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Job outlook for senior systems engineers in the United States
Senior systems engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior systems engineer job growth rate is 21% from 2018-2028.
About 284,100 new jobs for senior systems engineers are projected over the next decade.
Senior systems engineer salaries have increased 9% for senior systems engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 318,798 senior systems engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 166,742 active senior systems engineer job openings in the US.
The average senior systems engineer salary is $108,121.
Are senior systems engineer jobs in demand?
Senior systems engineer job and salary trends over time
Senior systems engineer jobs over time
Senior systems engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 318,798 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 294,951 | 0.09% |
| 2019 | 285,069 | 0.09% |
| 2018 | 435,409 | 0.13% |
| 2017 | 427,204 | 0.13% |
Average senior systems engineer salary over time
Senior systems engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $108,121 | $51.98 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $104,558 | $50.27 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $102,191 | $49.13 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $99,961 | $48.06 | +0.7% |
| 2021 | $99,274 | $47.73 | +1.2% |
Senior systems engineer jobs by state
Most common states for senior systems engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 730 | 105% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,913 | 46% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,374 | 39% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,868 | 33% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,975 | 29% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 396 | 29% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 169 | 27% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,076 | 26% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 811 | 26% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 271 | 26% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,864 | 25% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 235 | 24% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,279 | 23% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 8,529 | 22% |
| 15 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,052 | 22% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 163 | 22% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 128 | 22% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,481 | 21% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 431 | 21% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 404 | 21% |
Most common cities for senior systems engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 94 | 238% | $102,716 |
| 2 | Herndon | 17 | 70% | $102,488 |
| 3 | Bethesda | 18 | 30% | $102,140 |
| 4 | Huntsville | 55 | 28% | $90,374 |
| 5 | Columbia | 22 | 22% | $102,442 |
| 6 | Cedar Rapids | 18 | 14% | $94,730 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 38 | 8% | $92,887 |
| 8 | Colorado Springs | 33 | 7% | $94,003 |
| 9 | Washington | 41 | 6% | $108,413 |
| 10 | Boston | 33 | 5% | $104,507 |
| 11 | San Diego | 40 | 3% | $115,300 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 26 | 3% | $84,772 |
| 13 | Denver | 24 | 3% | $94,376 |
| 14 | Chicago | 25 | 1% | $94,831 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 22 | 1% | $97,482 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 21 | 1% | $120,866 |
Senior Systems Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior systems engineer experts
University of South Alabama
California State University - Sacramento
Nova Southeastern University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Northwood University
University of Maryland
University of South Florida
Xavier University
Albertus Magnus College
University of Minnesota - Crookston
The University of Arizona
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Eastern Washington University
East Tennessee State University
Landmark College
University of Washington
What general advice would you give to a Senior Systems Engineer?
Sean Walker: Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are going to be incredibly important in Systems Engineering over the next 3-5 years. MBSE has already become quintessential to the practice of Systems Engineering, which is why it has become a staple of our Master's and Doctoral programs. AI, of course, is changing almost every technical field and will be important to Systems Engineers as well. For Systems Engineers, the challenge will be understanding how and when to apply AI to solve systemic problems. Of course, both of these elements must be applied with an understanding of sociotechnical systems concerns. An engineer with the skills to apply MBSE and AI without losing sight of the humans in the system will be highly sought after.
What Senior Systems Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sean Walker: To maximize your salary, it is really essential to learn the tools and methods associated with Systems Engineering while also maintaining a sense of creativity. Employers are not only looking for engineers with the ability to apply specific tools but also the ability to think creatively to solve complex systems problems. I often encourage my students to maintain their creative hobbies so that they don't lose those skills. But, more immediately, gaining a graduate education in Systems Engineering can help any engineer increase their earning potential.
What will help Senior Systems Engineers increase their earning potential?
