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Systems engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Austin McCoy,

David Garaventa

One of the most important hard skills systems engineers across the board can possess is strong knowledge of and experience working with hardware. It's also very important for systems engineers to be fluent in programming languages such as python and C++, and familiar with software such as Linux.

When it comes to soft skills, systems engineers should have finely tuned skills of discernment to ensure a consistently high systems quality. Systems engineers need to do a good amount of data analysis as well, so analytical skills are also crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical systems engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for systems engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 6.8% of systems engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a systems engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 systems engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how systems engineers use python:

Facilitated troubleshooting by developing a Python utility to collect meaningful data from problematic devices and generate reports.
Optimized signal processing parameters using Genetic algorithm Python package under Linux environment.

2. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how systems engineers use linux:

Designed and deployed active directory servers for a heterogeneous network of Windows and Linux operating systems.
Provided unit level testing and regression testing using Linux environment for deployed systems to verify requirements.

3. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how systems engineers use c++:

Designed and developed library management system with C++ and oracle database on the Linux platform using agile methodology.
Developed a C++ command line interface for process configuration and automatic restarting of abnormally terminated processes.

4. C #

Here's how systems engineers use c #:

Used WPF, WCF, and VB.Net and C # extensively.

5. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how systems engineers use dod:

Served as Information Systems Security Officer for closed area lab network comprised of several DOD classified information systems.
Engage in customer teleconference to verify user and mail accounts matched appropriate DoD Identification numbers prior to migration.

6. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how systems engineers use java:

Worked as systems engineer in java and j2ee technologies and majorly into insurance business.responsible for application development and testing.
Developed Java code, including corrections and enhancements, in accordance with specific tactical elements' specifications.

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7. Database

A database is a collection of data and information which makes it easy to view, access, and manage. Databases save a lot of time and can store huge amounts of data. Databases make sorting data easier and stores it in certain fields which narrows the searching criteria. A database usually contains tables, graphs, and columns to display data.

Here's how systems engineers use database:

Worked closely with application programmers, database administrators, departmental faculty and staff to meet University's needs and requirements.
Developed and administered a database of requirements and created user interfaces that would allow multiple requirement engineers to change requirements.

8. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how systems engineers use troubleshoot:

Configure, troubleshoot and integrate new and existing servers to provide service enhancements, application deployments and infrastructure upgrades.
Help troubleshoot and resolve any network operating system hardware/software outages/problems and get them restored with minimal downtime.

9. MATLAB

Here's how systems engineers use matlab:

Analyzed telemetry data with tools including MatLab to write Requirements Verification Reports proving that SBIRS HEO met specification requirements.
Analyzed collected data from experiment to interpret system performance by executing data processing and statistical techniques using MATLAB.

10. Windows Server

Here's how systems engineers use windows server:

Conduct Windows Server and Active Directory implementation and coordination necessary for implementation actions with other entities, as needed.
Collaborated with systems administrators and engineering team to provide documentation and planning of Windows servers for disaster recovery.

11. Project Management

Here's how systems engineers use project management:

Provided technical services for real-time computer applications, including design, research, drawings and specification preparation, and project management.
Developed and implemented information assurance (IA) and security standards and systems engineering and project management processes and methodology.

12. PowerShell

Here's how systems engineers use powershell:

Utilized Windows PowerShell scripting extensively to more effectively and efficiently administrate a ~350 store environment of over 3000 devices.
Performed systems and application automation processes with Windows PowerShell which included application interception processes and user data management.

13. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how systems engineers use technical support:

Reduced technical support costs through the elimination of proprietary document management system and implementation of a local area network.
Provided technical support in identifying, trouble-shooting and resolving directory and network issues In order to minimize customer downtime.

14. SAN

SAN abbreviation for storage area network is a computer network that provides storage access.

Here's how systems engineers use san:

Perform daily management activities of Storage Provisioning, performance monitoring and reporting of both storage and SAN environments.
Worked closely with storage and networking teams to ensure SAN and networking infrastructure met virtual infrastructure specifications.

15. System Integration

System integration refers to connecting distinct subsystems into a sole bigger system that tasks as one in very extensive terms. In engineering, the principal system integrator integrates separate systems using various techniques such as enterprise application integration, computer networking, business process management or manual programming.

Here's how systems engineers use system integration:

Provide operational engineering support to critical systems within the intelligence community, including software testing, upgrading, and system integration.
Managed and supported 15,000+ servers located in 5 data centers providing solutions and system integration for application and infrastructure systems.

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What skills help Systems Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on systems engineer resumes?

