Systems Engineer in Manchester

What is a Systems Engineer?

A Systems Engineer is a key technology professional responsible for designing, deploying and maintaining high-availability IT systems. They ensure robust, secure and high-performing enterprise infrastructure that supports business-critical operations. As technical architects, they bridge the gap between complex technical requirements and organisational IT needs, leveraging expertise in cloud computing, networking, security and automation to create resilient and adaptive IT ecosystems.

Systems Engineer role and responsibilities

System design and deployment

Develop and implement high-availability systems across Linux and Windows platforms, ensuring:

Security compliance (ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, Cyber Essentials Plus)

Performance optimisation for enterprise workloads

Reliability and stability of IT infrastructure

Infrastructure automation

Streamline IT operations through intelligent automation strategies:

Utilise infrastructure-as-code(IaC) tools like Terraform, Ansible and Puppet

Reduce manual workloads and improve system consistency

Automation scripting in Python, Bash, or PowerShell

Network and virtualisation management

Manage complex technological environments by:

Troubleshooting networking challenges (TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs, Load Balancing)

Managing virtualisation platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, Citrix)

Ensuring seamless cloud and on-prem integration

Continuous integration and monitoring

Implement proactive system management through:

CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins/GitLab)

Advanced monitoring tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Splunk, ELK Stack)

Rapid incident response and fault resolution

Security and resilience

Develop robust security strategies focusing on:

Disaster recovery planning and business continuity planning

Zero-trust security models and system hardening

Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing

Systems Engineer key qualifications, skills and experience

Essential skills and experience

Cloud and virtualisation:

Multi-cloud expertise (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Strong VMware and Kubernetes knowledge

Automation and scripting:

Infrastructure automation using Terraform, Ansible

Proficiency in Python, Bash, or PowerShell

Operating systems and networking:

Expert-level Linux and Windows Server administration

Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, VPN, Load Balancing

Security and compliance:

Experience with SIEM tools (Splunk, ELK)

Understanding of ISO 27001, GDPR, Cyber Essentials Plus

Technical problem-solving:

Ability to resolve server failures, cloud disruptions, security threats

Desirable certifications

AWS Solutions Architect

Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

Soft skills

Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams

Ability to translate technical concepts for business stakeholders

Technical documentation experience (Confluence, JIRA, Markdown)

Looking for a systems engineer or a systems engineer job?

Submit your CV or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.

Robert Half can assist you with your systems engineer recruitment needs.

Salary for Systems Engineer in Manchester

44500 - 65500

25th percentile

44500

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

56000

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

65500

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

DevOps Manager

97500

116000

134500

Head of Infrastructure

80000

101250

118000

Infrastructure Manager

66000

76500

87500

Network Manager

70250

77000

84750

DevOps Engineer

69250

84250

99000

Cloud Engineer

65500

78750

92000

Network Engineer

62500

71750

83250

Service Delivery Manager

50250

59500

70250

Infrastructure Engineer

54750

65250

75500

IT Support Manager

40750

50000

58250

Network Administrator

40750

45500

52750

Second Line Support

32250

34750

37750

First Line Support

27250

29250

31500

Explore more salaries

Hiring? Start here.

Access millions of skilled contract and permanent candidates at every level from support roles to C-Suite, and pinpoint the talent you need using our industry-leading matching technology.

Find your next hire

Your guide to negotiating salaries and offers

2026 UK Salary Guide Explore UK salaries, in-demand roles and compensation strategies to confidently benchmark for new hires or prepare for salary discussions.

Expert advice: How to answer the question ‘What are your salary expectations?’ Our recruitment experts give tips on how to answer the question ‘What are your salary expectations?’ during an interview, with examples. Find out more…

How to negotiate a pay rise with your employer: 6 practical tips from recruitment experts Want to know how to ask for a salary increase? Our expert recruiters share new salary data alongside 6 practical tips for negotiating a pay rise this year.

Disappointed with your salary review meeting? Here's what to do next... Has your recent salary review meeting left you feeling deflated? Our recruitment experts share advice on how to turn things around.

How to negotiate a higher salary Learn what steps you can take to secure a more lucrative wage offer when starting a new job.

Should I accept a counteroffer from my current employer? Have you received a counteroffer from your current employer after tendering your resignation? Our recruiters guide you through the tactics behind counteroffers, how to evaluate them and next steps.

How to ask for a sign on bonus: top tips for getting the ‘golden hello’ What is a sign on bonus, and how can you negotiate one? Our experts cover the basics and share 7 tips that’ll help you know how to ask for a sign on bonus.

When should you start discussing salary in an interview? Find out when and if you should ask about salary during an interview.

Listen up, Employers! Maximise your counter-offers to retain talent The pressure is on for businesses to retain their top talent - so what can you do if one of your most valued employees decides to leave?

Performance and salary review: how they differ and how to prepare for success Uncover the difference between a performance and salary review and discover how to increase your chances of success with smart preparation. Read more.

Should you accept a counter-offer? Received a counter-offer after resigning? Discover the pros and cons of accepting a counter-offer and how to make the right decision for your long-term career goals.

Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job seekers our recruiters have matched with companies across the country, in addition to 350,000 third-party vacancies data from Textkernel for independent validation.

The Salary Guide From Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.