What is a software systems engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Frank McCown Ph.D.,

Kevin Treu Ph.D.

A software systems engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. They work with a team of developers and analysts to ensure that software meets the needs of users. A software systems engineer may also be responsible for testing software to ensure it is functioning properly. They must have knowledge of programming languages and software development methodologies, and may be tasked with troubleshooting technical issues and providing end-user support.

What general advice would you give to a software systems engineer?

Frank McCown Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Harding University

The market is stable for software developers, despite the economic challenges created by the pandemic. Before accepting a job offer, talk to the company's employees through online meetings or email, and see what they think of the company. Do they enjoy their work? Are there opportunities to learn new technologies? How does the company treat their employees? There's a good chance you will be working remotely in your first job, so you will need to exercise a lot of self-discipline, be punctual for online meetings, do the work you've been assigned, and know when to ask questions when you get stuck. Expect a steeper-than-normal learning curve if you are working remotely instead of in an office.

ScoreSoftware Systems EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.8

Avg. Salary $107,102

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.0

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.82%

Black or African American 4.57%

Hispanic or Latino 8.32%

Unknown 4.84%

White 52.28%

Gender

female 18.90%

male 81.10%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a software systems engineer?

Pros

Good job security, salary and benefits due to high demand for software systems engineers
Continuous learning and professional development
Ability to work remotely or from different locations
Potential for career advancement and leadership positions
Chance to make a positive impact on society through technology

Cons

Long working hours and tight deadlines
Limited work-life balance, especially during peak project periods
Risk of burnout and mental exhaustion due to project complexity and importance
Lack of control over project direction and decision-making process es
Potential for conflicts with team members or clients

Key steps to become a software systems engineer

Explore software systems engineer education requirements

Most common software systems engineer degrees

Bachelor's

73.1 %

Master's

16.5 %

Associate

7.7 %

Start to develop specific software systems engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Java	11.06%
Python	9.74%
Software Development	6.92%
Architecture	5.78%
Linux	5.71%

Complete relevant software systems engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New software systems engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a software systems engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real software systems engineer resumes.

Research software systems engineer duties and responsibilities

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Lead developing the L2 Ethernet switch software for new generation wireless mobile router (WMR).

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