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If you’ve Googled “systems engineer job description,” chances are you’ve run into the same problem:
Every article looks the same.
Bullet points. Buzzwords. Boredom.
They tell you what a systems engineer “should” do—but they don’t actually help you write a job post that attracts one. And they definitely don’t show you how to speak to the kind of thoughtful, highly skilled candidates who are already being courted by other companies.
The truth is, great engineers don’t apply to generic job posts. They’re looking for meaningful work, clear expectations, and a company that actually respects their time and talent.
So if you’re here to copy-paste a template and call it a day—this guide isn’t for you.
But if you want to understand what makes a compelling systems engineer job description—and how to write one that attracts top-tier candidates who can build, maintain, and scale your tech infrastructure—keep reading.
We’ll show you:
- What a systems engineer really does (in plain English)
- Two job description templates (experienced vs entry-level)
- A breakdown of why they work
- What bad job posts get wrong
- Bonus tips, real examples, and how to use AI responsibly
- And finally, how to screen applicants smarter using WorkScreen.io
Before we dive in, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. if you haven’t already—it walks you through the most common hiring mistakes and shows you how to turn a job description into your best recruiting asset.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What Does a Systems Engineer Actually Do?
A systems engineer designs, builds, and maintains the IT infrastructure that keeps your business running. Think of them as the architects and troubleshooters behind your tech stack. They make sure your systems—networks, servers, cloud services, software, and hardware—all work together smoothly, securely, and efficiently.
In smaller companies, they might wear multiple hats: managing servers, configuring firewalls, writing automation scripts, and jumping in to fix whatever breaks. In larger organizations, they often specialize in scaling systems, optimizing performance, and maintaining uptime across complex environments.
But here’s what really matters:
👉 A great systems engineer isn’t just technical—they’re also proactive problem solvers, clear communicators, and calm under pressure. They’re the person you trust to make sure your infrastructure holds up—even when everything else is going wrong.
So when you’re hiring, don’t just look for certifications and buzzwords. Look for people who think ahead, handle complexity well, and take ownership of the systems they build.
Two Great Systems Engineer Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced Line Cook with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Experienced Systems Engineer Job Description Template
📌 Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer at CloudNova (Hybrid – Austin, Texas)
💼 Full-Time | $95,000–$120,000/year (Based on Experience) | Hybrid Work Setup
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | Core Hours: 9am–4pm CST
📹 Meet Your Future Manager (Insert Loom/YouTube Link)
Who We Are
At CloudNova, we help fast-growing startups scale their infrastructure without stress. Our team works across AWS, GCP, and hybrid environments to ensure performance, security, and uptime at every stage of growth. From early-stage tech companies to mission-critical nonprofits, our work touches millions—and we take that responsibility seriously.
We’re a small, senior team that values autonomy, deep thinking, and clear communication. If you love solving infrastructure puzzles and building systems that scale, you’ll fit right in.
What You’ll Be Doing
This role is for someone who enjoys both high-level architecture and hands-on implementation. You’ll:
- Design and maintain scalable, secure cloud and hybrid systems (AWS, GCP, Azure)
- Automate deployments using Terraform, Ansible, or similar tools
- Troubleshoot infrastructure issues and proactively resolve bottlenecks
- Manage CI/CD pipelines, monitoring systems, and backup/recovery protocols
- Collaborate with engineering teams to improve deployment processes and system reliability
- Participate in architecture reviews and guide infrastructure decisions
What We’re Looking For
- 3–5+ years in systems engineering, DevOps, or cloud infrastructure roles
- Deep experience with Linux systems and cloud platforms (especially AWS)
- Confident with infrastructure as code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation, etc.)
- Strong troubleshooting skills and a calm, methodical approach to incidents
- Clear communicator, team collaborator, and independent problem-solver
Bonus points if you have:
- Kubernetes or container orchestration experience
- Security certifications or hands-on hardening experience
- Experience supporting fast-scaling startups or high-availability environments
Perks & Benefits
- 💻 Hybrid work setup (Austin-based team, 2 in-office days/week)
- 🌴 24 flex leave days annually
- 💰 Salary range: $95,000–$120,000/year
- 🎯 Annual performance-based bonus
- 💡 Annual learning budget + certification support
- 💬 Monthly wellness check-ins & mental health support
- 🏥 Medical, dental & vision coverage for you and your dependents
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
We’re not looking to micromanage. We’re looking for a true partner—someone who takes ownership, enjoys autonomy, and thinks like an architect. At CloudNova, your work directly impacts the stability of companies doing important things across the U.S. and beyond. You’ll be part of a small, high-caliber team where your voice matters and your input shapes what we build.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to run a simple evaluation—not to make you jump through hoops, but to help us focus on real skills and reduce hiring bias.
