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Systems engineering is rewarding, in-demand, and it pays well.
But… what exactly is it?
A fancy word for the head of IT?
The engineer that does no actual work, except for bossing people around?
No, rest assured that systems engineers are:
Key parts of a team
Not just into IT and programming
Experts in engineering AND collaboration/management
What does a systems engineer do?
A systems engineer develops and monitors complex systems that solve real-life problems.
In this article, we’re taking a deeper look into systems engineering. You will learn about the salary, job description, and the career roadmap to follow if you want to become one.
But first, let’s look at some numbers about systems engineering:
Systems Engineer Facts
This is what systems engineering looks like in today’s economy:
The majority of systems engineers get health benefits, with 87% receiving medical, 80% dental, and 73% having vision benefits.
Systems engineers enjoy high job satisfaction, citing healthy working environment, flexibility, and lifelong learning as some of their favourite aspects.
Convinced already? Check out some of the openings in our portal.
Systems Engineering (SE) in a Nutshell
SE combines engineering with engineering management to create and maintain highly efficient systems. In the rest of the article, we will be focusing on computer systems engineer jobs, but they are far from the only option.
Here is our overview of the systems engineer job description and salary for each sub-field:
Computer Systems Engineer
This specialization is concerned with creating, monitoring, and optimizing complex computer systems.
Some of the subfields here are:
Software systems engineer – working across the software engineering lifecycle.
Network systems engineer – integrating, scaling, and consolidating systems for efficient networking.
The average base pay for software systems engineers position is $88,132 per year. They also receive an additional cash compensation of $4,933.
The average pay for a network engineer is on average $77,768 per year with additional compensation of $6,031.
Control Systems Engineer
This is usually a subfield of mechanical engineering. Using models, control systems engineers design controllers for dynamic systems. To that end, they use components such as electrical circuits, digital signal processors and microcontrollers.
Most controllers are based on a feedback mechanism that can make the system behave in the desired manner – even in a constantly changing environment.
The average basic salary for control systems engineering is $74,264 per year with an additional cash compensation of $4,223.
Logistics Engineer
Logistics engineers organize the process of distributing goods. This includes overseeing order processing, negotiating with and managing shipping brokers, coordinating warehouse activities, and collaborating closely with the sales team, as well as corporate management.
The average base pay for this position is $67,413 per year. Logistics engineers also receive an additional cash compensation of $4,816.
Transportation Systems Engineer
This field involves the strategies, procedures, and techniques for creating efficient transportation systems. Engineers working in transportation develop traffic maintenance methods, do emergency situation planning, and create alert systems for commuters.
The average base pay for this position is $77,768 per year. Transportation engineers also receive an additional cash compensation of $6,031.
Product Development Systems Engineer
Product development systems are concerned with creating competitive products that respond to customer needs and demands. This entails model-based design, using risk management tools, and working closely with designers and product managers to produce the best end result.
The average base pay for this position is $87,789 per year. Product Development engineers also receive an additional cash compensation of $6,210.
Systems Engineering For Beginners
How to become a systems engineer?
Here is our quick guide (more in-depth information in the next sections):
Get the Right Education
The majority of employers require post-secondary education. While any engineering degree is acceptable, systems or industrial engineering are the preferred bachelor’s.
If you are already in an engineering or computer science program, you can further specialize with systems engineering post-grad study.
2-year master’s degrees in systems engineering will set you up for success in managerial positions. To be able to apply for them, make sure your B.S. is accredited from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Doctorates are only required for positions in academia.
Gain Experience
Hands-on experience will make you familiar with the nuts and bolts of your preferred industry. Plus, you need at least 4 years to become a Professional Engineer (PE).
It’s best to do internships while you are still in college/university (if your coursework permits it). This way, after graduation you will already have the skillset to apply for jobs.
Entry-Level Systems Engineer Jobs
Junior engineers work under close supervision and they don’t normally handle complex problems. That being said, these positions are the perfect opportunity to build a professional network and learn from others in your field.
