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What does a Systems Engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted Expert
Andrea Welker Ph.D.
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.

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Systems engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems engineer resumes:

  • 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.
  • Perform user and content management, intranet portal management, Linux and windows server management.
  • Introduce configuration management analysis processes to establish and adhere to DOD set standards and expectations.
  • Analyze collected data from experiment to interpret system performance by executing data processing and statistical techniques using MATLAB.
  • Work on creating NAS shares and CIFS shares.
  • Implement NFS, NAS, FTP and HTTP servers on Linux servers.
  • Design EMC base solutions to meet their requirements and present them.
  • Verify data receive by the Bluetooth client using KST data visualization tool.
  • Design storage-area-network solutions base on EMC's suite of products and third-party technologies.
  • Create release documentation describing changes include in the release for hand off to the QA team.

Systems engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Systems Engineers are proficient in Python, Linux, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Detail oriented, and Interpersonal skills.

We break down the percentage of Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 7%

    Facilitated troubleshooting by developing a Python utility to collect meaningful data from problematic devices and generate reports.

  • Linux, 5%

    Designed and deployed active directory servers for a heterogeneous network of Windows and Linux operating systems.

  • C++, 5%

    Designed and developed library management system with C++ and oracle database on the Linux platform using agile methodology.

  • C #, 5%

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

  • DOD, 4%

    Served as Information Systems Security Officer for closed area lab network comprised of several DOD classified information systems.

  • Java, 4%

    Worked as systems engineer in java and j2ee technologies and majorly into insurance business.responsible for application development and testing.

Common skills that a systems engineer uses to do their job include "python," "linux," and "c++." You can find details on the most important systems engineer responsibilities below.

Creativity. One of the key soft skills for a systems engineer to have is creativity. You can see how this relates to what systems engineers do because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Additionally, a systems engineer resume shows how systems engineers use creativity: "developed an easy-to-use application in java that allowed users to request new software and update inventory tables. "

Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform systems engineer duties is detail oriented. Systems engineers responsibilities require that "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." Systems engineers also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "developed the process for bringing customer developers up to speed on object oriented analysis and design, and java programming. "

Interpersonal skills. systems engineers are also known for interpersonal skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to systems engineer responsibilities, because "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." A systems engineer resume example shows how interpersonal skills is used in the workplace: "applied excellent interpersonal and communication skills and knowledge of project management principles to drive projects to completion. "

Analytical skills. A big part of what systems engineers do relies on "analytical skills." You can see how essential it is to systems engineer responsibilities because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical systems engineer tasks: "provided java development support for maintaining applications used to transform data and provide manual review capability on this data. "

Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in systems engineer job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what systems engineers do. Systems engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." You can also see how systems engineer duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "developed voice/video conferencing module in java for media data communication via internet. "

Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a systems engineer does. Systems engineer responsibilities require this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." This resume example highlights how systems engineer duties rely on this skill: "developed various services of banking solution like the crucial authentication module and transaction modules using java and oracle 10g. "

See the full list of systems engineer skills

The three companies that hire the most systems engineers are:

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Compare different systems engineers

Systems engineer vs. Information engineer

An information engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of computer systems and network infrastructure, performing configuration to boost the optimal performance of the technology systems. Information engineers assist end-users in resolving network issues, identifying the source of inconsistencies, and create resolution reports for reference to avoid reoccurrence. They also design new network systems according to business needs and client specifications, running multiple diagnostic tests to ensure effectiveness before the release of final deliverables. An information engineer should have excellent technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.

The annual salary of information engineers is $22,169 higher than the average salary of systems engineers.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both systems engineer and information engineer positions are skilled in linux, c++, and c #.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, systems engineer responsibilities require skills like "python," "database," "matlab," and "project management." Meanwhile a typical information engineer has skills in areas such as "customer service," "data analysis," "mac," and "vmware." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Information engineers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $107,435. Comparatively, systems engineers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $96,218.information engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than systems engineers. In fact, information engineers are 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Systems engineer vs. Senior infrastructure engineer

A senior infrastructure engineer specializes in designing and developing systems and infrastructures based on client preferences and industry standards. They have the duty to identify and understand the project's needs, streamline project requirements, produce drafts, create prototypes and models, and establish tests to identify potential issues and ensure the projects' quality. Additionally, a senior infrastructure engineer has the authority to make decisions, train and supervise junior engineers, establish goals and timelines, provide technical support, and implement policies and guidelines.

A career as a senior infrastructure engineer brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a systems engineer. In fact, senior infrastructure engineers salary is $34,931 higher than the salary of systems engineers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both systems engineers and senior infrastructure engineers have skills such as "linux," "java," and "troubleshoot. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real systems engineer resumes. While systems engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "c++," "c #," and "dod," senior infrastructure engineers use skills like "cloud," "aws," "customer service," and "capacity planning."

Senior infrastructure engineers may earn a higher salary than systems engineers, but senior infrastructure engineers earn the most pay in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $123,360. On the other hand, systems engineers receive higher pay in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $96,218.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior infrastructure engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than systems engineers. In fact, they're 3.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Systems Engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Andrea Welker Ph.D.Andrea Welker Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Virtual/augmented reality will play an increasingly important role in visualizing designs and interacting with them.

Systems engineer vs. Systems consultant

A systems consultant is responsible for advising on the design, plan, and installation of information technology systems for clients. You will analyze data of an organization, determine the requirements of an information system, and define project objectives. Other duties include providing recommendations on the appropriate software, hardware, and systems, designing and installing new software, and organizing and conducting training for end-users. You will also be responsible for preparing test plans and test scripts needed for system testing.

On average scale, systems consultants bring in higher salaries than systems engineers. In fact, they earn a $16,825 higher salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on systems engineers and systems consultants resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "linux," "c++," and "c #.rdquo;

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 engineer resumes include skills like "python," "dod," "database," and "matlab," whereas a systems consultant is more likely to list skills in "infrastructure," "sdlc," "business process," and "data warehouse. "

Systems consultants make a very good living in the internet industry with an average annual salary of $108,853. On the other hand, systems engineers are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $96,218.systems consultants typically earn similar educational levels compared to systems engineers. Specifically, they're 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Systems engineer vs. Systems administrator

Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.

Systems administrators average a lower salary than the annual salary of systems engineers. The difference is about $5,678 per year.While both systems engineers and systems administrators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like linux, java, and database, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between systems engineers and systems administrators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a systems engineer might have more use for skills like "python," "c++," "c #," and "dod." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of systems administrators require skills like "computer system," "microsoft windows," "desktop support," and "web servers. "

The technology industry tends to pay the highest salaries for systems administrators, with average annual pay of $86,962. Comparatively, the highest systems engineer annual salary comes from the automotive industry.systems administrators reach similar levels of education compared to systems engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 4.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of systems engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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