To apply, follow this link: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’ll review your responses carefully and get back to everyone within 7 business days.
🌱 Entry-Level Systems Engineer (Willing to Train) – Join Our Growing Tech Team
📌 Job Title: Junior Systems Engineer at CloudNova (Hybrid – Austin, Texas)
💼 Full-Time | $65,000–$80,000/year (Based on Experience) | Hybrid Work Setup
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | Core Hours: 9am–4pm CST
📹 Meet Your Future Manager (Insert Loom/YouTube Link)
Who We Are
CloudNova helps early-stage startups and growing teams scale their cloud infrastructure with ease. From setting up their first CI/CD pipelines to building secure, scalable systems—they trust us to get it right. We work with modern tools, clear goals, and a strong bias toward action.
We’re a small, supportive team based in Austin. Our engineers don’t just ship—they learn, mentor, and grow together. If you’re curious, resourceful, and ready to level up in your tech career, you’ll feel at home here.
What You’ll Be Doing
You don’t need to have it all figured out—we’ll train you. But here’s the kind of work you’ll grow into:
- Helping set up and manage cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, etc.)
- Learning how to write infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible)
- Supporting the team in troubleshooting system issues and deploying fixes
- Helping maintain our monitoring and alerting systems
- Working on real-world automation and devops projects with senior mentorship
- Participating in standups, planning, and feedback sessions
What We’re Looking For
- 0–2 years experience in tech or a related field
- Some familiarity with Linux, cloud platforms, or scripting (Bash, Python, etc.)
- Strong interest in infrastructure, devops, or systems thinking
- Willingness to learn, take feedback, and grow fast
- Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Bonus if you have:
- Side projects, GitHub repos, or certifications (AWS, Linux+)
- Experience building or breaking things just for fun
- Any exposure to system administration, cloud tools, or automation
Not sure if you’re qualified? Apply anyway. We value potential, not just resumes.
Perks & Benefits
- 💻 Hybrid work setup (Austin-based team, 2 in-office days/week)
- 🌱 On-the-job training & senior mentorship
- 💡 Certification reimbursement + dedicated learning budget
- 🌴 20 flex leave days annually
- 💰 Salary: $65,000–$80,000/year
- 🧠 Wellness and career growth check-ins
- 🏥 Medical, dental & vision for you + dependents
Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
This is more than an entry-level job. It’s a launchpad.
At CloudNova, we believe in growing people—not just filling roles. You’ll get hands-on experience, real mentorship, and opportunities to lead as you level up. We don’t expect perfection—we expect curiosity, work ethic, and a genuine interest in tech infrastructure.
If you’ve got those, we’ll help you build the rest.
How to Apply
We don’t judge you by your resume alone. That’s why we use WorkScreen.io to evaluate applicants based on potential and real-world thinking—not just what’s on paper.
To apply, follow this link: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’ll guide you through a short, thoughtful evaluation and keep you updated at every step.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Why These Systems Engineer Job Posts Actually Work
Let’s break down the key elements that make both the senior and entry-level job descriptions strong—and why they attract the right candidates.
1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Contextual
Instead of a vague title like “Systems Engineer,” we included details that matter:
- The senior role specifies “Senior Systems Engineer at CloudNova (Hybrid – Austin)”
- The entry-level version adds “Willing to Train” right in the title
That clarity immediately filters in the right candidates—and filters out the wrong ones. It also shows the level of investment the company is making (training, location flexibility, career path).
2. The Introductions Speak to Real Humans, Not Algorithms
Each post opens with a warm, conversational tone that frames the opportunity with mission, context, and clarity:
- What the company does
- Why the role matters
- What kind of person they’re looking for
This approach sets the tone and builds an emotional connection—something top-tier candidates are looking for when considering their next move.
3. There’s Full Transparency on Salary, Perks & Expectations
Both job posts list:
- A specific salary range
- Core work schedule and expectations
- Benefits like learning budgets, wellness support, and family coverage
This kind of transparency builds trust and shows that the company values its people. It also avoids wasting time on candidates with mismatched expectations.
