Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for system design engineers in the United States
System design engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected system design engineer job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 9,800 new jobs for system design engineers are projected over the next decade.
System design engineer salaries have increased 7% for system design engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 14,271 system design engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 113,582 active system design engineer job openings in the US.
The average system design engineer salary is $107,704.
Are system design engineer jobs in demand?
System design engineer job and salary trends over time
System design engineer jobs over time
System design engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 14,271 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 14,353 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 14,485 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 14,514 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 14,212 | 0.00% |
Average system design engineer salary over time
System design engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $107,704 | $51.78 | +2.3% |
| 2025 | $105,247 | $50.60 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $103,228 | $49.63 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $101,540 | $48.82 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $100,632 | $48.38 | +1.3% |
System design engineer jobs by state
Most common states for system design engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 492 | 71% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,370 | 28% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,613 | 27% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,796 | 26% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,482 | 26% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 9,898 | 25% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,885 | 25% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 952 | 23% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 213 | 22% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 618 | 20% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 271 | 20% |
| 12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 122 | 20% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 111 | 19% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,286 | 18% |
| 15 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 823 | 17% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 127 | 17% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 903 | 16% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 479 | 15% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 115 | 15% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 147 | 14% |
Most common cities for system design engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cupertino | 5 | 8% | $142,579 |
| 2 | Andover | 2 | 6% | $90,746 |
| 3 | Orlando | 10 | 4% | $78,534 |
| 4 | Huntsville | 6 | 3% | $76,736 |
| 5 | Columbia | 3 | 3% | $84,419 |
| 6 | Palm Bay | 3 | 3% | $78,574 |
| 7 | Alafaya | 2 | 3% | $78,405 |
| 8 | Tucson | 9 | 2% | $80,669 |
| 9 | Colorado Springs | 7 | 2% | $89,820 |
| 10 | Santa Clara | 3 | 2% | $142,576 |
| 11 | Denver | 8 | 1% | $88,616 |
| 12 | San Francisco | 7 | 1% | $143,257 |
| 13 | Seattle | 6 | 1% | $111,697 |
| 14 | Tampa | 3 | 1% | $79,539 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $65,082 |
| 16 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $123,843 |
| 17 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $74,513 |
| 18 | Austin | 2 | 0% | $100,085 |
System Design Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of system design engineer experts
Seattle University
Gonzaga University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Stevens Institute of Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Bellingham Technical College
Duke University
California State University - Fresno
University of South Alabama
California State University - Fresno
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Tzuyang Yu Ph.D.: A few tips to share with junior engineers are listed below. Be eager to learn from peers and other senior engineers, be open-minded to make friends, be adaptive to different cultures in the work environment, be professional (e.g., be punctual at deadlines, be mindful in appearance), be empathetic (focus on people, not mobile devices).
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: All engineering and technical skills will be in need. People who are capable to use technology will be in high demand. Project management skills. Ability to use various software and be able to do some coding. Understanding of AI and how it applies to the specific work that you do.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Julie Brandis: Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Craig Johnson Ph.D., P.E.: To begin your career in our field, please know that there are some shared values, some behavior constraints, and some awesome possible career paths for you to explore! Our program is accredited through ABET, which means that you can acquire your Professional Engineering licensure. Along with licensure are ethics compliance and legal behavior. You must put safety as a first constraint in all work. Create great technical solutions to real problems that may affect us all. Politics and company policies evolve, and we must evolve with them. New finance realities dictate that you will be more active in both seeking new jobs and changing jobs to promote your careers. You are at the center of many crossroads of technical activity that present options for your path forward.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Craig Johnson Ph.D., P.E.: Network with your peers and have job opportunities in sight at all times. Keep up your virtual profiles and be the engineer everyone wants to have around. Each job selection is your choice, but networking and being proactive in seeking opportunities is crucial to maximizing your salary potential.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Craig Johnson Ph.D., P.E.: Master basic science and engineering concepts, as well as application of 'soft skills' such as written and verbal communication. Acquire skills and knowledge areas in electromechanical devices, especially in areas of energy and heat transfer, reflecting current issues related to climate change and power management.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jhon Smith: Professional skills such as being able to communicate clearly, being flexible, open-minded, eager to take on challenges, adept and working with others and taking ownership of the projects tasks given to you. Staying grounded to the fundamental concepts you learn in school so every time you run a sophisticated piece of software to do design you must be able to use those fundamentals to check the results.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Steven Schennum Ph.D. P.E.: Make sure electrical engineering is something that YOU want to do and not something you are doing for someone else (a friend, a relative, etc.). I’ve had students who were pursuing an EE degree just to make their parents (or uncle, or whomever) proud, and weren’t really interested in what they are studying. If you do not have the passion to be an engineer, then do something else. In addition to passion, engineering requires a lot of math, reason, and logic. If you are easily frustrated, struggle with mathematics, and are inclined to give up, then don’t waste your time. Find a more suitable way to live your life. If you live your life by disregarding your own interests while trying to gain the approval of someone else, you will wind up being miserable.