How to hire a field system engineer

How to hire a field system engineer, step by step

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

What does a field system engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The field system engineer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A field system engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, field system 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 field system engineers.

   Type of Field System Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Field System 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.	$31-60
   Network Support Technician	A network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed... Show more	$18-29
   Information Engineer	An information engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of computer systems and network infrastructure, performing configuration to boost the optimal performance of the technology systems. Information engineers assist end-users in resolving network issues, identifying the source of inconsistencies, and create resolution reports for reference to avoid reoccurrence... Show more	$37-66

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • PLC
   • Troubleshoot
   • Customer Sites
   • Control Systems
   • System Upgrades
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Project Management
   • Network Topology
   • Technical Support
   • Customer Service
   • RF
   • Data Collection
   • Test Equipment
   • Network Hardware

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Create service requests in CRM application to reflect report issues and manage customer expectations throughout escalation and/or resolution.
   • Build, configure, troubleshoot networks with Cisco routers and switches.
   • Configure & repair a variety of Cisco switches, routers, hubs and ATM Cisco devices.
   • Experience with CISCO commands and setting up hyper terminals into routers and switches to enable configuration, troubleshooting, and integration.
   • Evolve as one of the team's strongest UNIX and storage resource.
   • Build and configure linux machines.

   More field system engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your field system engineer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A field system engineer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, field system engineers' average salary in florida is 43% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level field system engineers 48% less than senior-level field system engineers.
   • Certifications. A field system engineer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a field system engineer's salary.

   Average field system engineer salary

   $91,282yearly

   $43.89 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level field system engineer salary

   $65,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average field system engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$135,128	$65
   2	Nevada	$113,089	$54
   3	Washington	$110,594	$53
   4	Texas	$95,239	$46
   5	Connecticut	$92,539	$44
   6	District of Columbia	$92,499	$44
   7	Virginia	$91,999	$44
   8	Utah	$91,866	$44
   9	New Jersey	$91,535	$44
   10	Wisconsin	$87,116	$42
   11	North Carolina	$85,219	$41
   12	Pennsylvania	$84,276	$41
   13	Maryland	$81,620	$39
   14	New York	$80,139	$39
   15	Colorado	$79,864	$38
   16	Minnesota	$75,127	$36
   17	Florida	$63,727	$31

   Average field system engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	F5	$123,298	$59.28	5
   2	Vista Equity Partners	$121,631	$58.48
   3	Ciena	$119,441	$57.42
   4	Parsons	$111,318	$53.52	61
   5	Active Voice	$99,186	$47.69
   6	RFI	$96,306	$46.30	3
   7	CyberCoders	$95,559	$45.94
   8	Pitney Bowes	$90,399	$43.46	4
   9	Honeywell	$89,665	$43.11	147
   10	TMEIC	$88,564	$42.58	16
   11	Advanced Imaging Systems	$88,074	$42.34
   12	ZT Systems	$86,511	$41.59	4
   13	Eze Castle Integration	$85,774	$41.24	6
   14	Emerson	$85,280	$41.00	49
   15	SpaceX	$81,116	$39.00	43
   16	Molex	$79,333	$38.14	3
   17	Northrop Grumman	$78,330	$37.66	217
   18	APM	$73,832	$35.50
   19	AECOM	$73,754	$35.46	56
   20	Trc Staffing Services	$69,592	$33.46

4. Writing a field system engineer job description

   A good field system engineer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a field system engineer job description:

   Field system engineer job description example

   The Opportunity
   
   Field Systems Service Engineer (FSSE)
   
   As a Field Systems Service Engineer (FSSE), you will be responsible of delivery of services to end customers including but not limited to installation, planning, troubleshooting, problem resolutions, repairs, fixes, and upgrades on an array of TCG product suites that include both software and hardware. The FSSE will assist in fielding services such as hardware integration of TCG hardware components into existing operational fielded environments. You will be responsible in providing guidance, assistance, and execution on initial software and hardware training on TCG products during site visits with end-users/operators.
   
   Location: Tewksbury, MA
   
   Your Challenge:
   
   

   • Requires a moderate to significant amount of travel both CONUS and OCONUS in supporting an array of TCG programs.
   • Serves as a client facing technical resource throughout the fielding process while working in collaboration with Tech Support, Lead System Engineer(s), and Account Manager(s) on TCG client programs.
   • Instructing customers in the operations and maintenance of TCG products.
   • Responsible for configuring, preparing systems delivery of services to assigned customers to ensure that their systems operate at customer's expected performance level consistently.
   • Responsible for hardware delivery lifecycle process to include but not limited to, system preparation, understanding end-user operational environment, system inspection, logistic coordination, onsite checklist preparation, on-site debriefs and out briefs, trip reports, and supporting internal programmatic reviews specific to the supported programs/sites.

   
   
   Your Expertise:
   
   

   • Associates Degree in Information Technology/Computer Science or similar field; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
   • Experience with military communications/tactical data links
   • 4-6 years of experience in similar field
   • Exceptional client service skills with expertise in troubleshooting, diagnosing and solving complex system related problems. Radio Frequency (RF) communication (Antenna's, Satellites).
   • Self-directed, able to prioritize and effectively handle multiple services requests at a time under high-pressure and challenging situations.
   • Demonstrated technical writing and presentation skills
   • Experience with full lifecycle of the software engineering process including functional specification, design, implementation, and testing is desirable

   
   
   This position may require exposure to information, which is subject to US export control regulations, i.e. the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of U.S. regulations.
   
   Curtiss-Wright values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition opens an email client application and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request. #LI-SJ1
   
   Join the WRIGHT Team!
   
   Tactical Communications Group (TCG) is a world-class leader in delivering Tactical Data Link (TDL) network solutions that allow military operating and training units, government testing organizations and prime defense contractors to quickly achieve better connectivity and capability at the tactical edge. By creating cost effective, integrated tactical communications solutions, warfighters in the air and on the ground can now exchange real-time tactical information and share a common operating picture for improved operational coordination, situation awareness and mission effectiveness.
   
   Curtiss-Wright invests in the development, recruitment, and retention of critical skills as part of its model for business success. We offer a competitive wage, a comprehensive benefits package including medical and prescription drug coverage, dental benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k retirement, tuition reimbursement, and paid vacation/holidays.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find field system 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 field system engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level field system 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.

   To find field system engineer candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting field system 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.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a field system engineer applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and 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 field system engineer

   Once you've selected the best field system 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 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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new field system engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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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