4. The Application Process Respects the Candidate
Instead of the usual cold line (“only shortlisted candidates will be contacted”), both posts explain:
- That every application will be reviewed
- What the next steps are
- How the process works (via WorkScreen.io)
- That you care about candidate experience
This matters more than most hiring teams realize. A clear, respectful process reduces drop-off and leaves a positive impression—even for those who don’t get the role.
5. The Tone Throughout Is Human, Not Corporate
From phrases like “you’ll feel right at home here” to “apply anyway if you’re unsure,” the language throughout is warm, honest, and approachable.
This tone speaks to real people, not just keyword-scanning bots—and that’s exactly what attracts thoughtful, high-quality applicants.
Bad Job Description Example – What Not to Do and Why It Fails
Job Title: Systems Engineer
Company: GlobalTech Solutions
Location: Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are looking for a systems engineer to manage and oversee technical systems operations. The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving abilities and work closely with the IT department to maintain infrastructure stability.
Responsibilities
- Maintain system stability and performance
- Troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure issues
- Monitor systems and perform upgrades
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Ensure data backups and security compliance
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
- 3+ years of experience in systems engineering or IT operations
- Knowledge of cloud platforms and scripting languages
- Excellent communication skills
How to Apply
Please email your resume and cover letter to careers@globaltech.com. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
🛑 Why This Job Description Doesn’t Work
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
“Systems Engineer” is vague and gives no clue about level, company culture, industry, or location. There’s nothing to make it stand out on a job board or LinkedIn feed.
2. The Introduction Is Cold and Corporate
There’s no story. No mission. No context. The summary is written in robotic language that could apply to any company hiring a systems engineer.
3. No Salary Transparency
Not listing the pay range raises red flags for candidates and may lead to a poor applicant pool—or worse, attract those with mismatched expectations.
4. Nothing About Culture or Values
Candidates want to know who they’re working with, not just what they’ll do. This post has no personality, no mention of team dynamics, no values—nothing to help someone envision themselves on the team.
5. Application Process Feels Dismissive
Saying “only shortlisted applicants will be contacted” is cold and outdated. It signals a company that doesn’t value people’s time or effort—and turns away thoughtful applicants.
6. Zero Differentiation
There’s nothing in the post that makes this role or company memorable. It could’ve been written by a machine. It likely was.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Even if your job description already checks the right boxes, these small details can make a big difference—especially when you’re competing for top engineering talent.
Here are four extra touches that build trust, signal professionalism, and help you attract the right candidates faster:
🔒 1. Add a Security + Privacy Notice for Applicants
Job seekers are more cautious than ever—especially when applying to lesser-known companies. Add a simple trust-building message at the bottom of your post, like:
“We take applicant privacy and data security seriously. We will never request payment, banking details, or sensitive personal info during the hiring process.”
This reassures candidates that your job post is legitimate—and shows that you respect their time and information.
🌴 2. Mention Time Off or Flex Days (Yes, Even for Tech Roles)
Many engineering job descriptions talk about systems, but forget to talk about humans.
Mentioning things like:
- “24 flex leave days per year”
- “No-meeting Fridays”
- “Optional recharge days each quarter”
…can make your offer more competitive and your culture more appealing—especially to experienced engineers who care about work-life balance and mental bandwidth.
🚀 3. Highlight Training, Mentorship, or Growth Opportunities
This is especially important if you’re hiring junior or mid-level engineers.
A simple line like:
“We invest in growth. You’ll get access to training, mentorship, and a learning budget to deepen your skills.”
…tells candidates that they won’t stagnate here—and that you care about their long-term development, not just filling a seat.
🎥 4. Include a Loom or Video From the Hiring Manager
Most job posts are text walls. But when a real human shows up—talking candidly about the team, the work, and what success looks like—it instantly builds trust and interest.
If possible, embed a short video from the hiring manager or team lead. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just honest. That alone can make your post stand out in a sea of cold listings.
These bonus tips don’t require much effort—but they create a big emotional lift. And in a competitive hiring market, that’s often what tips a great candidate toward your job.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
Should You Use AI to Write Your Job Post?
The short answer?
Yes—but not the way most people do it.