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Steven Schennum Ph.D. P.E.: The most important skill is the ability to learn new things, and especially to unlearn things you “know” after evidence demonstrates that these things are not true. Learn how to analyze information. Your intuition, simulations, and results should all be in alignment. If they are not, then dig deeper. Learn the terminology and jargon specific to your company and your projects. Spend time reading. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be intimidated by new software.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Steven Schennum Ph.D. P.E.: Put a good resume together and follow suggestions of people who are experts at preparing resumes. Before you have an interview, practice interviewing. Participate in a mock interview and listen to feedback. Maximize salary potential by documenting your accomplishments, your work, and your results. Keep a journal. If you have good documentation, you can more easily make a case for promotion when the time comes.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Min Song: Well, first, it’s important to be aware of typical salary ranges within the field and for the company extending an offer in particular, with that knowledge individuals can negotiate to maximize their compensation package. Generally speaking, the job description is great place to start to understand your competitiveness as a candidate and how to make the case for higher compensation. You might not possess all the skills on the list, but you must trust yourself that you will acquire all the needed skills and convince the employer that you will excel in performing the job and thus merit a higher starting salary. One way to earn a salary raise is to continuously improve your skillset, expand your knowledge base, and keep up with the state-of-the-art technology in your field. Another way is to build your professional network and identity, which can lead to promotions or a better job opportunity.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Min Song: Communication skills and innovative thinking skills. As emerging technologies continue to be complex and multidisciplinary, it’s important to be able to communicate with professionals in diverse disciplines. Taking robotics, for example, the electrical engineer must be able to work with mechanical and biomechanical engineers, computer engineers, software engineers, artificial intelligence experts, cognitive scientists, system engineers, etc. A person will be able to generate innovative ideas only if the person has a complete and comprehensive understanding of the entire system and can work well with other individuals with a range of expertise.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Min Song: Have an open mind and be willing to learn new knowledge and skills. College education primarily focuses on the development of critical and creative thinking skills, the learning of fundamental principles and design methodologies, and the building up of enthusiasm and dedication to lifelong learning. Starting a professional career requires new graduates develop the ability to translate the knowledge and skills developed in school to solving complex, real-world problems.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: To maximize salary potential, I recommend growing your professional network and being flexible within your career. Attending professional gatherings and rubbing shoulders goes a very long way. It’s amazing how you can casually bump into some well-respected team leader that’s trying to fill an opening or glean information about a new project that needs fresh talent. Network with people in diverse fields and roles. You never know who knows who. Making a positive impression and having someone recognize your name down the line can go a very long way!
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Continue learning! The field of engineering is continuously evolving with new technologies and methodologies. Pursue ongoing education through workshops or certifications to stay current with industry trends and advancements. After gaining some practical experience, consider applying for a master's degree to further technical knowledge and skills.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Megumi Usui: Many individuals aspire to earn a substantial salary right from the beginning of their careers. However, this is not typically how the professional world operates. it is essential to demonstrate to your employer that you are a skilled, valuable, and irreplaceable asset. This process takes time and dedication. Avoid pressuring your employer for immediate rewards based solely on self-perception. While family may view you as exceptional, in the professional realm, you must distinguish yourself through your actions. Prove your worth by consistently arriving on time, working diligently, completing tasks swiftly and accurately, and exceeding expectations. Take a proactive approach to your projects and strive to impress your employer in every conceivable way. Continuously acquiring new skills that are valuable to the company is crucial. Additionally, building a strong network within your field by making professional connections and fostering friendships can significantly enhance your career prospects. By embodying these qualities, you can effectively demonstrate your value and potentially achieve the financial and professional rewards you seek.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Denn: 1. The time needed to progress from an idea to a quality prototype is continually decreasing. That trend will likely continue. Skills that support short development times, such as computer modeling, simulations and rapid prototyping, will continue to be valued. 2. One skill that will always be valuable is the ability to acquire new knowledge and apply it to the task at hand.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
Kyle Miller
Welding Technologies instructor - Pipe TradesBellingham Technical College
Precision Metal Working
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Kyle Miller: The advice I feel the most compelled to offer, based on personal experience, is to embrace the first few years in the field as a nebulous growth period. There is often a rush for graduates to 'realize their identity' in the field, at the risk of narrowing their potential in the trades. The first year or two is a great time to shake every hand and make every acquaintance possible. A lot of those interactions can help guide a trades-person along a pathway they didn't realize was possible upon their first steps into the working world.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Dr. Jimmie Lenz D.B.A.: A primary reason is the value placed on the quantitative nature of an engineering degree and the fact that this is primarily applied learning and skills, as opposed to the theoretical nature of some other areas of quantitative study. Being able to start working as soon as they start is very attractive to employers, as well as the broad knowledge of software, artificial intelligence, and data science that most engineers leave school with.