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What does a lead systems engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a lead systems engineer do

A lead systems engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the systems infrastructure and improving the stability of the operating systems to support business operations. Lead systems engineers install and upgrade software applications and ensure that the technical strategies meet the quality standards and business requirements. They also enhance the performance of the existing systems, configuring features for optimization. A lead systems engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in supporting the end-users with technical failures and identifying accurate resolutions.

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Lead systems engineer responsibilities

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

  • Lead multiple audits for manufacturing/management processes to meet ISO and CMMI requirements.
  • Create, share and manage LUN's using EqualLogic, EMC and StoreSimple.
  • Convert legacy batch scripts to PowerShell scripts, and automate them using FIM management agents.
  • Manage QA teams in local and distribute international locations.
  • Manage security, which includes monitoring and controlling database access, assigning permissions to application owners.
  • Accomplish responsibility to configure, administer and support new infrastructure solutions on Microsoft platforms to meet enterprise level requirements.
  • Resolve system architecture, integration, infrastructure communications and other engineering issues relate to migrating to new infrastructure hardware and software.
  • Maintain storage environments with technologies such as EMC.
  • Install approve O/S security patches during maintenance windows.
  • Test services using python base unit test scripts.
  • Configure IIS for web applications and ftp access.
  • Utilize VBScript and JavaScript to link Visio diagrams to SharePoint repository.
  • Used Firefox Imacros to have repeatable validation of the GUI windows.
  • Review and analyze critical events and provide detailed results to high level DOD planners.
  • Develop user interface using JSP, JavaScript, JQuery, HTML, CSS and custom tags.

Lead systems engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 10% of Lead Systems Engineers are proficient in Systems Engineering, Architecture, and Infrastructure. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

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

  • Systems Engineering, 10%

    Selected to lead cross-functional systems engineering projects that requires flexibility and the ability to handle ambiguity in an emerging market.

  • Architecture, 10%

    Defined the architecture for a Net-Centric service oriented architecture, which consisted of algorithm services that perform image exploitation and processing.

  • Infrastructure, 6%

    Defined UML systems software requirements for $48,000,000 re-engineering of Network Engineering and Service Assurance workstation infrastructure and legacy software applications.

  • DOD, 5%

    Participated in securing the application in anticipation of the DoD Information Technology Security Certification & Accreditation Process (DITSCAP).

  • System Design, 4%

    Researched and developed new alternatives in meeting system security requirements, system designs, and testing abilities.

  • C++, 4%

    Participated in the reduction of air bag controller test times and costs by automating tests via C++ programming and networked hardware.

"systems engineering," "architecture," and "infrastructure" are among the most common skills that lead systems engineers use at work. You can find even more lead systems engineer responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a lead systems engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what lead systems engineers do 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 lead systems engineer resume shows how lead systems engineers use analytical skills: "created java web application using hibernate, struts and javascript to browse db2 databases and report data to clients. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling lead systems engineer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to a lead systems engineer resume, here's how lead systems engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "developed communications network management requirements for dod and intelligence networks. "

Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for lead systems engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how lead 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 lead systems engineer: "developed internet based solutions using html, java, vbscript and xml. ".

All lead systems engineer skills

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Compare different lead systems engineers

Lead systems engineer vs. Systems administrator lead

A systems administrator lead is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing procedures for critical enterprise systems. Typical duties of systems administrators include managing the day-to-day operations of a company's computer and network systems, developing new application and system implementation plans, and establishing guidelines for installing and managing the organization's computer operating systems. In addition, you are expected to ensure the security of computer systems by preventing unauthorized use, user abuse, and acts of nature.

We looked at the average lead systems engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a systems administrator lead. Generally speaking, systems administrator leads are paid $19,749 lower than lead systems engineers per year.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both lead systems engineer and systems administrator lead positions are skilled in dod, project management, and linux.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, lead systems engineer responsibilities require skills like "systems engineering," "architecture," "infrastructure," and "system design." Meanwhile a typical systems administrator lead has skills in areas such as "system performance," "microsoft windows," "network infrastructure," and "itil." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Systems administrator leads really shine in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $103,205. Comparatively, lead systems engineers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $123,397.systems administrator leads tend to reach lower levels of education than lead systems engineers. In fact, systems administrator leads are 8.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Lead 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.

Systems analyst positions earn lower pay than lead systems engineer roles. They earn a $44,322 lower salary than lead systems engineers per year.A few skills overlap for lead systems engineers and systems analysts. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "c++," "java," and "project management. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that lead systems engineer responsibilities requires skills like "systems engineering," "architecture," "infrastructure," and "dod." But a systems analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "c #," "data analysis," and "business processes."

On average, systems analysts earn a lower salary than lead systems engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, systems analysts earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $86,904. Whereas lead systems engineers have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $123,397.systems analysts earn lower levels of education than lead systems engineers in general. They're 5.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Lead systems engineer vs. Principal engineer

A principal engineer is responsible for monitoring the overall design phase of the construction process, including coordinating with the client for progress and updates, as well as performing adjustments as needed based on clients' specifications and requirements. Principal engineers also inspect the materials and resources used to ensure that the project stays within the budget goals and set timeframe. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in preparing reports and training new staff.

On average scale, principal engineers bring in higher salaries than lead systems engineers. In fact, they earn a $10,508 higher salary per year.By looking over several lead systems engineers and principal engineers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "architecture," "dod," and "system design." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a lead systems engineer is likely to be skilled in "systems engineering," "infrastructure," "database," and "configuration management," while a typical principal engineer is skilled in "python," "c #," "product development," and "windows."

Principal engineers earn the highest salary when working in the telecommunication industry, where they receive an average salary of $125,415. Comparatively, lead systems engineers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $123,397.Most principal engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to lead systems engineers. For example, they're 2.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 4.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Lead systems engineer vs. Senior engineer

A senior engineer is responsible for overseeing all operations within a designated area. With years of experience and expertise, a senior engineer may take charge of establishing goals, deadlines, and budgets for a particular project. They must devise and implement strategies that would improve the quality of workflow and deliver significant results. Furthermore, a senior manager must also supervise a team of skilled engineers, leading them in the joint effort to reach the company's vision and mission, all while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.

Senior engineers tend to earn a lower pay than lead systems engineers by an average of $10,962 per year.While their salaries may vary, lead systems engineers and senior engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "architecture," "dod," and "system design. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between lead systems engineers and senior engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a lead systems engineer might have more use for skills like "systems engineering," "infrastructure," "software development," and "system integration." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior engineers require skills like "python," "c #," "javascript," and "api. "

Senior engineers enjoy the best pay in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $125,167. For comparison, lead systems engineers earn the highest salary in the automotive industry.senior engineers reach similar levels of education compared to lead systems engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of lead 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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