Sean Walker: I think the best advice for a new Systems Engineer, or really any engineer, is to be observant. One of the best things you can do when starting to apply the theoretical aspects that you've learned in school to your new career is to watch and listen to how experienced Systems Engineers practice in the field. This doesn't mean that you can't offer ideas or perspectives that are new, but that there will be challenges in your field that - due to the breadth of Systems Engineering - may not have been covered in your education.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Systems Engineer?
Kin Chung Kwan: Computer science is rapidly growing, with new technologies emerging daily. The desired skill set can vary from year to year. We should always stay updated on the latest global developments and prepare to learn something new. Keeping your skills up-to-date and aligning them with the current needs of employers and target customers is crucial to maximizing salary potential.
Junping Sun Ph.D.
ProfessorNova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What general advice would you give to a Senior Systems Engineer?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Being capable to perform, being competitive to excel, being able to communicate as a team player, being a connoisseur to act, being a clairvoyance to perceive, being creative to innovate, being conscientious with professional integrity.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Systems Engineer?
Anthony Barrese: Pursue opportunities to broaden your experience across systems engineering, development, integration and test, field sales support and professional services positions. Generalist experience becomes invaluable with career advancement. Running a team is much more feasible for leaders who understand the process behind the work their reports deliver.
What Senior Systems Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Anthony Barrese: There are many paths leading to increased salary potential. Rapidly developing a deep understanding of customer environments and needs can be one of those, but is often not sufficient on its own. Cultivating strong communication skills, building relationships across the business and distinguishing yourself as a leader will all position you for career advancement and the compensation increases that go along with that.
What will help Senior Systems Engineers increase their earning potential?
Anthony Barrese: The ability to listen to the customer is the most critical skill. Deeply understanding the needs of the end user ensures business success. In addition, digital engineering environments and digital twin technology in particular, will become increasingly important. These tools enable gains in efficiency and promote enhanced quality.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Systems Engineer?
Mark Whalen P.E.: A system engineer designs, develops, and manages complex technical systems across a large variety of industries. This can include defining solutions to system-level problems, plus allocating requirements, technologies and team member tasking at a project level, as well as communicating complex ideas and systems to key stakeholders.
An entry-level system engineer will typically apply advanced mathematical techniques to solve system-level technical problems, as well as installing, testing, and troubleshooting complex operating systems
What Senior Systems Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Whalen P.E.: Many system engineers enjoy working across all technologies at a higher organizational level, and interacting with all types of technologists to manage and implement complex technical systems.
Many system engineers can feel challenged by their lack of depth of understanding of particular technologies compared to technical specialists.
What will help Senior Systems Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mark Whalen P.E.: There are many complex systems in existence or being developed that require knowledge and experience across many different technologies. Also, system engineering careers can often lead to managerial positions like becoming a project manager, operations manager or chief engineer.
What Senior Systems Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Todd Allen: - analyzing systems, including technical and social implications, of engineering solutions
What will help Senior Systems Engineers increase their earning potential?
Todd Allen: -work hard to develop professional networks
- get the details right
- the way you present is as important as your technical knowledge
What general advice would you give to a Senior Systems Engineer?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: Systems Engineering is a contact sport. As a systems engineer you are expected to be a leader.
Successful systems engineers are those who get out of their office and engage with other
engineers and technicians who work on complex systems. On any given day, systems engineers
could be working on a team, possibly leading that team, in one of the several phases of the
design and development effort. They may be working with stakeholders to determine their
requirements for the complex system or they may be working with validation test engineers to
determine if the complex system will satisfy the stakeholders needs.
While it would be expected that you are very knowledgeable in a few discipline areas, such as
electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering, you are not expected to be an expert in all
areas. However, you would be expected to know the experts in those fields and others and
how they should be involved in the overall development process. You would be expected to
understand the many processes of systems engineering and how each process contributes to
the success of the complex system.
You would also be expected to thoroughly understand any other systems and the operational
environment that will interface and interact with your system. As a systems engineer, you
would be expected to understand the big picture of the complex system.
