Hiring a systems engineer: the market today
The short answer ·
4,883 open postings ask for a systems engineer as of Nov 11, 2026, from 319 employers. The median advertised pay is $142,500, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 1,913 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, Nov 11, 2026
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 3,692 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Sep 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a systems engineer?
Hard. 319 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Lockheed Martin with 807 open postings.
What should I pay a systems engineer?
Advertised pay centers on $142,500. Federal staff in series 0801 average $156,291 in actual pay.
Where is a systems engineer being hired?
As of Nov 11, 2026, the most open postings for the role are in California (643), Virginia (562) and Colorado (506). Together they hold 35% of its 4,883 open postings.
Who can help me hire a systems engineer?
Ayla's recruiters, for government agencies and contractors. Send the role for a free market brief within two business days, then interview the people we find; you pay a placement fee when you hire.