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a digital systems engineer that fits the bill.

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

   Type of Digital Systems Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Digital Systems Engineer	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPSs).	$39-70
   Controls Designer	Controls designers both design and draft systems of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical controls for equipment and machines. The designers make diagrams of the logic system for timing and sequence control... Show more	$33-58
   Engineering Trainee	An engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research... Show more	$20-39

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • RF
   • MATLAB
   • Java
   • JavaScript
   • Digital Systems
   • FPGA
   • Troubleshoot
   • DSP
   • Linux
   • VHDL
   • SQL
   • HTML
   • ASIC
   • RTL

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead UMTS RF engine solutions, development debug, integration, and testing.
   • Manage UMTS RF engine team to generate boundary requirements for DRP core mean to attach with UMTS modems.
   • Project manage large agreement, providing significant broadband solutions to a large business entity.
   • Develop Perl scripts to automate object model and functional mapping into the application metadata and database.
   • Implement DSP and digital communications components using VHDL.
   • Work closely with firmware and ASIC engineers to test, debug and verify RTL and system issues.

   More digital systems engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your digital systems engineer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A digital systems engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a digital systems engineer in Nebraska may be lower than in California, and an entry-level digital systems engineer usually earns less than a senior-level digital systems engineer. Additionally, a digital systems engineer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average digital systems engineer salary

   $109,672yearly

   $52.73 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level digital systems engineer salary

   $82,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

   Average digital systems engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$130,933	$63
   2	Texas	$114,967	$55
   3	Massachusetts	$114,695	$55
   4	Washington	$112,135	$54
   5	Colorado	$110,307	$53
   6	New Jersey	$109,001	$52
   7	New York	$105,265	$51
   8	Rhode Island	$101,838	$49
   9	New Mexico	$100,694	$48
   10	Illinois	$100,589	$48
   11	Florida	$100,038	$48
   12	Maryland	$98,837	$48
   13	Tennessee	$98,192	$47
   14	Arizona	$97,694	$47
   15	Minnesota	$96,864	$47
   16	Missouri	$94,305	$45
   17	Virginia	$94,289	$45
   18	Connecticut	$93,044	$45
   19	Pennsylvania	$91,400	$44
   20	Alabama	$89,538	$43

   Average digital systems engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Apple	$142,198	$68.36	499
   2	Lord Abbett	$131,181	$63.07	1
   3	Nordstrom	$122,029	$58.67	7
   4	Mayo Clinic	$114,034	$54.82	10
   5	Sandia National Labs	$113,861	$54.74	3
   6	Citi	$113,829	$54.73
   7	AIG	$112,299	$53.99	1
   8	Axient	$111,122	$53.42
   9	Texas Instruments	$110,570	$53.16	47
   10	BJ's Wholesale Club	$109,992	$52.88	1
   11	JPMorgan Chase & Co.	$109,889	$52.83	19
   12	Schlumberger	$107,866	$51.86	2
   13	Booz Allen Hamilton	$107,788	$51.82	160
   14	Publix	$107,485	$51.68	4
   15	Best Buy	$106,874	$51.38	2
   16	Aetna	$106,808	$51.35
   17	Randstad North America, Inc.	$106,536	$51.22	19
   18	CVS Health	$106,392	$51.15	155
   19	SAIC	$106,302	$51.11	205
   20	Henkel	$106,104	$51.01	23

4. Writing a digital systems engineer job description

   A digital 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 digital systems engineer job description:

   Digital 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; Madison, AL, and Tupelo, MS.
   
   Mission:
   
   Quantum is currently seeking a junior to mid-level Systems Engineer with experience in Digital Engineering (DE) and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to support the U.S. Cyber Command's Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture (JCWA). JCWA is a suite of cyber capabilities that integrates data and supports offensive and defensive cyber operations across the military services. The candidate will support the DE efforts/activities and apply systems engineering knowledge to execute DE processes and MBSE methodologies. The candidate will support MBSE product development to support an integrated DE approach. The candidate will physically work at Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic in Charleston, SC while supporting this high priority U.S. Cyber Command requirement.
   
   Responsibilities: The contractor shall assist the customer in providing technical and engineering oversight of all programs within the customer's portfolio. This includes:
   The candidate will support MBSE product development to support an integrated Digital Engineering (DE) approach The candidate will be expected to identify and apply MBSE methods/tools to support development and definition of architecture artifacts using Systems Modeling Language (SysML) The candidate will also interface directly with customers, support development of DE guidance, and implement strategies Develop and refine model artifacts assessing organizational system processes, internal/external interfaces, requirements, and issues for US Cyber Command Translate documented processes into executable SysML products Support the execution of Meta-model schema decomposition using SysML or another format Coordinate with various stakeholders to identify technical interfaces and capabilities needed in a DE Environment and translate technical data into MBSE artifacts Support the definition of organizational/program processes and inputs Consolidate DE efforts and technical content from multiple sources Communicate timely and effectively with internal leadership and government counterparts Perform technical briefings to various stakeholders Support the organization and definition of top level organizational/program requirements for varied digital artifacts Support the definition of process issues, evaluate alternatives, develop plans, and resolve technical issues with functional areas.
   Requirements:
   Bachelor's degree in Engineering/STEM required and 8-10 years exp, MS degree a plus ( 8 years exp) Background must include Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Must have experience working with MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo, etc.) and system architecture development Experience with architecture development and familiarity with DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) and related architecture guidance Ability to think critically, synthesize information from multiple sources into comprehensive plans, identify technical issues, and understand higher level impacts Familiarity with MS Excel and other MS Office tools to develop concise and presentable information Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills to deliver technical documents and briefings Ability to work independently with cross functional teams with minimal oversight As a condition of employment, you will be required prior to starting employment to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID 19 (unless prohibited by applicable law) Requires a Department of Defense (DoD) TS/SCI clearance
   Desired/Preferred Skills
   Microsoft Certification preferred Undergraduate Degree preferably in a business discipline Working knowledge of Schedule Risk Assessment Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
   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 digital 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 digital systems engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level digital 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 digital systems engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit digital systems engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with digital systems engineer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   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.

   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 digital systems engineer

   Once you've selected the best digital systems engineer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the 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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