What Senior Systems Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: Being a systems engineer provides you with many opportunities to learn and grow. Systems engineers
have the opportunity to learn all they can about a specific engineering discipline field of choice (i.e.,
electrical, mechanical, chemical, power, etc.). Systems engineers are also expected to learn in general
what engineers and technicians in other disciplines do on a daily basis. Systems engineers should talk to
other systems engineers about their daily activities as much as possible. Systems engineers should learn
how to lead people and manage resources; they should learn how to both lead and serve on teams.
Systems engineers should prepare themselves through education, training, and experience for
opportunities to grow and take on new responsibilities.
One dislike may be the long hours in dealing with the challenges of developing complex systems.
However, if you enjoy this type of work, the rewards of leading and managing the creation of successful
systems will be worth the effort it takes.
What will help Senior Systems Engineers increase their earning potential?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: There is a great demand for those who can understand the big picture as well as knowing the
smallest detail in the development and delivery of complex systems. It is very important that
everyone involved in the engineering of complex systems works from the same requirements
and understands the intended operational environment. Systems engineers facilitate this
common understanding of the target system, interconnected systems and the operational
environment.
Today's advanced technology and systems that utilize that technology are increasingly
becoming more complex and more challenging to develop and deliver. This requires a different
type of engineer, one who has both in-depth technical knowledge and leadership skills.
Systems engineers who understand these requirements and can deliver successful complex
systems will always be in demand.
Professor David Sanford
Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB)Northwood University
Computer And Information Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Senior Systems Engineer?
Professor David Sanford: Workers like that they are challenged to solve problems and lead technological innovations.
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like
Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.
In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.
What will help Senior Systems Engineers increase their earning potential?
Professor David Sanford: Going into information systems engineering is a smart choice for many reasons. The profession is in high demand worldwide, offering job security and competitive wages. Professionals in this field have versatile skills, allowing them to work with sophisticated technology and adapt to changing business needs. Continued technological advancement creates opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Career paths cater to individual interests, including knowledge in areas such as cybersecurity and data analytics. In addition, the possibility of working remotely enhances the flexibility of work, making it attractive to those seeking a dynamic and stimulating career
What will help Senior Systems Engineers increase their earning potential?
Asad Salem Ph.D: Cultivate a well-rounded skill set, encompassing interpersonal, communication, teamwork, work ethics, and self-learning capabilities, to propel your career forward. Foster a curious mindset, actively seek feedback, and confront challenges with confidence. In a dynamic professional landscape, prioritize adaptability and continuous learning. Strike a harmonious balance between a solid technical foundation and crucial soft skills, such as effective communication and teamwork. Stay abreast of industry developments, take a proactive stance, and seek mentorship for effective career navigation. Develop a robust technical base while valuing soft skills, staying informed about industry trends, taking initiative, and securing mentors to guide you through your career journey.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Systems Engineer?
Asad Salem Ph.D: To optimize your engineering salary potential, meticulously delve into industry salary benchmarks. Beyond excelling in your academic pursuits, acquire hands-on experience through research, internships, or co-op opportunities. Exhibit relevant skills and project accomplishments, consider pursuing advanced areas of expertise or certifications, and approach job offers with confidence during negotiations. Moreover, augment this strategy by actively engaging in networking, staying attuned to market inclinations, and showcasing a willingness to take on demanding projects. By emphasizing your dedication and proactively contributing, you can fortify your commitment and bolster your long-term earnings prospects in the dynamic field of engineering.
Brian Kelly
Associate Dean for Development and Faculty Affairs, Area Chair / Director, Architecture ProgramUniversity of Maryland
IEEE Senior Member, ACM Senior Member, IARIA Fellow, Professor, Program Coordinator | Department of Computer Science and Digital Technologies, Director, Cybersecurity Activities
What skills stand out on Senior Systems Engineer resumes?
Brian Kelly: The best employers are looking for leadership potential and the ability to collaborate with others. These attributes are more than just "skills." The worst employers focus on a particular skill.
What soft skills should all Senior Systems Engineers possess?
