What does a senior computer systems engineer do?
Senior computer systems engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior computer systems engineer resumes:
- Lead an effort to convert the Track/Fire simulation from FORTRAN to Ada and rehost from VAX/VMS to UNIX environment.
- Manage and support installation of IIS servers hosting internal and external applications.
- Evaluate performance issues on mainframe and UNIX systems, recommending improvements to subject matter experts.
- Install, configure, and troubleshoot servers, OS systems, storage, and network devices.
- Define a standard Linux installation.
- Specialize in Informix database query optimization and report generation.
- Provide tactical telecommunications engineering support (classify) for various DOD agencies worldwide.
- Provide Linux systems administration for government agency of both classify and unclassify WAN/LAN networks.
- Capitalize on well proven industry expertise in implementation of standardization, enhancements, upgrades and solutions for Microsoft and VMWare environments.
- Upgrade and install software, test and configure TCP/IP communications and provide user support on a daily basis.
- Develop and support communication software including SNA/SDLC, TCP/IP, BSC, ASYNC and IBM 3270 data streams.
- Produce detail system documentation for implementation by SME tams.
Senior computer systems engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 22% of Senior Computer Systems Engineers are proficient in Computer System, Architecture, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Multitasking skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Computer Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Computer System, 22%
Conduct the Part 11 assessment for all GMP related computer systems and develop remediation plan for non-compliant computer systems.
- Architecture, 9%
Installed, configured, and maintained HP Openview and crated System Architecture for automation hardware and software solutions.
- Linux, 8%
Provide Linux systems administration for government agency of both classified and unclassified WAN/LAN networks.
- Cloud, 8%
Cloud computing is enabled in Motorola solutions for expanding company business.
- System Administration, 5%
Provide network and system administration to ensure a high level of availability and reliability along all integrated systems.
- Windows Server, 5%
Led technical customer support encompassing installation, configuration, and standardization for Windows server builds throughout multiple fast food chain locations.
"computer system," "architecture," and "linux" are among the most common skills that senior computer systems engineers use at work. You can find even more senior computer systems engineer responsibilities below, including:
Multitasking skills. One of the key soft skills for a senior computer systems engineer to have is multitasking skills. You can see how this relates to what senior computer systems engineers do because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." Additionally, a senior computer systems engineer resume shows how senior computer systems engineers use multitasking skills: "organized work flow while multitasking, critical thinking and solved technical issues troubleshooted and resolved network connectivity issues. "
Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform senior computer systems engineer duties is analytical skills. Senior computer 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." Senior computer systems engineers also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "engineer of computer systems at the database support, automation and program support department. "
Communication skills. senior computer systems engineers are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to senior computer systems engineer responsibilities, because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." A senior computer systems engineer resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "provided tactical telecommunications engineering support (classified) for various dod agencies worldwide. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what senior computer systems engineers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to senior computer systems engineer responsibilities because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical senior computer systems engineer tasks: "specified custom hardware and software solutions for each project. "
See the full list of senior computer systems engineer skills
The three companies that hire the most senior computer systems engineers are:
- Peraton6 senior computer systems engineers jobs
- AT&T2 senior computer systems engineers jobs
- Raytheon Technologies2 senior computer systems engineers jobs
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Senior 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior computer systems engineer are more likely to require skills like "architecture," "cloud," "system administration," and "dod." On the other hand, a job as a systems support requires skills like "customer service," "troubleshoot," "technical support," and "pc." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Systems supports really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $72,760. Comparatively, senior computer systems engineers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $84,457.On average, systems supports reach lower levels of education than senior computer systems engineers. Systems supports are 8.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 3.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior computer systems engineer vs. Computer analyst
A computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization. They also develop strategic methods to enhance the performance of existing systems and identify inconsistencies for immediate resolution. A computer analyst must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in managing the security of computer data and setting the configuration and accessibility of networks for authorized users.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that senior computer systems engineer responsibilities requires skills like "architecture," "cloud," "system administration," and "sql." But a computer analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "troubleshoot," "customer service," "technical support," and "data entry."
Computer analysts may earn a lower salary than senior computer systems engineers, but computer analysts earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $81,179. On the other hand, senior computer systems engineers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $84,457.computer analysts earn lower levels of education than senior computer systems engineers in general. They're 7.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior computer systems engineer vs. Network engineer
A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a senior computer systems engineer is likely to be skilled in "computer system," "architecture," "cloud," and "system administration," while a typical network engineer is skilled in "troubleshoot," "network infrastructure," "bgp," and "ospf."
Network engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $90,927. Senior computer systems engineers earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $84,457.When it comes to education, network engineers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to senior computer systems engineers. In fact, they're 6.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 3.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior computer systems engineer vs. Systems manager
A systems manager is responsible for monitoring the operations of the information technology department, evaluating staff performance, developing strategic procedures to maximize productivity, and identifying business opportunities that would generate more revenues and profitability for the company. Systems managers inspect company networks to ensure the efficiency of the technology systems, conducting regular diagnostic tests, and installing upgrades to boost optimization. A systems manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command in programming languages and system codes to maintain the security of the company's database.
Types of senior computer systems engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











