How to hire a systems software specialist

How to hire a systems software specialist, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The systems software specialist 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 systems software specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, systems software specialists 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 software specialist salaries for various roles:

   Type of Systems Software Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Systems Software Specialist	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	$36-60
   Technical Systems Engineer	Technical Systems Engineers are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure or systems network. They build, maintain, and repair all the systems and network infrastructure of the organization... Show more	$35-66
   Systems Integration Engineer	A systems integration engineer is responsible for evaluating the efficiency and performance of the control systems to support business operations and requirements. Systems integration engineers develop technical solutions from business initiatives that would maximize a team's productivity and increase target performance... Show more	$37-67

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Python
   • System Software
   • Linux
   • Java
   • Computer System
   • Windows Server
   • CSS
   • SQL Server
   • JavaScript
   • HTML
   • QA
   • Mac
   • Unix
   • Infrastructure

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Schedule builds and releases in co-ordination with development and QA leads.
   • Write shell scripts and Perl scripts to automate repetitive systems administration tasks.
   • Recruit to establish and manage Virtualization\Storage\Backup environments.
   • Serve as liaison with platform representatives to troubleshoot technical issues.
   • Administer DHCP and DNS services.
   • Maintain, troubleshoot file transmission.

   More systems software specialist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your systems software specialist job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A systems software specialist 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 systems software specialist in Oklahoma may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level systems software specialist usually earns less than a senior-level systems software specialist. Additionally, a systems software specialist 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 systems software specialist salary

   $98,081yearly

   $47.15 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level systems software specialist salary

   $76,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average systems software specialist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$130,597	$63
   2	Washington	$125,794	$60
   3	Nevada	$114,880	$55
   4	New York	$108,638	$52
   5	Massachusetts	$95,015	$46
   6	Texas	$93,236	$45
   7	Ohio	$92,830	$45
   8	Iowa	$91,334	$44
   9	Michigan	$89,680	$43
   10	Maryland	$89,304	$43
   11	New Jersey	$89,262	$43
   12	Pennsylvania	$87,024	$42
   13	Connecticut	$82,505	$40
   14	North Carolina	$81,336	$39
   15	Virginia	$79,447	$38
   16	Illinois	$76,956	$37

   Average systems software specialist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Google	$145,374	$69.89	126
   2	Uber Technologies	$131,892	$63.41	2
   3	Applied Materials	$125,752	$60.46	28
   4	Novartis	$119,767	$57.58
   5	Panasonic Avionics	$117,469	$56.48	10
   6	KLA	$108,883	$52.35	12
   7	SET Enterprises	$107,911	$51.88
   8	Magna International	$106,039	$50.98	6
   9	Mount Sinai Health System	$104,677	$50.33	6
   10	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	$101,827	$48.96	3
   11	Critigen	$100,142	$48.15
   12	Gravitas Technology Services	$99,000	$47.60
   13	Collins Aerospace	$98,102	$47.16	3
   14	EBSCO Industries	$97,343	$46.80
   15	Monster Products	$96,844	$46.56	1
   16	UTMB HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS	$95,367	$45.85	9
   17	University of Texas System	$94,285	$45.33	7
   18	Hewlett Packard Enterprise	$94,190	$45.28	25
   19	Maxim Integrated	$93,725	$45.06
   20	Panasonic	$93,550	$44.98	11

4. Writing a systems software specialist job description

   A job description for a systems software specialist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a systems software specialist job description:

   Systems software specialist job description example

   **Overview**
   
   This System Software Specialist Role III role at Emory Healthcare is a member of the Client Infrastructure engineering team. With this position, we are seeking an experienced Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) engineer that has Intune experience.
   
   This position will be managing approximately 30,000 Window-based machines across multiple networks. SCCM engineers are responsible for operating system deployments, software, drivers, patches, configuration deployments, and other enterprise configurations. Will have a focus on client end-point devices. Candidate must have in-depth experience working directly with SCCM in a large enterprise environment.
   
   Works under general supervision from a Team Lead and reports to the Client Infrastructure Manager. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is preferred.
   
   **Description**
   
   JOB DESCRIPTION:
   
   + Provides technical skills and expertise required to support and advance application and system software functions and hardware of the IT department.
   
   + Analyzes system performance and system failures including core dump analysis. Interfaces with vendors to resolve system problems.
   
   + Directs the generation and maintenance of the installation of software and hardware systems.
   
   + Directs studies of projected enhancements to hardware and software.
   
   + Conducts studies and recommends enhancements to hardware and software infrastructure.
   
   + Architects and implements business continuity solutions in a 7x24 Tier 1 environment.
   
   + Supervises performance measurement and evaluation of computer systems.
   
   + Serves as a mentor to system software personnel.
   
   + Advises other System Software Specialist with respect to determination of possible solutions to work problems.
   
   + Job Performs related responsibilities as required.
   
   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
   
   + A bachelor's degree and five years of operating systems analysis/administration experience OR seven years of operating systems analysis/administration experience.
   
   + Must be proficient in at least three operating systems currently used in production.
   
   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (MediumMax 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
   
   ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
   
   **Connect With Us!**
   
   Connect with us for general consideration!
   
   **Division** _Emory Healthcare Inc._
   
   **Campus Location** _Atlanta, GA, 30329_
   
   **Campus Location** _US-GA-Atlanta_
   
   **Department** _EHI Information Services EHC_
   
   **Job Type** _Regular Full-Time_
   
   
   **Job Category** _Information Technology_
   
   **Schedule** _8a-5p_
   
   **Standard Hours** _40 Hours_
   
   Emory Healthcare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in all of its employment practices and decisions. Emory Healthcare prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age (40 and over), disability, citizenship, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right systems software specialist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with systems software specialists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit systems software specialists who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your systems software specialist job on Zippia to find and attract quality systems software specialist candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit systems software specialists, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   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 systems software specialist 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 systems software specialist

   Once you've decided on a perfect systems software specialist 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.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   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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