Brian Kelly: Critical Thinking and Design Thinking are the two most important skills that successful candidates need. The ability to communicate in writing, orally, and with visual media is essential.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Systems Engineers?
Brian Kelly: The ability to draw with one's hands, study architectural propositions with physical models, and comfort with a wide array of digital media. The first two must be mastered in School, whereas digital media skills will be honed in the context of the firm. Everyone uses different platforms and has different protocols for would-be onboarding architects. Many individuals believe that mastery of a particular digital application is paramount, but this is not the case. Digital applications change with time, and individual employers modify and adapt platforms to their own architect.
What skills will help Senior Systems Engineers earn the most?
Brian Kelly: It isn't just skills; knowledge of one's discipline and how it interfaces with others is more important than any single skill.
Ehsan Sheybani Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of South Florida
School of Information Systems and Management
What skills stand out on Senior Systems Engineer resumes?
Ehsan Sheybani Ph.D.: Analytical and problem-solving skills, Strong technical skills, The ability to work well under pressure, attention to detail, teamwork skills, organization and time management, interpersonal and communication skills, management and leadership skills.
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer
Professor and ChairXavier University
Department Of Physics
What skills stand out on Senior Systems Engineer resumes?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Programming languages, numerical design and simulation tools, knowledge of various measurement equipment.
What soft skills should all Senior Systems Engineers possess?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Communication, teamwork.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Systems Engineers?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Depends on the engineering career, but in general, an ability to know how to use design software, measurement/testing, and analysis equipment, in addition to prototyping and fabrication tools
What skills will help Senior Systems Engineers earn the most?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Problem-solving, troubleshooting, independent learner.
David Garaventa
Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CISAlbertus Magnus College
Business Administration and Management Department
What skills stand out on Senior Systems Engineer resumes?
David Garaventa: The skills/attributes required across a variety of jobs in the IT fields.
What skills will help Senior Systems Engineers earn the most?
David Garaventa: Here is where I can be a little more specific, but mostly in terms of certifications. Certifications and micro-credentials indicate two things to an employer: First, you must have an established, verified set of knowledge and skills that you bring to the table. If it is an industry-respected certification, it brings a lot of credibility regarding your knowledge and skills around a specific platform or application. The second thing that certifications and micro-credentials demonstrate to an employer is that you are willing to continue to grow and develop your skills in your field. Technology is progressing so rapidly that the things you knew last year may no longer be relevant today. And as a result, having the ability and desire to continue learning, adapting, and attaining certifications is a great way to show your ongoing commitment to your profession.
Christine Bakke
LecturerUniversity of Minnesota - Crookston
Math, Science & Technology Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Systems Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Christine Bakke: For many years remote tech support has been a growing field, but it was not the norm. Today, remote tech support and IT management have become crucial for daily operations. Remote work requires a solid IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, capable equipment, and quality software. The need for educated and experienced MIS / ITM / CIS will continue to increase.
Trends toward remote offices will become more acceptable and common; while some companies will return to the office en masse, others will allow more flexibility or become hybrid, and some will truly embrace the remote office. Use of remote tools such as Zoom will stay strong, as they provide global access at a huge cost benefit.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Systems Engineers?
Christine Bakke: MIS is a technical business degree which is offered with slightly different emphasis depending on the school's home department. For example, if a business department houses the degree it is often referred to as MIS; however, when Information Technology or Computer Science departments house this degree, the program would be called Information Technology Management (ITM) or Computer Information Systems (CIS). Each university has the autonomy to offer variations based on their specializations. Even though the programs can differ slightly, in general students receiving any of these three degrees receive an education in three areas: technical, management/business, and soft skills. Note that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics directs queries for all three fields (ITM, MIS and CIS) to the same data page (see answer to question 3).
Tyler Conklin
LecturerThe University of Arizona
Computer science Department
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Systems Engineers?
