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What does a senior information technology engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Babak Beheshti Ph.D.

A senior information technology engineer is responsible for designing and creating technical solutions to support business operations and client specifications. Senior information technology engineers improve existing software applications and programs to boost optimization and stabilize network infrastructure. They also support end-users in resolving their system issues and write troubleshooting reports to prevent the reoccurrence of downtimes and delays. A senior information technology engineer must have excellent technical and organizational skills to test multiple systems and ensure that the features meet the quality standards and business requirements.

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Senior information technology engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior information technology engineer resumes:

  • Deploy and manage Microsoft SQL asset management.
  • Manage a VMWare ESX highly available environment hosting virtual systems.
  • Manage and design hub and speak VPN tunnels to five European offices.
  • Implement and manage APP-V to allow various versions of Java to run in the environment.
  • Configure, install, and manage network components including; Cisco switches, routers and CSU/DSU's.
  • Develop web application (PHP/MySQL) to automate the provisioning of privilege accounts which provide elevate access to Windows/Linux systems.
  • Develop system policy in accordance with DoD, NIST, NSA and DISA guidance and regulations.
  • Harden systems in accordance with DoD STIG's and NIST guidelines.
  • Assist with network setup and configuration including routers, switches, analog modems, and wireless access control devices.
  • Administer domain names, internal and public DNS.
  • Work on getting product into NSA CSfC program.
  • Administer domains, DNS, SSL and other client name assets.
  • Track and audit software licenses and compliance using SNOW/Licensewatch + SCCM.
  • Implement initiatives for major client contracts and provide SharePoint consulting for NASA.
  • Administer user accounts and file access for domain accounts and Microsoft SharePoint portals.

Senior information technology engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Senior Information Technology Engineers are proficient in Cloud, Architecture, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

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

  • Cloud, 8%

    Defined Cloud strategy and designed high level Cloud management structure for infrastructure and application.

  • Architecture, 7%

    Recommend and oversee implementation of technological and architectural upgrades / modifications to Information Systems Security architecture.

  • Java, 5%

    Involved with extensive coding and implementation activities related with various enhancements releases using Java, Tapestry, J2EE, Java Script.

  • Linux, 5%

    Managed public-facing Linux web server and worked with security auditors to ensure compliance with security best practices.

  • Troubleshoot, 4%

    Configure and troubleshoot enterprise wireless network and related equipment including wireless access points.

  • SR, 4%

    Worked as a Sr PCB Design Engineer to develop the printed circuit boards for the automotive applications.

Common skills that a senior information technology engineer uses to do their job include "cloud," "architecture," and "java." You can find details on the most important senior information technology engineer responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a senior information technology engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role 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 senior information technology engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "managed pgp encryption for secure data transmissions. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform senior information technology engineer duties is communication skills. Senior information technology engineers responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Senior information technology engineers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "supported a mission & goal of security solution for dod & us air force telecommunication switch and network security deficiencies. "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior information technology engineers is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday senior information technology engineer duties, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "identified application break/fix resolution and root cause analysis, created, tested, and deployed packaged applications via sccm 2012. "

See the full list of senior information technology engineer skills

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Compare different senior information technology engineers

Senior information technology 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.

We looked at the average senior information technology engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a technical support senior engineer. Generally speaking, technical support senior engineers are paid $6,183 lower than senior information technology engineers per year.Even though senior information technology engineers and technical support senior engineers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require java, linux, and troubleshoot in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior information technology engineer are more likely to require skills like "cloud," "architecture," "sr," and "sdlc." On the other hand, a job as a technical support senior engineer requires skills like "customer service," "customer issues," "vmware," and "post sales." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Technical support senior engineers really shine in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $104,548. Comparatively, senior information technology engineers tend to make the most money in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $119,733.On average, technical support senior engineers reach similar levels of education than senior information technology engineers. Technical support senior engineers are 4.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior information technology 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.

On average, network engineers earn a $30,055 lower salary than senior information technology engineers a year.A few skills overlap for senior information technology engineers and network engineers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "java," "linux," and "troubleshoot. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, senior information technology engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "cloud," "architecture," "sr," and "sdlc." Meanwhile, a network engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "bgp," "ospf," "juniper," and "eigrp." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, network engineers earn a lower salary than senior information technology engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, network engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $90,927. Whereas senior information technology engineers have higher pay in the hospitality industry, with an average salary of $119,733.In general, network engineers achieve similar levels of education than senior information technology engineers. They're 4.7% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

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

Babak Beheshti Ph.D.Babak Beheshti Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology

-The enormous growth of IoT and wearables. The number of connected devices is expected to be more than 26 billion in 2020. That includes things like household appliances, controllable lighting, and much more. This trend is likely to continue as it is expected to see the industry grow to 661 billion dollars by 2021.

-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.

Senior information technology engineer vs. Senior systems engineer

A senior systems engineer specializes in overseeing network systems, management tools, software, and hardware within a company or an organization. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and resolve complex system issues using their years of extensive knowledge and expertise. They can also provide insights, troubleshooting, and technical support should it be needed. Furthermore, as a senior systems engineer, it is also their responsibility to lead, supervise, and coordinate with a team of skilled system engineers while in adherence to company policies and regulations.

On average scale, senior systems engineers bring in lower salaries than senior information technology engineers. In fact, they earn a $5,491 lower salary per year.By looking over several senior information technology engineers and senior systems engineers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "architecture," "java," and "linux." 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 senior information technology engineer is likely to be skilled in "cloud," "sr," "sdlc," and "uat," while a typical senior systems engineer is skilled in "c++," "c #," "system design," and "project management."

Senior systems engineers earn the best pay in the retail industry, where they command an average salary of $116,608. Senior information technology engineers earn the highest pay from the hospitality industry, with an average salary of $119,733.Most senior systems engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to senior information technology engineers. For example, they're 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior information technology 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 typically earn lower pay than senior information technology engineers. On average, senior engineers earn a $4,869 lower salary per year.While both senior information technology engineers and senior engineers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like architecture, java, and linux, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between senior information technology engineers and senior engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a senior information technology engineer might have more use for skills like "cloud," "sdlc," "powershell," and "uat." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior engineers require skills like "python," "c #," "javascript," and "api. "

In general, senior engineers earn the most working in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $125,167. The highest-paying industry for a senior information technology engineer is the hospitality industry.The average resume of senior engineers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to senior information technology engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 4.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 2.5%.

Types of senior information technology 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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