What does a junior systems engineer do?
A junior systems engineer is responsible for supporting the information technology department in maintaining the stability and efficiency of network servers and systems. Junior systems engineers assist in the configuration of the servers, as well as developing operational procedures to improve network infrastructure. They also resolve the end-users' technical issues through remote solutions, requiring them to have excellent knowledge of programming languages and navigation to identify the source of complexities. A junior systems engineer maintains resolution records for reference to avoid the reoccurrence of system failures and glitches.
Junior systems engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real junior systems engineer resumes:
- Install and manage all computer and network equipment including switches, routers, and firewall rules.
- Maintain and manage the backup solution utilizing the Solaris servers in concert with the Exabyte and DLT systems.
- Manage new ERP system procurement project through implementation.
- Manage the storage infrastructure for virtualization, high availability systems and data consolidation.
- Manage infrastructure provisioning and procurement process for upgrade and maintenance of manage infrastructure.
- Coordinate FileNet and EMC system configuration changes, manage disk storage consumption, allocate/mask storage, and document system configurations/changes.
- Use management tools from VMware.
- Used VMWare to create virtual systems.
- Design and code PL/SQL store procedures.
- Use HTML coding to update and alter department website.
- Mass emails weredeveloped in HTML and using Salesforce templates.
- Create Microsoft OS images used to deploy workstation enterprise wide.
- Replace satellite internet with T1 share with VOIP phone system.
- Secure calling, including generation of keys and certificates for encrypt VoIP.
- Use remedy system to assign task and maintain coordination to meet SLA.
Junior systems engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Junior Systems Engineers are proficient in Python, Linux, and DOD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Junior Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 10%
Facilitated troubleshooting by developing a Python utility to collect meaningful data from problematic devices and generate reports.
- Linux, 8%
Performed extensive troubleshooting regarding log investigation, hardware issues, developing scripts across various Linux distribution servers including Debian and Gentoo.
- DOD, 8%
Conceived and documented software and file configuration requirements to build a lab dedicated to classified DoD architecture planning.
- Technical Support, 5%
Provide technical support to administration, configuration, installation, repair of Wang systems Equipment
- Database, 4%
Documented procedures for database maintenance and administration.
- Java, 4%
Debugged JAVA and Jasper Scripts.
"python," "linux," and "dod" are among the most common skills that junior systems engineers use at work. You can find even more junior systems engineer responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a junior systems engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and 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." Junior systems engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "succeeded in maintaining high levels of business continuity through proper administration and support of all database functions. "
Communication skills. Many junior systems engineer duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a junior systems engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways junior systems engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "configured communications devices to include modems, multiplexers, and switches. "
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for junior systems engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how junior systems engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a junior systems engineer: "create user accounts diagnosed and resolved technical hardware and software issues set up vpn and backups malware removal password resets".
The three companies that hire the most junior systems engineers are:
- Peraton16 junior systems engineers jobs
- Leidos8 junior systems engineers jobs
- CACI International7 junior systems engineers jobs
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Junior 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between junior systems engineers and systems support. For instance, junior systems engineer responsibilities require skills such as "python," "dod," "database," and "configuration management." Whereas a systems support is skilled in "provides technical support," "end user support," "technical troubleshooting," and "system support." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Systems supports tend to make the most money working in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $72,760. In contrast, junior systems engineers make the biggest average salary, $58,915, in the technology industry.The education levels that systems supports earn slightly differ from junior systems engineers. In particular, systems supports are 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a junior systems engineer. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Junior systems engineer vs. Technical support senior engineer
A technical support senior engineer is primarily in charge of resolving complicated issues and concerns through calls and correspondence, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. Their responsibilities include coordinating with customer support staff to gather data, studying records of initial assessments, liaising with clients to identify their needs, utilizing their expertise to develop solutions, and maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a technical support senior engineer, it is essential to lead and serve as a mentor to others, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that junior systems engineer responsibilities requires skills like "python," "dod," "technical support," and "configuration management." But a technical support senior engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer satisfaction," "customer issues," "ruby," and "post sales."
Technical support senior engineers may earn a higher salary than junior systems engineers, but technical support senior engineers earn the most pay in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $104,548. On the other hand, junior systems engineers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $58,915.In general, technical support senior engineers achieve similar levels of education than junior systems engineers. They're 1.2% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for junior systems engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology
-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.
-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.
Junior systems engineer vs. Systems operator
Systems operators often act as the front liners whose primary job is to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity service to consumers and businesses. They are responsible for overseeing and managing the power grid and controlling electricity flow through transmission lines. Other duties and responsibilities of systems operators include monitoring and operating current converters, observing circuit breakers and voltage transformers, and anticipating the changing needs for power due to weather. They are also responsible for communicating with key stakeholders such as power plant operators to route energy to consumers.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from junior systems engineer resumes include skills like "python," "technical support," "database," and "java," whereas a systems operator is more likely to list skills in "management system," "combat," "situational awareness," and "communication systems. "
Systems operators earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $38,937. Comparatively, junior systems engineers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $58,915.systems operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to junior systems engineers. Specifically, they're 4.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Junior 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.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between junior systems engineers and desktop engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a junior systems engineer might have more use for skills like "python," "dod," "database," and "java." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of desktop engineers require skills like "mac," "microsoft windows," "vdi," and "mobile device management. "
The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for desktop engineers, with average annual pay of $105,574. Comparatively, the highest junior systems engineer annual salary comes from the technology industry.In general, desktop engineers hold similar degree levels compared to junior systems engineers. Desktop engineers are 3.4% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of junior systems engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











