How to hire a systems engineering internship

How to hire a systems engineering internship, step by step

Here's a step-by-step systems engineering internship hiring guide:

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

Post a systems engineering internship job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the systems engineering internship you need to hire. Certain systems engineering internship roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A systems engineering internship's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, systems engineering interns 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.

   Here's a comparison of systems engineering internship salaries for various roles:

   Type of Systems Engineering Internship	Description	Hourly rate
   Systems Engineering Internship	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device... Show more	$12-26
   Computer Systems Analyst	A computer systems analyst is responsible for creating and designing computer applications and network solutions to support business functions and requirements. Computer systems analysts evaluate the systems' efficiency and performance to perform configuration and improve infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls... Show more	$28-53
   Research And Development Internship	When it comes to Research and Development Internship, the duties will vary according to the organization or company. Most of the time, the responsibilities will revolve around observing the industry, taking part in the research and analysis, lend a helping hand in experiments and surveys, explore theories and attempt to create a model of out it, present findings for evaluation, and develop more innovative designs and systems... Show more	$14-22

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Python
   • C++
   • C #
   • Java
   • Linux
   • Data Analysis
   • System Design
   • Simulink
   • CAD
   • RF
   • System Integration
   • Troubleshoot
   • System Performance
   • Technical Support

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Research optimal Linux kernels for software usage, manage hard drive with g-part, install and configure the mail server.
   • Manage multiple database platforms for potential performance issues, while conducting research and resolution with attention to detail and thorough documentation.
   • Migrate an application to Java which are using a legacy infrastructure, enabling complete operational and maintenance capabilities.
   • Serve as SME for CNTL-M, ESP/CA-7.
   • Experience in working with JIRA ticketing tool.
   • Upgrade of desktop security software and antivirus software.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, systems engineering interns' average salary in mississippi is 33% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level systems engineering interns 54% less than senior-level systems engineering interns.
   • Certifications. A systems engineering internship 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 systems engineering internship's salary.

   Average systems engineering internship salary

   $39,003yearly

   $18.75 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level systems engineering internship salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a systems engineering internship job description

   A systems engineering internship 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 systems engineering internship job description:

   Systems engineering internship job description example

   Wolfspeed Summer 2023 Internship:
   Power Electronics Engineering: Circuits and Systems
   for active college students (Bachelor's, Masters or PhD)
   
   NOTE: This “evergreen” internship job posting is an expression of interest. We will contact you directly if specific summer 2023 internships become available that align with your resume. At Wolfspeed, we do amazing things in a human way. We know that the achievements of our organization are due to the passion, hard work and creativity of our employees. We celebrate different perspectives to foster excellence across our organization, and our goal is to make diversity, equity and inclusion a foundation of what we do. We are proudly building an environment where you can bring your authentic self to work. Enjoy doing things that people say can't be done? Innovation is at the center of everything we do. Hate red tape? We remove roadblocks instead of creating them.
   Looking for community? There are many ways to get involved, from Employee Resource Groups to local outreach. If you are looking for an amazing place to start your career, come join us! Here's the Gist: We are hiring active college students who are interested in working full time in a paid,12-week internship for Wolfspeed during the summer of 2023.
   Our Wolfspeed Summer Internship Program inspires contribution, culture and community. We'll help you gain valuable work experience by enhancing your knowledge while cultivating the skills you need to be successful. We welcome people with a passion for innovation, a spirit of curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. Your day-to-day work within each internship will vary depending on the area of Wolfspeed you join. During your summer internship, you should: Learn about our business, product lines and functions through on-the-job experiences, training and/or site visits (as applicable) Complete meaningful projects
   Engage with leaders, colleagues and mentors to network and learn Participate in professional development opportunities Give back through community service Actively live Wolfspeed's value pairs of integrity & respect, ownership & accountability and ingenuity & passion
   This Power Electronics Engineering: Circuits and Systems “Evergreen” Internship Job Posting is Right for You if: You are actively enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in electrical engineering You are interested in an internship as an applications engineer intern, systems engineer intern, field applications engineer intern, validation engineer intern, or test engineer intern You have taken any or all of the following courses: Power Electronics, Electric Machines and Drives, Power Systems, Control Systems, Analog Circuits, Power Semiconductor Devices You're an engaged student who achieved excellent grades, with a preferred 3.2 cumulative GPA minimum
   You are willing and able to work onsite at one of our Wolfspeed locations within the US We love converting successful interns into full time hires upon graduation. Please note that we only consider providing sponsorship for highly specialized master's and/or PhD full time positions. Our Wolfspeed Summer Internship Program is Especially Right for You if You Are Also: Ecstatic for the opportunity to interact with a global team
   Able to think on your feet and brainstorm fresh ideas Someone who works hard to get the job done and can easily adapt to any type of working environment An analytical and critical thinker with a drive for problem-solving A motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills Able to laugh in the face of data and drive valuable insights to make recommendations and sound business decisions
   Curious about new technological advancements and eager for the opportunity to make an impact and grow your career Experienced through previous internships or co-ops A FINAL REMINDER: This “evergreen” internship job posting is an expression of interest. We will contact you directly if specific summer 2023 internships become available that align with your resume.
   
   We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right systems engineering internship for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   To find systems engineering internship 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

   To successfully recruit systems engineering interns, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   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.

   If your interviews with systems engineering internship 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 systems engineering internship

   Once you've decided on a perfect systems engineering internship 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 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.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new systems engineering internship. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a systems engineering internship?