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What does an information systems engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.

An information systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating network systems and databases to process information that would support business functions and operations. Information systems engineers maintain the stability and navigation of networks to ensure their security and prevent unauthorized access and illegal data dissemination. They may also modify the features and improve the infrastructure of the existing database for optimization. An information systems engineer must have excellent technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages to write codes and test controls.

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Information systems engineer responsibilities

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

  • Manage PKI certifications and CAC card for users on government networks.
  • Manage the setup and configuration of multiple Cisco routers and switches for tactical command posts.
  • Manage and support VMWare infrastructure environment, IIS, SQL, SharePoint, and multiple print servers.
  • Generate and manage servers in VMWare environment.
  • Focuse on delivering engine, air handling, after-treatment and controls architecture recommendations to achieve cost reduction and fuel economy improvements.
  • Experience with TCP/IP (IPv4 and IPv6), Subnetting, DHCP, and DNS.
  • Resolve STIG findings and harden infrastructure servers, storage devices, and windows hosts.
  • Develop test tools in Java.
  • Deploy custom applications over Citrix ICA client.
  • Prepare RMF / eMass documentation for MCNA.
  • Administer ISP servers including Linux and Unix servers.
  • Update registries and IIS configurations to enable websites.
  • Design, develop, engineer, implement, and maintain solutions for SAN requirements.
  • Hire to deploy and maintain cost saving virtualization technologies in a 24X7 dynamic environment.
  • Resolve and report performance issues and failures with remote SAN and NAS network storage devices.

Information systems engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Information Systems Engineers are proficient in System Security, NIST, and RMF. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Analytical skills, and Problem-solving skills.

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

  • System Security, 7%

    Orchestrated a customized defense-in-depth system security engineering model for emerging satellite technologies with the Wing that allowed for sustainability and affordability.

  • NIST, 7%

    Ensured Managers/Engineers were adequately trained to meet NIST requirements.

  • RMF, 5%

    Direct all activities related to the completion of DoD Vulnerability Assessments using DIACAP and Risk Management Framework (RMF).

  • DOD, 5%

    Transitioned existing DITSCAP Authorization to Operate SSAA documentation to the DoD DIACAP documentation and automated process.

  • Linux, 5%

    Generated servers running various Linux distributions and configured them for web based applications using Apache and Tomcat.

  • Database, 3%

    Enhanced Warehouse existing program by including new functionality of deleting records already created and avoid deleting records directly from database.

Common skills that an information systems engineer uses to do their job include "system security," "nist," and "rmf." You can find details on the most important information systems engineer responsibilities below.

Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for an information systems engineer to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what information systems engineers do because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Additionally, an information systems engineer resume shows how information systems engineers use communication skills: "engineered and procured lans and other telecommunications systems for dod organizations. "

Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform information systems engineer duties is analytical skills. Information systems engineers responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Information systems engineers also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "entered and reviewed data in mccast for submission for atos. "

Problem-solving skills. information systems engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to information systems engineer responsibilities, because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." An information systems engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "provided department of veterans affair assessment of current ids system, recommended solution, designed and implemented ids solution. "

Most common information systems engineer skills

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Compare different information systems engineers

Information systems engineer vs. Senior information technology specialist

A senior information technology specialist is responsible for handling technology systems and network issues, ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of the database by configuration and improving network infrastructures. Senior information technology specialists also design computer systems and applications to support business functions and operations, depending on the requirements and budget limitations. They create resolution reports for reference and recommend strategic techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of defects and malfunctions. A senior information technology specialist must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in responding to the end-users' inquiries and concerns about the servers.

We looked at the average information systems engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a senior information technology specialist. Generally speaking, senior information technology specialists are paid $1,425 lower than information systems engineers per year.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both information systems engineer and senior information technology specialist positions are skilled in dod, linux, and database.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, information systems engineer responsibilities require skills like "system security," "nist," "rmf," and "cloud." Meanwhile a typical senior information technology specialist has skills in areas such as "customer service," "project management," "sr," and "desktop support." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Senior information technology specialists earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $117,267. On the other hand, information systems engineers are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $106,401.The education levels that senior information technology specialists earn slightly differ from information systems engineers. In particular, senior information technology specialists are 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an information systems engineer. Additionally, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Information systems engineer vs. Systems administrator

Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.

A career as a systems administrator brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of an information systems engineer. In fact, systems administrators salary is $27,747 lower than the salary of information systems engineers per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Information systems engineers and systems administrators both require similar skills like "linux," "database," and "troubleshoot" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, information systems engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "system security," "nist," "rmf," and "dod." Meanwhile, a systems administrator has duties that require skills in areas such as "powershell," "sccm," "azure," and "microsoft windows." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Systems administrators may earn a lower salary than information systems engineers, but systems administrators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $86,962. On the other hand, information systems engineers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $106,401.In general, systems administrators achieve similar levels of education than information systems engineers. They're 4.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

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

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Information systems engineer vs. Systems integrator

In the information technology (IT) industry, a systems integrator specializes in designing and developing computing systems using a variety of software, hardware, and other subsystems. To carry out their duties, they must communicate with clients to identify their IT needs and preferences, perform research and analysis to determine the ideal IT practices, troubleshoot issues, liaise with subsystem vendors, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Moreover, a systems integrator typically works with a team of IT specialists and engineers, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

An average systems integrator eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of information systems engineers. The difference in salaries amounts to systems integrators earning a $2,036 lower average salary than information systems engineers.Using the responsibilities included on information systems engineers and systems integrators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "dod," "linux," and "database.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, information systems engineers are more likely to have skills like "system security," "nist," "rmf," and "cloud." But a systems integrator is more likely to have skills like "architecture," "project management," "infrastructure," and "systems integration."

Systems integrators make a very good living in the retail industry with an average annual salary of $109,258. On the other hand, information systems engineers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $106,401.Most systems integrators achieve a similar degree level compared to information systems engineers. For example, they're 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Information systems engineer vs. Security engineer

Security engineers are responsible for developing and overseeing data and security software to help prevent data breaches, leaks, and taps related to cybercrime. Other duties and responsibilities include developing new systems to help protect computer networks and assets, configuring firewalls, and conducting penetration testing to pinpoint vulnerabilities. Additionally, security engineers are responsible for investigating attacks and help prevent cybersecurity threat. They are also responsible for creating new processes for authorization, encryption algorithms, and authentication, and analyzing current security policies.

Security engineers tend to earn a lower pay than information systems engineers by an average of $379 per year.While both information systems engineers and security engineers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like system security, nist, and dod, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between information systems engineers and security engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an information systems engineer might have more use for skills like "rmf," "database," "cloud," and "citrix." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of security engineers require skills like "infrastructure," "application security," "windows," and "siem. "

Security engineers enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $126,572. For comparison, information systems engineers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.security engineers reach similar levels of education compared to information systems engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 1.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of information 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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