Become a Professional Engineer (PE)
While PE is not a requirement for all jobs, it’s highly recommended. It demonstrates your engineering savvy to potential employers and enables you to pursue higher-level positions.
First, you have to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE). This is available in seven different disciplines, Systems Engineering among them. The first-time pass rate for this is 68%.
To become a licenced PE, you need at least four years of approved work experience.
Only then can you take the test. The 8-hour pen-and-paper exam takes place once a year (in April). Systems engineering is a distinct discipline in the PE, too.
Consider Certification
Voluntary certifications help you stand out during your job search. According to CareerStop, the most in-demand certificate for SE’s is the Certified Systems Engineering Professional by the International Council on Systems Engineering.
What about Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification?
This is a retired cert since the technology is no longer supported by Microsoft. If you already have it, it’s a Legacy certification on your transcript.
MCSE now stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert and shows you can build cloud-based and on-premises solutions.
Systems Engineer Job Description
Disclaimer: This is a general job description for this position. Every employer will have different criteria for hiring.
In case you’re asking yourself “What does a systems engineer do exactly?”, we’ve compiled a comprehensive job description. You can use this to highlight the system engineer skills in your resume too.
On a day-to-day basis, systems engineers:
Monitor existing systems to ensure they work smoothly and efficiently.
Suggest system optimizations.
Recommend and handle replacements, upgrades, and external vendor system purchases.
Customize and maintain systems from external companies.
Develop and optimize internal solutions.
Ensure compliance with security requirements.
Communicate with stakeholders to meet their needs and expectations.
Collaborate with different teams, applying engineering management principles.
Are systems engineers in demand?
Without a systems engineer, the product/solution won’t come together, even if each department is doing their job. Systems engineers optimize resources (technical, financial, and human talent) to meet business goals.
So the answer is yes, and very much so!
Software Systems Engineer Job Description
Professionals in this field work across the software engineering lifecycle of mission critical systems. An SSE will typically:
Perform technical analysis on system service and development issues.
Carry out problem definition from existing analytical reports.
Design software solutions to operational challenges.
Acquire and license third-party software.
Program and maintain custom scripts to meet business-specific needs and increase system efficiency.
Provide 2nd and 3rd level support for technical issues.
Ensure confidentiality of company data.
Some software systems jobs also require in-depth understanding of cloud-based applications and virtualization. Being able to create both on-premises and cloud-native solutions will give you an edge over other candidates, as well as leverage to apply for higher-level positions.
Network Systems Engineer Job Description
Systems engineers in this field are experts at networking. They help enterprises establish and improve networks, ensuring safety and efficiency.
A network systems engineer will:
Acquire, install, and maintain suitable hardware and software to meet networking needs.
Proactively ensure the highest level of LAN or WAN network availability.
Maintain and monitor the inventory of networking devices.
Perform network audits on a routine basis.
Collaborate with vendors and internal staff to resolve networking issues.
Systems Engineer Salary Breakdown
Your pay will depend on the company, your experience, and exact job position. Before we break down the factors, let’s recap the salary averages for different types of systems engineers:
Annual Base Pay
Additional Cash Compensation
Salary Per Hour
Software Systems Engineer
$88,132
$4,933
$42.37
Network Systems Engineer
$77,768
$6,031
$37.39
Control Systems Engineer
$74,264
$4,223
$35.70
Logistics Systems Engineer
$77,768
$6,031
$37.39
Transport Systems Engineer
$77,768
$6,031
$37.39
Product Development Systems Engineer
$87,789
$6,210
$42.21
Which are the Top-Paying Locations?
A system engineer salary in California was $104,720 and $103,980 in Washington… But the highest salaries were actually in Alaska ($125,740)!
Computer Systems Engineer Jobs Pay Better If
SE’s working in the IT industry are among the best remunerated specialties. Here are some of the skills that will increase your salary even more:
Linux OS – knowing the ins and outs of using Linux for systems engineering.
