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.
Systems designer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems designer resumes:
- 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.
- Create 3-D models using NX 11.0 Cad.
- Design fire alarm systems per NFPA, NEC, CBC and AHJ requirements.
- Compare and validate simulations using MatLab code and CHEMKIN software.
- Generate BOM's for each project using company ERP system.
- Design the sprinkler systems of the C1 and C2 office tower
- Assist in designing, building and debugging legacy applications using Java.
- Perform simulations using MATLAB to obtain plots of efficiency and temperatures.
- Develop BOM for lighting system, maintain master files for project.
- Coordinate mechanical rooms with other MEP disciplines, providing appropriate sections.
Systems designer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Systems Designers are proficient in System Design, CRM, and Sales Proposals. They’re also known for soft skills such as Listening skills, Mechanical skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Systems Designers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- System Design, 14%
Performed surveying, observation of existing traffic devices, and field data collection for preparation of intelligent transportation system design.
- CRM, 12%
Designed and developed a custom web-based CRM primarily using stored procedures and triggers for data manipulation and business logic.
- Sales Proposals, 7%
Created sales proposals to clients using Microsoft Excel
- Control Systems, 7%
Configure a variety of multimedia devices and control systems at corporate facilities, primary and secondary educational facilities.
- Customer Satisfaction, 6%
Designed electrical design route using company standards to meet customer satisfaction.
- HVAC, 5%
Participated in inspection HVAC layouts and reconstruction of manufacturing facilities.
Most systems designers use their skills in "system design," "crm," and "sales proposals" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential systems designer responsibilities here:
Listening skills. The most essential soft skill for a systems designer to carry out their responsibilities is listening skills. This skill is important for the role because "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists." Additionally, a systems designer resume shows how their duties depend on listening skills: "project management: communicated with customers and prospects about planning, installations and support issues. "
Mechanical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling systems designer duties is mechanical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." According to a systems designer resume, here's how systems designers can utilize mechanical skills in their job responsibilities: "designed complex space rated composite/mechanical/electrical assemblies and produced drawings with bom s for interfacing componentry onto satellites. "
Math skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of systems designers is math skills. This skill is critical to many everyday systems designer duties, as "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "developed a demo rest web service for meap statistics with java/j2ee. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain systems designer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a systems designer rely on this skill, as "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what systems designers do: "work with control systems (control 4, savant, amx) high end audio and video solutions. "
The three companies that hire the most systems designers are:
- Johnson Controls43 systems designers jobs
- Tesla11 systems designers jobs
- DLR Group7 systems designers jobs
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Compare different systems designers
Systems designer vs. Mechanical engineering internship
One of the primary responsibilities in a mechanical engineering internship is to follow directives from engineers and managers while gaining practical experience. There are instances when an intern must take part in crafting various materials under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, produce reports and paperwork, operate tools and devices, and provide assistance should anyone need. Furthermore, it is essential to report to managers and supervisors if any issues arise.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, systems designer responsibilities require skills like "system design," "crm," "sales proposals," and "control systems." Meanwhile a typical mechanical engineering internship has skills in areas such as "mechanical design," "mechanical systems," "revit," and "product development." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Mechanical engineering interns earn the highest salaries when working in the hospitality industry, with an average yearly salary of $44,983. On the other hand, systems designers are paid more in the health care industry with an average salary of $105,218.The education levels that mechanical engineering interns earn slightly differ from systems designers. In particular, mechanical engineering interns are 4.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a systems designer. Additionally, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems designer vs. Engineer
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real systems designer resumes. While systems designer responsibilities can utilize skills like "system design," "crm," "sales proposals," and "customer satisfaction," engineers use skills like "python," "cloud," "aws," and "windows."
Engineers earn a lower average salary than systems designers. But engineers earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $97,672. Additionally, systems designers earn the highest salaries in the health care with average pay of $105,218 annually.engineers earn similar levels of education than systems designers in general. They're 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems designer vs. Mechanical engineer
Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues. They are often in designated offices, but they can also work on-site and travel if necessary. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers usually function in a group or team setting, often supervised by personnel in higher positions.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from systems designer resumes include skills like "crm," "sales proposals," "control systems," and "customer satisfaction," whereas a mechanical engineer is more likely to list skills in "cad," "mechanical systems," "mechanical design," and "plumbing. "
Mechanical engineers earn the best pay in the energy industry, where they command an average salary of $84,748. Systems designers earn the highest pay from the health care industry, with an average salary of $105,218.Most mechanical engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to systems designers. For example, they're 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems designer vs. Senior project engineer
A senior project engineer is responsible for monitoring the project team's overall process and operations from conceptualization until completion, ensuring the adherence to the clients' specifications, within the budget's goals, and the required deadline. Senior project engineers regularly communicate with the client regarding updates or necessary adjustments. They develop strategic procedures to finish the project efficiently by running diagnostic tests and troubleshooting discrepancies. A senior project engineer must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the team's performance and provide assistance when necessary.
Types of systems designer
Updated January 8, 2025
