Post job

System design engineer vs systems engineer

The differences between system design engineers and systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a system design engineer and a systems engineer. Additionally, a system design engineer has an average salary of $107,704, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.

The top three skills for a system design engineer include system design, architecture and MATLAB. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.

System design engineer vs systems engineer overview

System Design EngineerSystems Engineer
Yearly salary$107,704$82,834
Hourly rate$51.78$39.82
Growth rate3%21%
Number of jobs113,582145,936
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4539
Years of experience22

What does a system design engineer do?

A system design engineer is an individual who participates in system design engineering and resolves manufacturing and service problems. System design engineers are required to collaborate with the system design team to research emerging technologies and develop new capabilities. They create design layouts by utilizing the use of CAD software such as AutoCad as well as supervise a group of CAD technicians. System design engineers must also provide customer service in the field and deliver individualized problem solving and system design support

What does a systems engineer do?

Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.

System design engineer vs systems engineer salary

System design engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

System Design EngineerSystems Engineer
Average salary$107,704$82,834
Salary rangeBetween $77,000 And $149,000Between $62,000 And $109,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaThe Citadel
Best paying industryAutomotiveAutomotive

Differences between system design engineer and systems engineer education

There are a few differences between a system design engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:

System Design EngineerSystems Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeMichigan Technological UniversityCalifornia State University - Long Beach

System design engineer vs systems engineer demographics

Here are the differences between system design engineers' and systems engineers' demographics:

System Design EngineerSystems Engineer
Average age4539
Gender ratioMale, 91.2% Female, 8.8%Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 15.4% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage6%8%

Differences between system design engineer and systems engineer duties and responsibilities

System design engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and harmonize cooperation between architect, structure engineer, HVAC engineer, plumping engineer, and electrical engineer.
  • Lead the PCB design effort including component layout/placement, handling of critical nets, and test issues including PCB scan.
  • Apply technical knowledge in electromagnetic theory and microwave technology to plan and manage projects concern with ground-base radar systems.
  • Coordinate with senior electrical engineers and achieve hands-on experience on coal fire plant power generation and power transformers, circuit breakers.
  • Design system level test hardware for the IC designers from QFN packages to highly dense FPGA.
  • Assist in the electrical design and generate drawings utilizing AutoCAD.
  • Show more

Systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage compute clusters and all RHEL base workstations.
  • Manage and provide all PC & printer support and repair and audio visual /video conferencing equipment setup.
  • Manage and communicate requirements throughout the project life cycle, handle change management, and review QA test plans
  • Install and manage wireless Cisco/Hewlett Packard routers.
  • Manage and support installation of IIS servers hosting internal and external applications.
  • Manage enterprise level projects as a project manager using ITIL project management methodology.
  • Show more

System design engineer vs systems engineer skills

Common system design engineer skills
  • System Design, 11%
  • Architecture, 8%
  • MATLAB, 7%
  • C++, 5%
  • CAD, 5%
  • Project Management, 3%
Common systems engineer skills
  • Python, 7%
  • Linux, 5%
  • C++, 5%
  • C #, 5%
  • DOD, 4%
  • Java, 4%

Browse architecture and engineering jobs