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What is a manager, systems engineering and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Matthew Liotine Ph.D.,
Steven Fernandez
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Systems engineering managers are responsible for working with other management personnel to move new technologies and features from conceptual stages to implementation. Such people must be independent and knowledgeable about troubleshooting issues and implementing new methods of increasing productivity and efficiency. Problem-solving skills are also important for success in this role.

Their key responsibilities include managing and monitoring all installed systems and infrastructure, installing, configuring, testing, and maintaining operating systems, application software, and system management tools. Lastly, ensuring the highest level of systems and infrastructure availability is key to this role.

They need top-notch abilities in communication, customer service, time management, and teamwork. Project management skills can be valuable as well due to the central role the systems engineering manager play in large projects.

A bachelor's degree in engineering is the standard requirement. However, some employers may require a master's degree. The average salary for a traditional workweek is $64.87 an hour, which amounts to over $134,000 annually. Furthermore, the career is projected to grow 11% in the coming years and create various job opportunities across the United States.

What general advice would you give to a manager, systems engineering?

Matthew Liotine Ph.D.Matthew Liotine Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Clinical Professor and Director of Master of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management, University of Illinois at Chicago

Most employers tell me that soft skills are equally, if not more important, than technical skills or domain knowledge. This translates into external/internal customer-facing skills, such as communication, team collaboration, writing, presentation, problem-solving, and being resourceful. (Many graduates overlook writing as a vital skill, but they fail to realize that in the course of their jobs, they will likely be required to write lots of memos and tons of emails.) The need to perfect these skills within the confines of a virtual world has become even more challenging and amplified with COVID. I teach in the information systems discipline, and when you view student resumes, many people look the same on paper. The soft skills will make a candidate stand out head and shoulders above the rest. That's why the candidate should pay attention to the screening interviews that they will undergo during the hiring process since employers will use these interviews to vet these skills.
ScoreManager, Systems EngineeringUS Average
Salary
8.4

Avg. Salary $130,127

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%

Asian 12.74%

Black or African American 6.52%

Hispanic or Latino 9.79%

Unknown 5.18%

White 65.56%

Gender

female 12.16%

male 87.84%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Manager, systems engineering career paths

Key steps to become a manager, systems engineering

  1. Explore manager, systems engineering education requirements

    Most common manager, systems engineering degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.1 %

    Master's

    15.9 %

    Associate

    11.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific manager, systems engineering skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Systems Engineering13.35%
    Architecture8.29%
    DOD4.79%
    Infrastructure4.73%
    Project Management4.58%
  3. Complete relevant manager, systems engineering training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New managers, systems engineering learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a manager, systems engineering based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manager, systems engineering resumes.
  4. Gain additional manager, systems engineering certifications

    Manager, systems engineering certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific manager, systems engineering certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for managers, systems engineering include Project Management Professional (PMP) and IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research manager, systems engineering duties and responsibilities

    • Manage office operations and procedures, including administering payroll, preparing office correspondence, and managing documentation.
    • Lead ITIL project to develop and implement internal training curriculum.
    • Manage enterprise systems, including technology selection, upgrades, optimization and performance against SLA targets.
    • Partner with sales to achieve sustain growth by developing new products and services such as VOIP and IPTV.
  6. Prepare your manager, systems engineering resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your manager, systems engineering resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a manager, systems engineering resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable manager, systems engineering resume templates

    Build a professional manager, systems engineering resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your manager, systems engineering resume.
    Manager, Systems Engineering Resume
    Manager, Systems Engineering Resume
    Manager, Systems Engineering Resume
    Manager, Systems Engineering Resume
    Manager, Systems Engineering Resume
    Manager, Systems Engineering Resume
    Manager, Systems Engineering Resume
    Manager, Systems Engineering Resume
    Manager, Systems Engineering Resume
  7. Apply for manager, systems engineering jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a manager, systems engineering job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first manager, systems engineering job

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Average manager, systems engineering salary

The average manager, systems engineering salary in the United States is $130,127 per year or $63 per hour. Manager, systems engineering salaries range between $96,000 and $176,000 per year.

Average manager, systems engineering salary
$130,127 Yearly
$62.56 hourly

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Manager, systems engineering reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Being able to solve technical problems and manage staff for work


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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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