Tyler Conklin: A bachelor's degree in computer science will always help job prospects. I would consider it a great investment. However, some companies have made it clear that they are willing and happy to hire graduates of computer science boot camps. These are shorter courses aimed at teaching the student one specific technology or a very specific set of skills so that student can acquire a job in a certain subfield of software engineering. This is a much cheaper alternative than a traditional four-year degree. The tradeoff is less breadth of knowledge and more limited job options, and of course missing out on everything else that comes with a four-year degree. An even more efficient way to increase job prospects is to work on personal projects. Few things impress an interviewer more than a candidate showing off an application that he or she built on their own. What can show an interviewer that you can do the job better than a project demonstrating the required skills and knowledge?
Janos Fustos Ph.D.
ProfessorMetropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Systems Engineers?
Janos Fustos Ph.D.: I think the impact will not be that much on the graduates but on the environment where they start their professional career and how they have completed their studies.
This pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives - among others how we work (or stat to work) and how we learn. Being in higher education I can definitely see both. The home office became the standard working environment with all the advantages and several disadvantages. You do not have to go/travel to your corporate office, you may be available even at odd hours to work, some find the home environment more relaxing, there are less formalities, some might communicate easier in writing or from behind a turned-off camera, they could take advantage of personal schedule and individual peek times, more control over their schedules etc.
But even as you work at home you may experience more disruption, you are more available for personal/family affairs, you may not have that much opportunity to interact with colleagues and miss opportunities for meaningful discussions for extending your knowledge base, networking, you have to deal with technical issues on your own or less support etc.
Some similar issues can be mentioned when it comes to changes in the way we participate in education. Most of the class meetings are online with limited individual interaction and/or access to teachers, less direct interaction with classmates, technical challenges, home office setup challenges etc. All these together impact students/graduates differently: some take these as an advantage while some others are impacted more by the disadvantages. But whichever we look at that I think there is a definite impact of the pandemic on all of us and while we have already spent about 10-12 month in this "splendid isolation" and survived more or less so far, we do not know if it may have more enduring or serious impact on our lives - that needs to be seen from a much longer perspective.
What's a good job out of college for Senior Systems Engineers?
Janos Fustos Ph.D.: I hope students are asking that question before they enroll in the first course at a college because otherwise, they would waste lot of time and money to work on a degree or a career path that does not fulfill their goals and personal interest. In that sense any job is a good job that somebody understands, feels that he/she is a good fit and can live up to the imposed challenges, and has the knowledge/skills to work in the field. There are interesting and self-fulfilling jobs to choose from. Certainly, it starts with the definition what a "good" means to an individual, what are the attributes of that definition: is that the professional area, is the salary, is it the challenging nature, is it more about the working environment and the people they can work with, is it the promotion options, the high impact etc. There are several lists available on the internet that provide recommendations and track the different aspects of job selection options for seekers.
Christian Hansen Ph.D.
Professor and Department ChairEastern Washington University
Department of Mathematics
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Systems Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Christian Hansen Ph.D.: Within the short-term, the biggest trend in the job market is currently an increased demand for workforce in the healthcare and technology disciplines. In the long-term, healthcare will remain in demand, but I predict the highest future increase will be in the areas of data science, software and computer engineering.
What soft skills should all Senior Systems Engineers possess?
Christian Hansen Ph.D.: The soft skills that all graduates should possess include strong communication and teamwork skills regardless of the discipline. Analytical skills will be in high demand, as well as the ability to adapt and learn new technology. Data will continue to play a bigger role in almost any type of business; therefore, the ability to analyze and interpret data for decision making will be increasingly critical. Many jobs in the future are jobs that do not yet exist and as a result, new graduates must have the ability to adapt.
What's a day at work look like for a Senior Systems Engineer?
Christian Hansen Ph.D.: In the post-pandemic era, a typical workday for a recent graduate will likely involve some form of remote work. I predict that many businesses will benefit from the reduced cost of remote infrastructure compared to the cost of maintaining brick and mortar office space. Many new graduates will continue to spend their day on a computer while collaborating in teams via Zoom and other teleconference tools. People working in disciplines that have traditionally been "on the ground" will move towards more hybrid modes of work, reducing the need for travel and participating in face-to-face meetings and training.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Systems Engineers?
