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Systems designer vs product engineer

The differences between systems designers and product engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a systems designer and a product engineer. Additionally, a systems designer has an average salary of $93,438, which is higher than the $89,645 average annual salary of a product engineer.

The top three skills for a systems designer include system design, CRM and sales proposals. The most important skills for a product engineer are CAD, product design, and project management.

Systems designer vs product engineer overview

Systems DesignerProduct Engineer
Yearly salary$93,438$89,645
Hourly rate$44.92$43.10
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs101,665157,888
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age4141
Years of experience66

What does a systems designer do?

In the information technology industry, a systems designer specializes in creating systems in adherence to the client or company's needs. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis, gathering and analyzing operational data and client feedback, subjecting designs in a variety of tests, coordinating with engineers, troubleshooting problems, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also assess existing systems and design enhancements as needed. Moreover, a systems designer may provide technical support and guidance to staff while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

What does a product engineer do?

A product engineer specializes in designing and developing commercial materials and services. They are primarily responsible for conducting thorough research and analysis of the latest trends and marketing conditions to come up with new ideas and products for the public. Moreover, they are also responsible for producing reports and presentations, coordinating with the development team of their company. Product engineers also reach out to vendors and suppliers for the raw materials, set regulations and standards for the product, and even conduct a rigorous and regular quality check.

Systems designer vs product engineer salary

Systems designers and product engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Systems DesignerProduct Engineer
Average salary$93,438$89,645
Salary rangeBetween $69,000 And $125,000Between $68,000 And $118,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaMeta
Best paying industryHealth CareTechnology

Differences between systems designer and product engineer education

There are a few differences between a systems designer and a product engineer in terms of educational background:

Systems DesignerProduct Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Most common collegeStanford UniversityMichigan Technological University

Systems designer vs product engineer demographics

Here are the differences between systems designers' and product engineers' demographics:

Systems DesignerProduct Engineer
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 85.7% Female, 14.3%Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 16.5% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.0% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between systems designer and product engineer duties and responsibilities

Systems designer example responsibilities.

  • Lead development effort for JavaScript vehicle configuration component.
  • Manage relationships through CRM documentation and complete post-sale customer follow ups.
  • Design and manage wireless infrastructure using WPA2 encryption and a centralize authentication using SSL and a user base lightweight directory database.
  • Modify and support COBOL, DB2, IMS, CICS, batch and online processes.
  • Design and draft mechanical systems for remodels and new construction at BYU using Revit, and AutoCAD.
  • Cover the database management system architecture, query processing and optimization.
  • Show more

Product engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead team to achieve project objectives and report results to Sr. Management.
  • Manage outsourced $500k mix mode voice security IC development.
  • Manage various EHS activities at the Fremont, California facility.
  • Manage coordination of APQP, component timing, and technical resource allocation for commercial issues.
  • Manage the manufacturing of defense and aerospace electro-mechanical print circuit boards from prototype to production level.
  • Sketch concepts (Creo), coordinate prototype builds, provide assembly instructions and troubleshoot build issues.
  • Show more

Systems designer vs product engineer skills

Common systems designer skills
  • System Design, 14%
  • CRM, 12%
  • Sales Proposals, 7%
  • Control Systems, 7%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 6%
  • HVAC, 5%
Common product engineer skills
  • CAD, 6%
  • Product Design, 5%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • C++, 4%
  • Solidworks, 3%
  • Product Development, 3%

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