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Computer systems engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Austin McCoy,

Michael McLaughlin

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical computer systems engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for computer systems engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.8% of computer systems engineer resumes contained computer system as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a computer systems engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 computer systems engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Computer System

Here's how computer systems engineers use computer system:

Assisted in computer systems validation, documentation and security.
Recommended and installed standalone and network computer systems.

2. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how computer systems engineers use python:

Parsed the temperature data using Python which would show a comparison plot for more than 20 files in adirectory.
Created a web mashup prototype for storing and displaying price data and graphs using AJAX, Python and MySQL.

3. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how computer systems engineers use c++:

Designed test cases to evaluate c++ code.
Required Skills: * Computer languages: VB, C, C++, VBA.

4. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how computer systems engineers use linux:

Installed/upgraded/patched/configured Linux and COTS packages.
Engineered, Integrated Enterprise Class Linux Supercomputer Cluster for the US Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD).

5. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how computer systems engineers use java:

Developed web based applications to support CAD defect tracking using Java, J2EE, and the Ext JS JavaScript Framework.
Update Java, on 56,000 clients, every quarter.

6. SAN

SAN abbreviation for storage area network is a computer network that provides storage access.

Here's how computer systems engineers use san:

Provide day to day administration of UNIX and Windows systems, network, and NetAPP SAN.
Researched, evaluated, and recommended various SAN's for use at Transentric.

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7. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how computer systems engineers use troubleshoot:

Interacted with a broad range of clients to troubleshoot and resolve issues, using both on-site and remote techniques.
Provide support for Palm devices and troubleshoot various models of printers.

8. Unix

UNIX is a computer operating system that was first created in the 1960s and has been constantly updated since then. The operating system refers to the set of programs that enable a machine to function. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking device that works on computers, laptops, and servers. UNIX systems also have a graphical user interface (GUI), similar to Microsoft Windows, that makes it simple to use.

Here's how computer systems engineers use unix:

Implemented in-house How To documentation to UNIX installation and configuration.
Integrate and install UNIX, NT, and Windows XP and Windows Vista environments/networks; install and setup software and peripherals.

9. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how computer systems engineers use customer service:

Recognized for outstanding customer service quality, with numerous customer-support awards and personal commendation from clients.
Hired to provide customer service and over the phone troubleshooting for set-top boxes and assistance to internal customers.

10. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how computer systems engineers use dod:

Lead Network Architect and Systems Engineer on several large mainframe platforms at DoD overseas location (Australia).
Performed application testing on an IBM Mainframe for Department of Defense (DOD) Payroll System.

11. VMware

Here's how computer systems engineers use vmware:

Worked with Virtual environment to test Windows 7 image before deployment through the use of VMWARE Workstation and ESX Server.
PresentConverted Computer Network from 6 Physical Servers to VMWare 5.5 Network.

12. Visualization

Here's how computer systems engineers use visualization:

Enhance existing Jet Spray physical model with visualization toolkit to provide better understanding of Spray design for process engineers.
Created use-case scenarios and storyboards in MS Word and MS PowerPoint for better visualization of the application.

13. System Administration

System administration entails the overall management, organization, and operation of system software and hardware. It also extends to the management of servers, workstations, and working operations concerning them all. System administration aims to ensure all functions covering the systems run smoothly and hitch-free.

Here's how computer systems engineers use system administration:

Completed system administration duties for the AFGSC JWICS environment by submitting proposed network and system changes.
Coordinated the operations of Hummingbird Document Management System Administration, WorkShare, InterTel Voice/Web Conferencing, and Aruba Wireless Network.

14. Virtualization

Here's how computer systems engineers use virtualization:

Led enterprise-wide virtualization effort, overseeing and personally completing vendor/hardware qualifications, architecture/design, installation, configuration, migration and documentation.
Implemented and maintained a virtualization system for vulnerability research, product demonstrations, and CNO/CNE software development and testing.

15. System Security

Here's how computer systems engineers use system security:

Trained users and promoted security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency.
Designed and implemented system security applications and protocols to meet DOJ data processing security requirements.

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What skills help Computer Systems Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on computer systems engineer resumes?