Virtualization – relevant in both cloud-based and on-premise server solutions, virtualization is becoming essential for IT solutions
VMware ESX – this enterprise-level software is the tool of choice for server virtualization.
System Engineering Education Requirements
Post-secondary education is virtually indispensable.
Choosing Your Bachelor’s Degree
While some consider system engineering to be an aspect of industrial engineering, it is indeed a field of its own. Depending on the specialization you are aiming for, different engineering degrees might be more or less suitable.
Here is some of the coursework that will be useful for your future career:
Calculus and linear algebra
Statistics
Engineering fundamentals
Mechanics
Physics
Engineering quality control
Project management
Engineering economics
Additionally, computer systems engineers need an in-depth understanding of software development and/or networking principles. A computer science degree might be better suited for this career path, though any program that gives you a strong informatics and math core is suitable.
Master’s and Post-Graduate Study
Master’s degrees aren’t an entry-level requirement for systems engineers. They are, however, an advantage when you apply for high-level positions. Both the M.S. in Systems Engineering and the Master of Engineering Management will give you better job prospects and better pay.
To apply for a master’s program, your bachelor’s degree has to be ABET-accredited. The admissions process also takes into account your undergraduate coursework, especially math and statistics. Depending on the school – the undergraduate GPA, your statement of purpose, as well as your letters of recommendation will carry different weights.
As for PhD, companies don’t care if you hold one. While it undoubtedly looks great on your resumé, a doctorate is only a requirement for professors and researchers.
Professional Certificates
Certifications are proof of your experience and of the skills you gained along the way.
The Professional Engineer (PE) license is the highest standard of competence in engineering. To receive it, you must hold an ABET-accredited degree in engineering, as well as four years of after-college working experience. With these prerequisites, you can sit for the exam in April or October of every year.
The Principles and Practice of Engineering exam is available for 16 different engineering disciplines. Some disciplines are available year-round as computer-based exams. Systems engineering, however, is only pen-and-paper and it’s only available once a year. The first-time takers’ success rate for it is 66%.
Systems Engineering Professional Certificate
The Systems Engineering Professional Certification by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) is one of the most valuable certs you can get. Even though it is not a requirement for applying, the certificate provides confirmation of your expertise. This, in turn, makes you a more desirable job candidate.
There are four levels available for the INCOSE certification:
Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) – if you are taking your first career steps in systems engineering, this is the certification for you.
Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) – with 5+ years of engineering experience, you can apply for this one.
Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) – this requires 20+ years of experience and while most CSEPs choose not to apply for it, it is definitely a badge of professional honor.
Freelance Positions
As with most tech jobs, systems engineers get the opportunity to work from their home office for a set amount of days each year/month. However, true freelance positions are rare in this field.
Ultimately, systems engineers take an integrative approach, collaborating with different teams, combining different elements of systems, anticipating and managing outcomes. There is a major human aspect to the job. This is why systems engineering is rarely (read: almost never) a remote or freelance job.
Most professionals are working on a regular 9-to-5 schedule. Telework might be possible depending on your employer.
System Engineer Technical Skills List
The technical skills of a systems engineer depend on their field. For computer systems engineers they include:
Fluency in one or more of the popular programming languages like Python, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc.
Familiarity with software development methodologies, especially.
Agile software development.
Cloud-native application development and management (AWS or Microsoft Azure).
Virtualization principles and tools.
On-premise solutions development and management.
Database skills (a solid base of SQL is useful, even if your company uses NoSQL databases).
Networking principles.
Managing LAN and WAN networks.
Linux OS administration.
Familiarity with external vendor software solutions and ability to configure and customize them to meet entreprise-specific needs 2nd and 3rd level technical support.
Familiarity with data safety best practices and ability to observe compliance with standards.
For network systems engineers, managing both the software and hardware aspects of a network are essential technical skills. These positions require little to no software development, but they involve extensive licensing, customization, and optimization of systems.