We’ve seen a wave of AI-generated job descriptions pop up across job boards. Tools like ChatGPT, Workable, and Manatal all offer “one-click” job post creation. It sounds convenient—but here’s the problem:
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you just ask AI to “write a job post for a systems engineer,” you’ll get something that looks like this:
“We are seeking a motivated systems engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in maintaining IT systems and collaborating with cross-functional teams…”
You’ve seen it a thousand times. It’s bland. It’s lifeless. And it won’t attract the kind of thoughtful, experienced engineers you want.
Here’s why relying on AI with no direction is risky:
- You get generic, boilerplate content that sounds like every other post
- It attracts low-effort applicants who mass-apply to everything
- It damages your brand by making you look unoriginal or disengaged
✅ The Right Way to Use AI: Give It Direction, Context, and Raw Material
AI can absolutely help you polish, format, and improve your job post—but only if you bring the substance.
Before using AI, jot down:
- What your company actually does
- What this role will really be responsible for
- The tone and culture you want to reflect
- What kind of person you hope to hire
- Salary, perks, and team values
- A few bullet points or raw ideas you’ve written
Then, prompt AI like this:
“Help me write a culture-first job description for a Junior Systems Engineer at CloudNova. We’re hiring someone based in Austin, Texas, to help maintain cloud systems and support our senior engineers. They’ll work on AWS, CI/CD pipelines, and automation tools.
Our team is collaborative and we’re willing to train. We offer $65K–$80K/year, hybrid work, 20 flex leave days, and a strong learning culture. Here are a few rough notes I’ve written to get started [paste notes]…”
This way, AI becomes a writing partner, not a shortcut. It helps you say what you mean—not speak for you.
TL;DR: AI Can’t Fake Authenticity
Top candidates can tell the difference between a job post written with care… and one that was slapped together in 30 seconds.
So use AI—but do it smartly. Your job post is a first impression. Make it feel real.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Systems Engineer Job Description Template?
We get it. Sometimes you just need a solid starting point—fast.
Maybe you’ve read the full guide, understand what makes a great job post, and just want something you can tweak and publish. That’s exactly what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual kitchen.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description Template
📌 Job Title: Systems Engineer at [Company Name] (Hybrid – [City, State])
💼 Full-Time | $[Salary Range] | Hybrid Work Setup
🕒 Schedule: [Workdays/Hours]
📹 Meet Your Future Manager (Insert Loom/YouTube Link)
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we help [describe what your company does]. Our work touches [type of customers or industries], and we take pride in building infrastructure that’s fast, secure, and scalable.
We’re a small, focused team that values curiosity, ownership, and clear communication. If you love solving complex problems and want to join a team where your work really matters, this is your kind of role.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll join our systems team to:
- Design and maintain cloud or hybrid infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Azure)
- Automate processes with Terraform, Ansible, or scripting
- Troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure issues
- Manage monitoring, backup, and recovery tools
- Collaborate with developers and product teams to improve system reliability
What We’re Looking For
- [X–Y] years in systems engineering or DevOps
- Proficiency with [list key tools or platforms]
- A calm, problem-solving mindset
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Bonus if you have:
- [List 1–2 “nice-to-haves”]
Perks & Benefits
- 💻 Hybrid work + flexible schedule
- 🌴 [X] flex leave days annually
- 💰 Salary: $[Insert Range]
- 💡 Learning & certification support
- 🏥 Health, dental & vision coverage
- 🎯 Performance bonus or growth path
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate applicants based on real skills—not just resumes.
Click here to apply: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
You’ll complete a quick, skill-based evaluation and hear back within 7 days.
🔧 Option 2: Traditional Format (for Quick Internal Use)
Job Title: Systems Engineer
Location: [City, State / Hybrid / Remote]
Salary Range: $[XX,000 – YY,000]
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Brief
We’re hiring a Systems Engineer to help manage and scale our cloud and internal infrastructure. This role requires both hands-on experience and strong troubleshooting skills.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain secure systems
- Monitor performance and troubleshoot issues
- Automate infrastructure management and deployments
- Support dev and product teams with system-level needs
- Maintain documentation and standard operating procedures
Requirements
- [2–5+] years in systems, cloud, or DevOps roles
- Familiar with [Linux, AWS, CI/CD tools, scripting, etc.]
- Ability to work independently and communicate clearly
- Bonus: knowledge of container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
Benefits
- $[Salary Range]
- days PTO
- Hybrid/remote flexibility
- Health, dental & vision insurance
- Certification & learning stipend
How to Apply / Our Hiring Process
- Apply via WorkScreen.io – Click here: [Insert WorkScreen Link].
