What does a senior systems support engineer do?
Senior systems support engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior systems support engineer resumes:
- Set up, troubleshoot, manage and administer voice over IP phone system.
- Coordinate FileNet and EMC system configuration changes, manage disk storage consumption, allocate/mask storage, and document system configurations/changes.
- Automate systems administration tasks and systems health checks (with e-mail notifications) utilizing Perl and Linux shell scripting.
- Perform virtualization tasks with Vmware, ldoms, Solaris zones, Sparc hard domains, Solaris containers.
- Produce and maintain UNIX procedural and system configuration documentation.
- Provide systems administration and support to Linux servers running critical trading applications.
- Design security guidelines and policies to address audit findings, implement security configurations in UNIX environment.
- Work closely with other developers to share the understanding of business requirements and propose new application architecture for the interfacing project.
- Participate in change management, rapid coding development & prototyping, implementation and post implementation support.
Senior systems support engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Senior Systems Support Engineers are proficient in Infrastructure, Technical Support, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Speaking skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Systems Support Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Infrastructure, 10%
Designed infrastructure monitoring tools that incorporated both in-house and third-party tools to best maintain server and software stability.
- Technical Support, 8%
Provided technical support to Federal government agencies (200+ worldwide), developing operational solutions and opportunities for future product investments.
- Linux, 7%
Automated systems administration tasks and systems health checks (with e-mail notifications) utilizing Perl and Linux shell scripting.
- Java, 5%
Support of workforce optimization product.Java Based Products accessing SYBASE, ORACLE, IBM DB2 and MICROSOFT SQL databases.
- Windows Server, 4%
Reconfigured internal DHCP management from routed network to utilization of DHCP Windows server management system.
- VMware, 3%
Point of Concept and production) * VMWARE VDI global distribution and support/management of environment.
"infrastructure," "technical support," and "linux" are among the most common skills that senior systems support engineers use at work. You can find even more senior systems support engineer responsibilities below, including:
Multitasking skills. A commonly-found skill in senior systems support engineer job descriptions, "multitasking skills" is essential to what senior systems support engineers do. Senior systems support engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." You can also see how senior systems support engineer duties rely on multitasking skills in this resume example: "organized work flow while multitasking, critical thinking and solved technical issues troubleshooted and resolved network connectivity issues. "
Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a senior systems support engineer does. Senior systems support engineer responsibilities require this skill because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This resume example highlights how senior systems support engineer duties rely on this skill: "provide customer support for issue resolution. "
The three companies that hire the most senior systems support engineers are:
- The Walt Disney Company5 senior systems support engineers jobs
- Amazon2 senior systems support engineers jobs
- Conduent2 senior systems support engineers jobs
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Senior systems support engineer vs. Support lead
A support lead is typically in charge of overseeing the performance of a technical support team, ensuring efficiency and customer satisfaction. Their responsibilities revolve around assessing the performance of the workforce, resolving complex issues, identifying customer needs and sales opportunities, and training new team members. They may also perform calls and correspondence, respond to inquiries, and resolve issues promptly. Furthermore, as a support lead, it is essential to perform clerical tasks such as preparing progress reports, managing schedules, and maintaining records of transactions.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior systems support engineers and support lead. For instance, senior systems support engineer responsibilities require skills such as "windows server," "vmware," "technical documentation," and "lifecycle management." Whereas a support lead is skilled in "customer service," "cash management," "pos," and "sales floor." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, support leads reach similar levels of education than senior systems support engineers. Support leads are 0.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior systems support engineer vs. Senior system administrator
A senior system administrator specializes in overseeing the computer system operations in an organization. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around monitoring the performance of all software and hardware, installing servers, configuring systems, and making sure every technical aspect is running smoothly. Should there be any issues, they must take charge of troubleshooting and providing solutions. As someone with more experience, a senior system administrator leads and evaluates the performances of fellow skilled professionals in the department, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that senior systems support engineer responsibilities requires skills like "infrastructure," "vmware," "technical documentation," and "on-call support." But a senior system administrator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "powershell," "os," "desktop," and "switches."
Senior system administrators earn a lower average salary than senior systems support engineers. But senior system administrators earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $104,418. Additionally, senior systems support engineers earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $119,029 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior system administrators tend to reach similar levels of education than senior systems support engineers. In fact, they're 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior systems support engineer vs. Senior support specialist
A senior support specialist is in charge of providing technical support to clients, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. They typically communicate with clients through calls or correspondence where they address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. They may also assist clients in troubleshooting, provide step by step instructions, or recommend solutions. Furthermore, as a senior support specialist, it is essential to lead and serve as a role model for other support specialists while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.
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 systems support engineer is likely to be skilled in "infrastructure," "java," "technical documentation," and "production environment," while a typical senior support specialist is skilled in "customer service," "excellent interpersonal," "phone calls," and "data entry."
Senior support specialists make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $83,262. On the other hand, senior systems support engineers are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $119,029.When it comes to education, senior support specialists tend to earn similar degree levels compared to senior systems support engineers. In fact, they're 1.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior systems support engineer vs. Senior systems analyst
A senior systems analyst is responsible for analyzing IT systems and networks, modifying existing systems for better optimization, and designing efficient technology systems from clients' specifications and business needs. Senior systems analysts regularly inspect the performance of the system networks, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy to support daily operations. They perform troubleshooting, upgrade network infrastructures, and maintain the highest security of the database. A senior systems analyst must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry and a strong command of system languages to mitigate system complexities and improve network processes.
Types of senior systems support engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