Modeling and Simulation
You don’t wait until the car is manufactured to see if the systems work well together. Creating mathematical models and diagrams to test concepts is one of the main aspects of any systems engineering position.
Systems engineers in non-IT positions need an in-depth understanding of the technical aspects of their field. To be able to effectively manage and oversee processes, they (obviously) need to be familiar with them.
Start building experience early on in your career. As long as it’s a position in your desired field, it will teach you a lot about how systems work, where problems come up, and how you can optimize to avoid issues.
Soft Skills for Success
Don’t skip over the soft skills. Systems engineering is a tech-heavy job but it also requires collaboration. Here are some of the soft skills you need to succeed (and actually enjoy your job):
Engineering Management
At the interface between engineering and business, this is indispensable for systems engineers. Overseeing engineering-driven enterprises requires strong leadership and communication skills, as well as in-depth knowledge into the technical aspect of the job.
Engineering management is available as a master’s degree and employers will require it for higher-level positions.
Decision Making
Systems engineers have to take various factors into account during their decision making process. Creating an efficient decision matrix and using it for strategic planning is one of the key skills of successful systems engineers.
Time Management
As a systems engineer, you will often be faced with unexpected situations and outcomes. It is not always possible to plan for what comes up. This is why prioritizing, chunking your tasks, and leaving room for unforeseen complications are so important.
Working in a fast-paced environment where you are expected to deliver results within limited time frames is a lot easier for type A personalities.
If you’re the type to leave things for the last possible minute, systems engineering will show you (the hard way) why this is not a great idea.
Superb Communication Skills
While this is an aspect of engineering management, it is crucial enough to warrant a section of its own.
Not only will your communication skills come in handy when you are dealing with clients and stakeholders, it is indispensable for effective collaboration. As a systems engineer, you will be working with both technical and non-tech teams. Clear and professional communication skills will make this aspect so much easier.
Systems Engineer Jobs: In Conclusion
As a systems engineer, you will be designing and maintaining systems that solve complex real-life problems.
It’s a challenging role that integrates management with engineering and business with tech. It is, however, also a position where you will have a huge impact on the enterprise’s success. With systems engineering, every day can bring something different – lifelong learning is one of its main perks.
And, of course, there is the lucrative remuneration that can easily reach six-figures.
Does it spark your interest? Check out our directory for the latest job postings in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a systems engineer do?
Systems engineers manage every step of system design, implementation, and optimization. They create systems to solve complex real-life problems, whether it’s an internal operations challenge or a customer need.
With dynamic systems, the system engineer is also the one to create controllers based on a feedback mechanism, to control and direct the system.
There are various sub-specialties of systems engineering, including computer systems engineer, product management engineer, and even transportation engineer.
Professionals in the field of IT work with computer systems – whether they specialize in networking or software development. They collaborate with different teams to provide software-based solutions and provide specialized support if something should go wrong.
What is the typical starting salary for a systems engineer?
Depending on your field, the starting salary can vary. For computer systems engineers, the junior systems engineer salary is $62,029. Skills in virtualization and Linux OS can increase your salary, both in junior and higher-level jobs.
What are the skills required for system engineer?
Systems engineers need a combination of management and technical skills.
Computer systems engineers need expertise in software design and implementation, agile software delivery, programming in different languages (at least one high-level language like C is highly recommended), cloud-based solutions, virtualization, networking principles, data safety, and more.
Depending on your specialty, you might need additional tech skills. For instance, experience in cloud environments like AWS and Azure is likely not a must for transport systems engineers. It is, however, virtually indispensable for networking professionals.
Is a systems engineer a software engineer?
Some systems engineers are specialized in software. Software engineering does, after all, imply creating systems based on software. It’s like Scotch – all Scotch is whisky but not all whisky is Scotch.
Can a computer engineer be a software engineer?
Yes, software engineering is a subspecialty of computer engineering. Software systems engineer and network systems engineer both fit within the computer systems engineer job title.
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