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jimmie Lenz D.B.A.: Engineering encompasses so many areas of modern life that it’s impossible to provide a comprehensive answer here. The training that engineers receive, both the technical and the applied nature, make these individuals quite attractive to all types of industries. Perhaps the most surprising to many people are the significant number of engineers employed in financial services.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Hovannes Kulhandjian Ph.D.: Negotiate Your Starting Salary: Research industry salary standards and be prepared to negotiate a competitive starting salary based on your qualifications and experience. Pursue In-Demand Skills: Develop specialized skills and certifications that are in high demand within the industry. This can make you more valuable to employers. Seek Opportunities for Advancement: Look for roles with potential for growth and advancement within the company. Express your interest in taking on challenging projects and responsibilities. Leverage Internships and Experience: Demonstrate your value to employers by showcasing your internships, projects, and relevant experience. Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and market conditions. Staying informed can help you position yourself for better opportunities and salary increases.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hovannes Kulhandjian Ph.D.: Programming and Software Development: As technology advances, the integration of hardware and software becomes more prevalent. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, C++, or MATLAB can be beneficial. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: These technologies are being increasingly used in electrical engineering applications such as signal processing, automation, and control systems. Data Analysis: The ability to interpret and analyze data from sensors and other sources will become more important as data-driven decision-making continues to grow. Cybersecurity: Protecting electrical systems from cyber threats is becoming increasingly important. Understanding cybersecurity principles can be a valuable asset. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaboration across different engineering disciplines and fields such as computer science, mechanical engineering, and environmental science will be essential for complex projects.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Hovannes Kulhandjian Ph.D.: Stay Curious and Keep Learning: The field of electrical engineering is constantly evolving. Stay up to date with the latest advancements and technologies through continuous learning and professional development. Build a Strong Foundation: Focus on mastering the core principles of electrical engineering to provide a strong foundation for your career. Network: Build professional relationships with peers, mentors, and industry experts. Attend conferences and seminars to expand your network and learn from others. Gain Practical Experience: Look for internships, co-op positions, or entry-level jobs that provide hands-on experience. This practical exposure will help you apply your knowledge and stand out in the job market. Develop Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are crucial in any engineering role. Cultivate these skills to work effectively with others and advance your career.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Edmund Spencer: Look for jobs that have the highest technical content, and try to develop entrepreneurial skills early.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Daniel Armentrout: The excessive number of baby boomer engineers are retiring at high rates and you as a new engineering graduate are desperately needed to make up for their loss in the workforce. You will face challenges in your career we could not anticipate or prepare you for in your education. You will have to adapt and continue to learn new fields of study which did not exist when you graduated. We have given you tools to learn and you will have to use those tools to remain relevant throughout your career. Find your place as an engineer when you can be effective, help humanity, and have fun. Plot a career path where you can utilize your strengths and challenge your mind to do new things. Contribute to making a better world and you will be able to enjoy immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Armentrout: Expanded use of swarms of cheap sensors that communicate on multiple platforms for better understanding and control of complicated systems. Integrated use of artificial intelligence to increase our effectiveness in all aspects of our jobs.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Daniel Armentrout: Salary is one aspect of success but there are many others. To maximize your salary do not start by looking for whatever is the highest-paid position in your field. Start by identifying what you do best and what gives you the most satisfaction. Cultivate these strengths and become as indispensable as you can to your employer. As they start to recognize your value, it is time to look for a new employer. When you are proficient enough to come up with your own marketable idea, start your own company and find other competent people to leverage your weaknesses who can help you grow your business.
What general advice would you give to a System Design Engineer?
Aaron Stillmaker Ph.D.: I highly encourage students starting to look for jobs to get their resume polished both by talking with a trusted professor and taking advantage of career centers at their university. I always suggest that students highlight fascinating projects on their resumes that highlight their knowledge base without having to list skills, and they need to be ready to talk intelligibly about those projects. I would make sure to prepare for interviews by brushing up on design course material that are taught in the courses most closely pertaining to the specialty they are interviewing for. I also suggest they contact professors they have a good relationship with to ask them to reach out to their contacts in the field, as many professors have connections in the industry and are happy to help their good students attain good jobs.
What System Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aaron Stillmaker Ph.D.: I think that in the next 3-5 years electrical engineering jobs will start to require more programming, especially scripting languages like Python, and artificial intelligence. Machine learning is becoming prevalent in many fields, and likely most prevalent in electrical and computer engineering. A baseline understanding of the theory of machine learning is something that all electrical and computer engineers should have when entering the job market.
What will help System Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Aaron Stillmaker Ph.D.: To maximize your salary I always tell my students to make sure to research what the average entry engineer in that specialty and location makes, which is easy both by researching online and talking with colleagues. Make sure to apply to many positions at the same time and ideally get interviews around the same time. Ideally if you get multiple companies that want to hire them, they can use the job offers to compete with each other. I also always tell students to ideally not say a desired number first, and no matter what the hiring manager offers them they should ask for more. If the number is below average, they have a strong hand to ask for more, but even with a good offer, I always suggest students ask for 10% more than what was offered. The worst thing they can say is no, and hold firm on the offer, so they have nothing to lose.