If you like computer software and designing solutions for specific problems, a career as a systems engineer could be for you. Invaluable and irreplaceable, systems engineers are the team players that everyone needs. They create a system that is both user-friendly and robust. They innovate and investigate to create the best system possible for their business objectives.
What is a systems engineer?
A systems engineer has a multifaceted role that encompasses all parts of a business model. This person works with computer science, engineering, mathematics, and analytics to build a system to suit an organization's needs. They monitor and manage hardware and software and provide guidance when needed to their team to keep everything running smoothly.
Some responsibilities of a systems engineer include:
- Communicating with a team to understand specific requirements of the system regarding design, installation, and usage of data, hardware, and software components
- Documenting specifications about design, installation, and other system-related information
- Guiding project costs, design concepts and changes, and support in the development or troubleshooting of systems
- Verifying stability, operability, portability, security, and scalability of system architecture
- Evaluating current and emerging technologies to consider the implementation of upgrades for security portability, compatibility, and usability
- Monitoring systems to detect and prevent potential problems
- Providing guidelines for the implementation of secure systems through design and ensuring compatibility of system components
How to become a systems engineer
Systems engineers usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in a technical field, such as computer science or computer engineering. Some senior-level positions may require a master’s degree.
Most systems engineers also have several years of experience on top of their degree in areas such as information security, systems engineering, integration, or systems architecture.
A career along the CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway may include systems engineer, and CompTIA Network+ can validate the skills needed in such a role. Most systems engineers also gain experience as programmers before moving into systems engineering.
Job titles related to systems engineer
- Computer systems analyst
- Information security analyst
- Network analyst
- Network architect
- Software developer
Want to become a systems engineer? Check out the new CompTIA Network+.