Jared Wilson: The information I have been provided is positive when the outlook is concerning the workload that is being performed by the professional industry. Land surveying, and subsequently, land surveyors, have been deemed essential; thus, work is still being performed. The profession, as a whole, is driven highly by the status of the economy, and in the current economic state, the current workload is in demand. Thus, graduates should be able to find gainful employment regardless of the impact COVID-19 has. As with all professions, adaptation is necessary, and the profession is adapting well.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Senior Systems Engineers to find work opportunities?
Jared Wilson: Within the field of land surveying and related employment opportunities, work is available. However, in my experience, work may not be in the exact location a person wishes to live. So, a move may be necessary, or potentially traveling to where the work is located. Should a graduate, or person for that matter, want to work, work is available.
John Russo
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Computer ScienceLandmark College
STEM Department
What technical skills for a Senior Systems Engineer stand out to employers?
John Russo: As I mentioned above, the ability to adapt to change. My favorite course is database management systems. I tell my students that the software that we use today likely will not be around for the entire span of their careers. They really need to learn how to quickly work with new technologies, languages and systems. In the span of my career much has changed. I have always found new technologies exciting and refreshing. Employers want to hire graduates who have a set of technical skills in programming languages, database management systems and techniques (such as data mining) but also can learn on the job and be excited to learn new things.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Systems Engineers?
Les Atlas: Most certainly an impact, a very strong impact. The best lesson for us is from the 1919 Spanish Flu pandemic. That strain of flu still circulates as a seasonal virus. Over 100 years laters, it is now considered a Phase 6 pandemic by the World Health Organization. While it is reduced due to current social distancing and mask wearing, the 1919 Spanish Flu virus still causes community-level outbreaks in multiple parts of the globe. Societal changes from this event of over 100 years ago are still with us.
In fact, they changed society. As is well-documented, after a high level of immunity was reached in the 1920's, the resulting labor shortage enabled workers to demand better living and working conditions, as well as better wages and public health care. As just one example of the societal changes due to the 1919 pandemic, the drop in the male labor force empowered male workers, and also changed the gender composition.
The aftermath of the 1919 pandemic was the start of women joining the labour force. In the United States, the proportion of women in the labour force rose from 18 per cent in 1900 to almost 21 per cent in 1920. In that same year, with the ratification of the 19th Amendment of the Constitution, the Congress of the United States guaranteed all American women the right to vote.
The current COVID-19 pandemic will certainly change the way we live, be it our mobility or the kinds of career options people have. After our current year-long experience in remote learning and work, will we go back to the inefficiencies of going to our office every work day? Or will remote work be acceptable, where one's residence will not be dependent upon the locations of employment. Will we avoid future hotspots of infection, choosing to instead reside and travel in areas where infection is decreasing? Will we prefer to travel on aircraft which are certified to be virus-free and frequent restaurants which are documented to be safer? Future marketing will likely make a sharp turn in this direction.
What type of skills will young Senior Systems Engineers need?
Les Atlas: With an expected increase in mobility, companies will have a larger pool of employees to search over and interview. Potentially orders of magnitude more. Searches for employees need not be regional. Thus, if a specific specialization is needed, the pool of applicants, which will likely come from a search over a large region, state-wide or larger, or even international.
Thus specializations will become more important, both in terms of depth and fit to the needs of an employer. Advanced graduate degrees will become more necessary. It seems very likely that filed which help understand data for epidemiology and disease forecasting and geographical hotspots will continue to be especially pertinent.
What experience really stands out on Senior Systems Engineer resumes?
Les Atlas: The most obvious experience, in terms of being timely, is work with the science and data interpretation from the current pandemic. Epidemiology and statistics, computer science, and data science for data from the COVID-19 epidemic and similar public health data will remain on the forefront. In the many other areas of technology, having up to date skills, with advanced degrees, combined with the ability to work anywhere in the world, not by traveling, but instead remotely, will likely fit most future positions.