What does a systems software specialist do?
Systems software specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems software specialist resumes:
- Schedule builds and releases in co-ordination with development and QA leads.
- Write shell scripts and Perl scripts to automate repetitive systems administration tasks.
- Recruit to establish and manage Virtualization\Storage\Backup environments.
- Serve as liaison with platform representatives to troubleshoot technical issues.
- Administer DHCP and DNS services.
- Maintain, troubleshoot file transmission.
- Develop method and standard procedures for hardening of Unix systems.
- Verify and exchange public PGP keys in a UNIX base environment.
- Used JDeveloper to build the Java beans logic of the DeansDB system.
- Handle daily DB2 administration and utility work to support DB2 day-to-day function.
- Test multiple products such as VMware for Windows/XP running multiple Linux and Windows/XP guests.
- Create an in-house website using HTML code to host department documentation for internal team members.
- Develop test plans, test scenarios and SQL scripts for back-end verification, and identify test cases/IDS.
- Customize Solaris and Linux kernel and other subsystems.
- Participate in requirements analysis and interface and communicate with the infrastructure and integration teams.
Systems software specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Systems Software Specialists are proficient in Python, System Software, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Interpersonal skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Systems Software Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 8%
Author of Python based, automated report generation for disseminating results to participants.
- System Software, 8%
Performed engineering system software management and configuration management responsibilities.
- Linux, 7%
Analyze the most complex operating systems, like UNIX, LINUX, and Windows, for application's functionality.
- Java, 5%
Used JDeveloper to built Java classes and bean logic for the SACS application.
- Computer System, 5%
Assisted in approval of two-year aggressive centralized banking computer system project working with MIS Director and Executive Vice-President of Information Systems.
- Windows Server, 5%
Managed and maintained enterprise Windows server and EMC storage network, ensuring smooth operation and security of the information technology infrastructure.
Most systems software specialists use their skills in "python," "system software," and "linux" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential systems software specialist responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for a systems software specialist to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role because "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." Additionally, a systems software specialist resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "augmented cost and increased reliability through an innovative service oriented architecture hosting customer production environments inside of virtualized cloud systems. "
Interpersonal skills. Another essential skill to perform systems software specialist duties is interpersonal skills. Systems software specialists responsibilities require that "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." Systems software specialists also use interpersonal skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "team player with professional work ethic, positive attitude, and good interpersonal skills. "
Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of systems software specialists is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday systems software specialist duties, as "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "run sccm reports for every month, working of hardware/software inventory and maintain infrastructure security monitoring. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain systems software specialist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a systems software specialist rely on this skill, as "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what systems software specialists do: "analyzed and implemented system software solutions/upgrades to remain technologically current and efficient. "
Analytical skills. Another common skill required for systems software specialist responsibilities is "analytical skills." This skill comes up in the duties of systems software specialists all the time, as "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." An excerpt from a real systems software specialist resume shows how this skill is central to what a systems software specialist does: "used emc's srdf for mirroring of dasd data between company's data center and its d/r site. "
Communication skills. Lastly, "communication skills" is an important element of what a systems software specialist does. Systems software specialist responsibilities require this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." This resume example highlights how systems software specialist duties rely on this skill: "utilized skills including unix c and shell programming, unify database management, 4gl and tcp/ip communication protocols and system generation. "
The three companies that hire the most systems software specialists are:
- UTMB HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS5 systems software specialists jobs
- University of Texas System4 systems software specialists jobs
- AGCO3 systems software specialists jobs
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Systems software specialist vs. Technical systems engineer
Technical Systems Engineers are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure or systems network. They build, maintain, and repair all the systems and network infrastructure of the organization. They troubleshoot problems and find the best possible solution to address such problems. They also ensure that those problems will be resolved and would never be encountered again. Technical Systems Engineers also help out in information technology or network infrastructure projects of other departments. They provide expertise on the systems-related aspects of the project. They help guide project teams on the feasibility and the success factors of the project.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a systems software specialist are more likely to require skills like "python," "system software," "css," and "javascript." On the other hand, a job as a technical systems engineer requires skills like "cloud," "technical support," "powershell," and "vmware." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Technical systems engineers really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $116,420. Comparatively, systems software specialists tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $117,283.On average, technical systems engineers reach similar levels of education than systems software specialists. Technical systems engineers are 4.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Systems software specialist vs. Senior systems engineer
A senior systems engineer specializes in overseeing network systems, management tools, software, and hardware within a company or an organization. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and resolve complex system issues using their years of extensive knowledge and expertise. They can also provide insights, troubleshooting, and technical support should it be needed. Furthermore, as a senior systems engineer, it is also their responsibility to lead, supervise, and coordinate with a team of skilled system engineers while in adherence to company policies and regulations.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that systems software specialist responsibilities requires skills like "python," "system software," "computer system," and "css." But a senior systems engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "architecture," "c #," "dod," and "system design."
On average, senior systems engineers earn a higher salary than systems software specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, senior systems engineers earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $116,608. Whereas systems software specialists have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $117,283.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior systems engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than systems software specialists. In fact, they're 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems software specialist vs. Systems integration engineer
A systems integration engineer is responsible for evaluating the efficiency and performance of the control systems to support business operations and requirements. Systems integration engineers develop technical solutions from business initiatives that would maximize a team's productivity and increase target performance. They also handle the upgrades of network infrastructure and system configuration and resolve technical failures as soon as they arise. A systems integration engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in providing recommendations to improve the network's capability and prevent downtimes.
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 software specialist resumes include skills like "system software," "computer system," "css," and "javascript," whereas a systems integration engineer is more likely to list skills in "architecture," "system integration," "c #," and "dod. "
Systems integration engineers earn the best pay in the professional industry, where they command an average salary of $105,674. Systems software specialists earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $117,283.Most systems integration engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to systems software specialists. For example, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems software specialist vs. Lead systems engineer
A lead systems engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the systems infrastructure and improving the stability of the operating systems to support business operations. Lead systems engineers install and upgrade software applications and ensure that the technical strategies meet the quality standards and business requirements. They also enhance the performance of the existing systems, configuring features for optimization. A lead systems engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in supporting the end-users with technical failures and identifying accurate resolutions.
Types of systems software specialist
Updated January 8, 2025