Austin McCoy

Director of Javelina Engineering Student Success Center, Texas A&M University - Kingsville

-Internship/co-op experience -Research experience
-Good leadership skills and involvement on campus and in the community and activities where the individual works as part of a team.
-Well written resume can tell a lot about the technical writing skill; a resume needs to be clean and comfortable to read; recruiters can find what they are looking for easily.
-Less is sometimes more because students sometimes will put more information on a resume than is pertinent to the position applying for.

What soft skills should all computer systems engineers possess?

Michael McLaughlin

Faculty, Brigham Young University - Idaho

The ability to work well with people.

What hard/technical skills are most important for computer systems engineers?

Michael McLaughlin

Faculty, Brigham Young University - Idaho

Solid understanding of the technology stack (from desktops to cloud), including at least one programming language at certification level and object-oriented design skills that include exclusivity, patterns, and data design both in relational and document databases.

What computer systems engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Galen Duree

Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

It again depends on what the graduate sees as their next step - graduate school or a job with a company or lab. If the next step is graduate school, the graduate should investigate what they are interested in pursuing and then where the best school is to get the experience that the graduate thinks he or she wants.

General reading about technologies or reading available articles about subjects the graduate is interested in will help generate questions they can ask potential graduate schools. This time would also be a chance to improve areas where the graduate may feel weak while an undergraduate. Many online resources can help them brush up on week background topics. Do not worry about transfer credits because that is usually not helpful in graduate school, but improve knowledge and experience in areas where the graduate feels weak. If the graduate has identified a graduate school and program to study in, the graduate school might have some recommendations about what to review. All of this will help improve success in graduate school.

If the next step is a job with a company or lab, taking courses to improve communication will help. Many technically competent or even technically brilliant people struggle with effective communication. Techniques about writing reports, making oral presentations, or communicating technical information will help improve success. The gap year also provides time to investigate technologies that the graduate wants to be involved in and the companies or labs in those areas.

Once the graduate has identified areas of interest and companies or labs that the graduate might want to work for, they can be contacted to either answer questions or point the graduate in a direction for further investigation.

In either case, a gap year can provide a chance to refine the graduate's choice for the next steps and help them prepare other skills overlooked during the undergraduate years.

What type of skills will young computer systems engineers need?

John Ring

Director Engineering Outreach, Elon University

While our universities consistently educate engineering students with hard skills and strong engineering fundamentals, tomorrow's engineers need to be strong communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers. Our professional environments are filled with data and information, and the constraint is typically how much time individuals can dedicate to solving a problem. At Elon University, we educate tomorrow's engineers to have the hard skills necessary to analyze the information and situations, apply critical thinking techniques to determine ways to solve the issue, and then concisely and efficiently communicate with colleagues as solutions are being set in motion.

What technical skills for a computer systems engineer stand out to employers?

Chirag Parikh Ph.D.

Computer Engineering Chair, Grand Valley State University

If you ask me, I consider valuable experience over good paycheck. Once you have gained that experience the paycheck will follow. As soon as you are out of college, the knowledge gained is very fresh and raring to go. If put into the right place can enhance your technical skills and you can do wonders.
As a Computer Engineering professor, I would say the job opportunities are tremendous for students out of college as they can venture into hardware field (technical support, hardware engineer, test engineer and much more) as well as software field (software engineer, software developer, software tester and much more). The possibilities are endless.
With COVID and employees working remotely there is still ample opportunity to enhance your technical and interpersonal skills as I believe remote working might stay for a while till things get back to normal.

Do you want to know more?

List of computer systems engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a computer systems engineer resume and required skills for a computer systems engineer to have include:

Computer System
Python
C++
Linux
Java
SAN
Troubleshoot
Unix
Customer Service
DOD
VMware
Visualization
System Administration
Virtualization
System Security
Technical Support

Cloud Computing
Management System
Debugging
Amazon Web Services
Switches
Network Infrastructure
SQL Server
CAD
Jenkins
JavaScript
Perl
PC
Disaster Recovery
Database
Windows Server
User Support

Desktop Support
IIS
Tcp Ip
DNS
Ethernet
NASA
System Hardware
DHCP
TCP/IP
Microsoft Windows
Problem Resolution
Solaris
Test Cases
PHP

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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