Austin McCoy

Director of Javelina Engineering Student Success Center, Texas A&M University - Kingsville

-Internship/co-op experience -Research experience
-Good leadership skills and involvement on campus and in the community and activities where the individual works as part of a team.
-Well written resume can tell a lot about the technical writing skill; a resume needs to be clean and comfortable to read; recruiters can find what they are looking for easily.
-Less is sometimes more because students sometimes will put more information on a resume than is pertinent to the position applying for.

What soft skills should all systems engineers possess?

David Garaventa

Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CIS, Albertus Magnus College

Communication and collaboration skills are critical. Particularly now that many employees are working remotely, it has become more difficult - yet more important than ever - to have IT teams that work effectively together, even when they are not in the same room together. But this is not unique to the IT realm. Whether via remote meetings or through effective written communications, it is no longer enough to simply have "technical skills." Technical skills can be taught to employees more easily than developing employee's soft skills, so when an employee approaches their job with a strong set of communication skills and strong analytic reading and writing abilities, they can often make themselves stand out to employers. The employers will recognize that they have the attributes to be an asset to the team and can then invest in helping them develop any technical areas where they may be lacking.

This is not to say that technical skills don't matter, because they do, especially in the IT field. But suppose an employee brings a strong set of soft skills to an IT team (e.g., collaboration, communication, critical thinking, etc.). In that case, they probably also can learn more technical skills as part of their job function. I once had a colleague say to me that when she is hiring, she has found that technical skill is all over the place...but it's the soft skills that are harder to find. Lastly, having the ability - and a desire - to be continually learning is essential. Technology is not static, and businesses are not static, so thinking critically in different settings across various technology platforms is very important. The tools your department uses today may not be the tools they are using tomorrow, so being fluid, adaptable, and constantly learning is the name of the game.

What hard/technical skills are most important for systems engineers?

David Garaventa

Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CIS, Albertus Magnus College

The technical skills that are required are broad and tend to be business and/or industry-specific. If you are working in healthcare IT, the patient management platforms you use could be different from the client database used by a bank's IT team, for example. So, on the one hand, the recommendation would be to determine what platforms are most commonly used in your industry area and spend time mastering those platforms. On the other hand, most industries tend to have specific tools that are most commonly used, and spending time mastering those is important.

Going deeper into the subject, technical skills around project management, cloud infrastructure, security, and end-user support bridge across all industries. Having knowledge and skills in these areas will serve IT professionals well, no matter what field or industry they end up in. Again, it is challenging to recommend specific technical skills because the field of IT is so broad.

What systems engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Sridhar Santhanam Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Villanova University

In a gap year, graduates could consider retooling themselves by acquiring advanced knowledge and skills. Graduate school provides a perfect avenue for this. Enrolling in a Masters's program that aligns with one's interests and aptitudes can be an excellent investment. Many graduate schools also offer shorter certificate programs targeted to specific sub-disciplines within mechanical engineerings, such as robotics, sustainable energy, or additive manufacturing. Certificates can be obtained in a calendar year, or less, and can significantly bolster one's resume in preparation for exploring the job market after the gap year. Several programs offer online graduate classes, thereby providing convenience and accessibility to students.

What type of skills will young systems engineers need?

John Ring

Director Engineering Outreach, Elon University

While our universities consistently educate engineering students with hard skills and strong engineering fundamentals, tomorrow's engineers need to be strong communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers. Our professional environments are filled with data and information, and the constraint is typically how much time individuals can dedicate to solving a problem. At Elon University, we educate tomorrow's engineers to have the hard skills necessary to analyze the information and situations, apply critical thinking techniques to determine ways to solve the issue, and then concisely and efficiently communicate with colleagues as solutions are being set in motion.

Do you want to know more?

List of systems engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a systems engineer resume and required skills for a systems engineer to have include:

Python
Linux
C++
C #
DOD
Java
Database
Troubleshoot
MATLAB
Windows Server
Project Management
PowerShell
Technical Support
SAN
System Integration
Unix
RF

Configuration Management
System Performance
Tcp Ip
Azure
Math
Switches
Test Procedures
OS
DNS
Desktop
Virtualization
Excellent Interpersonal
TCP/IP
Strong Analytical
Management System
JavaScript
SQL Server

National Security
Network Infrastructure
SharePoint
Citrix
Emerging Technologies
Jenkins
Disaster Recovery
SCCM
DHCP
Amazon Web Services
Perl
Cloud Computing
Strong Problem-Solving
Technical Issues
Work Ethic
System Administration

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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