- Skill-Based Evaluation – Complete a short, role-specific assessment (20–30 minutes).
- Virtual Interview – If shortlisted, you’ll meet the hiring manager and a senior engineer to discuss real scenarios you’ll face on the job.
- Feedback for Everyone – We respect your time. Every applicant receives an update, whether or not we move forward.
We keep the entire process transparent and aim to make a decision within 14 days from receiving your application.
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Part
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Part
Writing a great job post is just the first step.
The real challenge? Finding out who’s actually qualified.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
WorkScreen Helps You:
🔍 Spot Your Top Candidates—Fast
WorkScreen automatically evaluates applicants using role-specific tasks and challenges. Then it scores and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard—so you can see who’s most capable at a glance.
🧪 Run Skill Tests with One Click
No need to build a custom assessment from scratch. WorkScreen has plug-and-play tests tailored for roles like Systems Engineers, so you can evaluate candidates on what they can actually do—not just what their résumé claims.
🚫 Eliminate Low-Effort & AI-Generated Applications
AI tools have made it easier than ever to mass-apply, bluff experience, or game keyword filters. WorkScreen filters out the noise by forcing real thought and engagement—giving you a shortlist of applicants who are serious, skilled, and aligned.
Whether you’re hiring a senior engineer or someone you’re willing to train, WorkScreen helps you hire with confidence—based on performance, not guesswork.
👉 Create a job post with WorkScreen.io and let the platform do the heavy lifting.
Systems Engineer Job Description - Frequently Asked Questions
Systems engineers need a blend of technical expertise and soft skills. Some of the most critical skills include:
- Infrastructure design and maintenance (especially in cloud environments like AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Scripting and automation (e.g., Bash, Python, PowerShell)
- Familiarity with tools like Terraform, Ansible, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines
- Troubleshooting and debugging complex systems
- Strong communication and documentation skills
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams (engineering, security, product)
They also need to think systematically—understanding how all components of a system interact—and proactively identify risks before they become issues.
When hiring, look for more than just tech buzzwords. The best systems engineers tend to have:
- A calm, problem-solving mindset, especially under pressure
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn, since systems evolve quickly
- Ownership mentality—they don’t just fix issues, they build better processes
- Real-world experience in scripting, automation, cloud tools, and monitoring
- An ability to clearly explain complex systems to both technical and non-technical teammates
Bonus points for engineers who document proactively and think about edge cases.
While a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering can be helpful, many excellent systems engineers are self-taught or bootcamp-trained.
More important than degrees are:
- Certifications (e.g., AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, CompTIA Linux+, RHCSA)
- Hands-on experience managing real infrastructure
- Portfolio projects or GitHub repos
- A track record of solving infrastructure problems in fast-paced environments
Ultimately, qualifications should support the skills—not replace them.
In the U.S., the average base salary for a systems engineer typically ranges from $85,000 to $115,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry.
- Entry-level roles may start around $65,000–$80,000/year
- Mid-level engineers often earn $95,000–$110,000/year
- Senior systems engineers can command $120,000–$140,000/year or more, especially in high-demand tech hubs
Benefits, bonuses, and hybrid/remote options can also influence total compensation.
A standout job post speaks directly to candidates—not just search engines. It should include:
- A clear, contextual job title
- Transparent salary range
- Human intro that explains your mission and team
- A thoughtful, respectful hiring process
- Details on culture, mentorship, and growth opportunities
- Bonus: a video from the hiring manager or team lead
Avoid generic buzzwords. Instead, show candidates why the role matters and what it’s like to work with you.
Use skill-based evaluations that simulate real-world tasks. For example:
- Ask them to troubleshoot a broken infrastructure setup
- Give a mini challenge involving automation or scripting
- Use tools like io to run time-bound, role-specific tests
- Follow up with a collaborative technical interview focused on how they think—not just what they know
Avoid whiteboard trivia. Focus on systems thinking, communication, and applied problem-solving.
Great question. You can protect your hiring process by:
- Using custom questions or prompts that require real thought
- Including a small task or challenge early in the process
- Evaluating responses through a platform like WorkScreen, which filters out spammy, copy-paste, or AI-generated answers
- Asking candidates to reflect on real experiences (“Tell us about a time when…”)
This helps surface serious applicants and filters out mass-apply behavior.
