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What does a senior systems engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Andrea Welker Ph.D.
What does a senior systems engineer do

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.

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Senior systems engineer responsibilities

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

  • Manage EMC Celerra NAS environment.
  • Implement CITRIX solution to support a centralize model for accessing and managing customer's financial software suite.
  • Manage many high visibility projects, including a project to upgrade all desktop computers for largest bank in the state.
  • File for exceptions on tickets that breach the SLA that have to go to upper management, and the managing agencies.
  • Collaborate with outsource managed services company locate in San Francisco to monitor hardware/OS/applications.
  • Secure remote work capability achieve by implementing Citrix virtual desktop technology for remote access to essential agency functions.
  • Resolve PC performance issue by creating a batch file package in SCCM, and deploy in all desktop devices.
  • Provide database development, administration and system integration support.
  • Contribute in quarterly disaster recovery events for VMware enterprise environments.
  • Cloud computing is enabled in Motorola solutions for expanding company business.
  • Redesign Symantec network topology and services to support integrate cloud infrastructure.
  • Interact with IPT's, lab, flight, and grind test groups.
  • Develop complex math and logic scripting.
  • Specify architecture and design using UML.
  • Implement document procedures and whitepaper to follow ITIL standards.

Senior systems engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Senior Systems Engineers are proficient in Architecture, Linux, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Detail oriented, and Interpersonal skills.

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

  • Architecture, 9%

    Worked closely with other developers to share the understanding of business requirements and proposed new application architecture for the interfacing project.

  • Linux, 5%

    Streamlined technical operations by standardizing Linux platform provisioning across U.S. and European operations.

  • Java, 4%

    Configured Continuous integration server Hudson and automated the Java code build process.

  • C++, 4%

    Performed analysis of the C++ embedded real-time application code and making recommendations for alternative algorithms and real-time operating systems.

  • C #, 4%

    Used WPF, WCF, and VB.Net and C # extensively.

  • DOD, 4%

    Performed security assessment and security vulnerability mitigation and lock down on windows servers to meet requirements for operating on DoD networks.

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

Creativity. One of the key soft skills for a senior systems engineer to have is creativity. You can see how this relates to what senior systems engineers do because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Additionally, a senior systems engineer resume shows how senior systems engineers use creativity: "complete site inventory as well as obtain pricing from vendors to fulfill the dod client's it needs. "

Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior systems engineer duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." According to a senior systems engineer resume, here's how senior systems engineers can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "involved in the object-oriented architectural design of the application used javascript library extensions to provide advanced front-end functionality. "

Interpersonal skills. This is an important skill for senior systems engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how senior systems engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a senior systems engineer: "team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. ".

Analytical skills. senior systems engineer responsibilities often require "analytical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." This resume example shows what senior systems engineers do with analytical skills on a typical day: "developed java based applications, database packages and automated manual processes. "

Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in senior systems engineer job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what senior systems engineers do. Senior systems engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." You can also see how senior systems engineer duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "developed a computer and communication system support database repository in support of usnorthcom/j6 organizational architecture efforts using dod architecture framework model. "

Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a senior systems engineer does. Senior systems engineer responsibilities require this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." This resume example highlights how senior systems engineer duties rely on this skill: "developed a java based solution with web service calls that query database and perform tests on the various data stored. "

All senior systems engineer skills

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Compare different senior systems engineers

Senior systems 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 systems engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a technical support senior engineer. Generally speaking, technical support senior engineers are paid $692 lower than senior systems engineers per year.Even though senior systems 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 linux, java, and troubleshoot in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, senior systems engineer responsibilities require skills like "architecture," "c++," "c #," and "dod." Meanwhile a typical technical support senior engineer has skills in areas such as "customer service," "customer satisfaction," "customer issues," and "vmware." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Technical support senior engineers really shine in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $104,548. Comparatively, senior systems engineers tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $116,608.The education levels that technical support senior engineers earn slightly differ from senior systems engineers. In particular, technical support senior engineers are 5.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior systems engineer. Additionally, they're 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior systems engineer vs. Systems integrator

In the information technology (IT) industry, a systems integrator specializes in designing and developing computing systems using a variety of software, hardware, and other subsystems. To carry out their duties, they must communicate with clients to identify their IT needs and preferences, perform research and analysis to determine the ideal IT practices, troubleshoot issues, liaise with subsystem vendors, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Moreover, a systems integrator typically works with a team of IT specialists and engineers, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

A career as a systems integrator brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a senior systems engineer. In fact, systems integrators salary is $5,254 lower than the salary of senior systems engineers per year.A few skills overlap for senior systems engineers and systems integrators. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "architecture," "linux," and "java. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior systems engineer resumes. While senior systems engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "c++," "c #," "powershell," and "azure," systems integrators use skills like "infrastructure," "systems integration," "signal generators," and "spectrum analyzers."

Systems integrators may earn a lower salary than senior systems engineers, but systems integrators earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $109,258. On the other hand, senior systems engineers receive higher pay in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $116,608.In general, systems integrators achieve similar levels of education than senior systems engineers. They're 4.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

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

Andrea Welker Ph.D.Andrea Welker Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Virtual/augmented reality will play an increasingly important role in visualizing designs and interacting with them.

Senior systems engineer vs. Lead engineer

A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.

On average, lead engineers earn lower salaries than senior systems engineers, with a $23,194 difference per year.By looking over several senior systems engineers and lead engineers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "architecture," "linux," and "java." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, senior systems engineers are more likely to have skills like "system design," "powershell," "windows server," and "san." But a lead engineer is more likely to have skills like "python," "api," "git," and "database."

Lead engineers earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $110,872. Senior systems engineers earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $116,608.When it comes to education, lead engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to senior systems engineers. In fact, they're 2.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior systems engineer vs. Team lead engineer

A team leads engineer is in charge of spearheading and overseeing the efforts of an engineering team, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Although the duties may depend on one's industry of employment, it typically includes designing and developing systems according to project requirements, setting objectives and construction guidelines, delegating tasks, managing budgets and schedules, and monitoring the workflow, performing corrective measures as needed. Furthermore, as a team leads engineer, it is essential to encourage the workforce to reach goals, all while enforcing the company's safety standards and regulations.

Team lead engineers tend to earn a higher pay than senior systems engineers by an average of $6,746 per year.While their salaries may vary, senior systems engineers and team lead engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "architecture," "linux," and "java. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between senior systems engineers and team lead engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a senior systems engineer might have more use for skills like "dod," "system design," "powershell," and "windows server." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of team lead engineers require skills like "python," "infrastructure," "windows," and "leveraged. "

The technology industry tends to pay the highest salaries for team lead engineers, with average annual pay of $117,918. Comparatively, the highest senior systems engineer annual salary comes from the retail industry.In general, team lead engineers hold similar degree levels compared to senior systems engineers. Team lead engineers are 1.2% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of senior 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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