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What does a computer systems engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Andrea Welker Ph.D.

Computer systems engineers solve complex problems in network operations. These engineers test the system operations to check for a possible security breach and search for new processes to improve the entire system function. They work with other computer engineers to determine the details needed to design an integrated computer system. Their jobs require communications skills, critical thinking skills, and experience in systems evaluation to perform their duties well. They would also need to have a background in computers, technology and engineering, and computer design.

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Computer systems engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer systems engineer resumes:

  • Manage SQL and FoxPro databases.
  • Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
  • Maintain PC and UNIX hardware and operating systems and function as a UNIX administrator.
  • Design and implement a 100Base-T network and T1 DSU/CSU connection, replacing an archaic token ring LAN infrastructure.
  • Lead the team that develop standards and data deployment architecture.
  • Lead a team of programmers, mainframe coding on business ordering systems.
  • Plan and deploy new Linux compute farm to increase compute farm capacity and performance.
  • Perform fault analysis, troubleshoot anomalies and make corrective repairs on all lab equipment.
  • Work with a variety of communication devices, switches and test equipment at customer sites.
  • Assist university employees with PC network configuration settings so they can connect to the ComputingCenter's mainframes.
  • Install, test, and maintain hardware and software for medical equipment on Unix systems and embed systems.
  • Interact with a broad range of clients to troubleshoot and resolve issues, using both on-site and remote techniques.
  • Support Hypervisor and VMware ESX on various hardware platforms including Cisco UCS hardware along with NetApp NAS and EMC storage.
  • Restructure a legacy Perl application.
  • Installed/Configured/Monitore network routers and switches, including wireless.

Computer systems engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Computer Systems Engineers are proficient in Computer System, Python, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Computer Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Computer System, 12%

    Assisted in computer systems validation, documentation and security.

  • Python, 11%

    Parsed the temperature data using Python which would show a comparison plot for more than 20 files in adirectory.

  • C++, 9%

    Designed test cases to evaluate c++ code.

  • Linux, 8%

    Installed/upgraded/patched/configured Linux and COTS packages.

  • Java, 5%

    Developed web based applications to support CAD defect tracking using Java, J2EE, and the Ext JS JavaScript Framework.

  • SAN, 4%

    Provide day to day administration of UNIX and Windows systems, network, and NetAPP SAN.

"computer system," "python," and "c++" are among the most common skills that computer systems engineers use at work. You can find even more computer systems engineer responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a computer systems engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a computer systems engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "verified data received by the bluetooth client using kst data visualization tool. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform computer systems engineer duties is communication skills. Computer systems engineers responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Computer systems engineers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "managed, supervised, and performed communications-computer systems (c-cs) planning and implementation activities. "

Problem-solving skills. computer systems engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to computer systems engineer responsibilities, because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." A computer systems engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "conduct research for, design, develop, implement and maintain computer systems and solutions for a 6000+ user government enterprise. "

See the full list of computer systems engineer skills

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Compare different computer systems engineers

Computer systems engineer vs. Systems analyst

A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.

We looked at the average computer systems engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a systems analyst. Generally speaking, systems analysts are paid $1,151 lower than computer systems engineers per year.Even though computer systems engineers and systems analysts are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require computer system, c++, and c # in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer systems engineer are more likely to require skills like "python," "san," "dod," and "visualization." On the other hand, a job as a systems analyst requires skills like "project management," "data analysis," "business processes," and "data warehouse." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Systems analysts tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $86,904. In contrast, computer systems engineers make the biggest average salary, $86,900, in the technology industry.systems analysts tend to reach similar levels of education than computer systems engineers. In fact, systems analysts are 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Computer systems engineer vs. Systems support

A systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables. They also assist the technology team in designing backup systems and improve existing networks according to business requirements and specifications. They write resolution reports for reference to prevent the reoccurrence of system malfunction and inconsistencies.

Systems support positions earn lower pay than computer systems engineer roles. They earn a $12,503 lower salary than computer systems engineers per year.A few skills overlap for computer systems engineers and systems supports. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "computer system," "linux," and "java. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer systems engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "python," "c++," "c #," and "san." Meanwhile, a systems support has duties that require skills in areas such as "provides technical support," "end user support," "technical troubleshooting," and "system support." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Systems supports may earn a lower salary than computer systems engineers, but systems supports earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $72,760. On the other hand, computer systems engineers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $86,900.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Systems supports tend to reach similar levels of education than computer systems engineers. In fact, they're 4.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer systems engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Andrea Welker Ph.D.Andrea Welker Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Virtual/augmented reality will play an increasingly important role in visualizing designs and interacting with them.

Computer systems engineer vs. Team lead engineer

A team leads engineer is in charge of spearheading and overseeing the efforts of an engineering team, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Although the duties may depend on one's industry of employment, it typically includes designing and developing systems according to project requirements, setting objectives and construction guidelines, delegating tasks, managing budgets and schedules, and monitoring the workflow, performing corrective measures as needed. Furthermore, as a team leads engineer, it is essential to encourage the workforce to reach goals, all while enforcing the company's safety standards and regulations.

On average, team lead engineers earn higher salaries than computer systems engineers, with a $38,333 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on computer systems engineers and team lead engineers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "python," "c++," and "c #.rdquo;

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a computer systems engineer is likely to be skilled in "computer system," "customer service," "dod," and "system administration," while a typical team lead engineer is skilled in "architecture," "infrastructure," "windows," and "leveraged."

Team lead engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $117,918. Computer systems engineers earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $86,900.team lead engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to computer systems engineers. Specifically, they're 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Computer systems engineer vs. Desktop engineer

A desktop engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and performance of computer systems across the organization to deliver high-performance on business operations and client specifications. Desktop engineers resolve computer desktop issues, including navigation and security complications that create delays in the operational process. They conduct regular maintenance with the computer systems, upgrade network infrastructure, and perform configuration to ensure smooth functionality and resolutions. A desktop engineer should have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, recommending system solutions to avoid the reoccurrence of network issues and glitches.

Desktop engineers average a higher salary than the annual salary of computer systems engineers. The difference is about $26,359 per year.While their salaries may vary, computer systems engineers and desktop engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "computer system," "linux," and "troubleshoot. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "python," "c++," "c #," and "java" are skills that commonly show up on computer systems engineer resumes. On the other hand, desktop engineers use skills like sccm, powershell, os, and mac on their resumes.desktop engineers enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $105,574. For comparison, computer systems engineers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, desktop engineers hold lower degree levels compared to computer systems engineers. Desktop engineers are 7.3% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of computer systems engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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