Becoming a systems engineer is an exciting and rewarding career path. Systems engineers are responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining the systems that make up a company’s infrastructure. Systems engineers work with software developers, hardware engineers, quality assurance teams and other employees to ensure that the systems they design are both efficient and secure.

If you are interested in becoming a systems engineer, there are several things to consider before pursuing this career path. The first step is to determine what type of work you would like to do as a systems engineer. Some companies specialize in specific areas such as network security or software development while others focus more on general infrastructure management such as deploying new applications or updating existing ones. It’s important to understand what kind of work is available so that when applying for jobs you can find one that meshes well with your interests and skill set.

Once you’ve decided on this type of work, it’s time to get started on earning your degree! There are many different types of colleges that offer degrees in this field including community colleges; four-year institutions; online schools; technical schools; even vocational schools where students can learn hands-on skills like wiring electronics circuits together or fixing broken machines like printers or computers (which might be useful if.

How To Become A Systems Engineer

What does a systems engineer do?

Systems engineers oversee all aspects of a project or system in a variety of fields, such as software, transportation, product development and manufacturing. Their job is to develop a system that creates a product from the beginning to the end. Systems engineers work in multiple industries, and their duties vary accordingly. Here are some examples of what a systems engineer might do:

Studying and monitoring existing systems to ensure structural integrity and assess required upgrades
Researching available software, hardware and equipment necessary to optimize output
Installing new software, operating systems and equipment
Designing and implementing security systems
Ensuring safety procedures are in place
Providing technical assistance and backup to others involved in the process
Monitoring all software, hardware, equipment and systems continuously and setting up protocols for feedback
Working with professionals in other fields, such as marketing and management, to troubleshoot and find optimal solutions

Average salary

Systems engineers are usually full-time employees, though some may work part time or on a contractual basis. Their salaries depend on their education level, experience and the size of the company in which they work. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link.

Common salary in the U.S.: $99,871 per year
Some salaries range from $31,000 to $215,000 per year.

Systems engineer requirements

Becoming a systems engineer has several requirements, including:

Education

A bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement for entry-level systems engineers. Useful majors include systems, informational systems, industrial engineering or computer engineering. Some systems engineers obtain a degree in their desired field and a minor in systems.

To be more competitive for leadership positions, students can earn a master’s degree. Many universities offer a Master of Science in systems engineering. A Doctor of Philosophy in systems engineering is useful for those who are interested in research or teaching jobs.

Training

A systems engineer’s job duties vary depending on their industry, so much of their training will take place once they begin a job. Their employers usually offer on-the-job training in the specific systems and requirements of the company.

Some systems engineers earn experience in entry-level positions in their fields. They could work in coordinator or support positions to earn relevant experience before applying for systems engineer positions. In entry-level roles, they learn more about operations in the industry.

They can also gain basic training in engineering and computer science while getting their education by completing hands-on projects, taking part in labs or during internships. Some master’s programs require students to complete internships. Internships can help students learn about systems engineering in their desired field. They can also help them connect with professionals who can help them find positions after graduation.

Certifications

Systems engineers can gain several certifications that show their expertise in different aspects of their job. Here are some examples of certifications for systems engineers:

Associate Systems Engineering Professional

Offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering, ASEP is the first level of certification for those who have recently graduated and started practicing systems engineering. The requirement to get this certification is passing an examination.

Certified Systems Engineering Professional

Also offered by INCOSE, this is one of the most sought-after certifications for the profession. It requires a minimum of five years of systems engineering experience, three references and a passing grade on the examination.

Expert Systems Engineering Professional

This certification is for those who have at least 25 years of experience in systems engineering and three references. Rather than an examination, recipients are subject to a peer review panel.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, the CISSP shows an individual’s ability to design and implement cybersecurity programs. Applicants need five years of systems security experience and must pass an examination.

Professional Engineer

For engineers who plan to work with the public, the PE is a common license required. Each state has different requirements to earn a PE, though a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, four years of experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer and a passing grade on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam is standard.

Skills

Systems engineers need several soft and hard skills to help them do their job well. Here are some examples:

Technical skills

This requirement varies depending on the industry in which the systems engineer works but requires being adept at planning software, modeling software and specialized equipment. Systems engineers should be able to learn and use several computer programs.

Analytical thinking

A systems engineer’s job requires a detail-oriented and meticulous analysis of each task they complete. They view a system as a whole and a sum of its parts. They also identify small details and make alterations. Sometimes, they implement large-scale changes to an entire system.

Time management

System engineers prioritize tasks, make and adhere to deadlines and create timelines for work completion. They also adjust to changes that occur in real-time and predict changes and plan accordingly. All this requires an ability to not only manage time, but plan accordingly.

Communication

Systems engineers may work with a variety of different professionals. During a workday, they may interact with a marketing professional, a software engineer, a senior finance executive, a manufacturing plant member and a driver. They should develop methods of clear and open communication to ensure they can explain technical information in simple terms to those outside of the engineering field.

Teamwork

Systems engineers collaborate on teams with designers, security experts, researchers, salespeople, manufacturing plant employees and marketing employees to launch a product. They should be able to delegate tasks, follow up on progress, conduct quality checks and offer constructive feedback.

Systems engineer work environment

Systems engineers can work in nearly any industry. Some aspects of a system engineer’s work environment are consistent:

Systems engineers use technology constantly, including specialized software, security systems, modeling systems and other plant equipment. Some equipment they use requires special safety gear.
As with all technical fields, products, requirements and standards are constantly evolving. Systems engineers stay current with new technology and update their knowledge to stay current.
System engineers work in person or remotely with people from many other fields, including other engineers and technology experts, clients, financial experts, public relations personnel and plant employees.
Systems engineers may work out of an office part or all of the time, though they may need to inspect manufacturing lines or server storage areas, depending on their industry.
Many systems engineers work full time during normal business hours, though some overtime may be necessary to meet deadlines.

Here are some examples of places where system engineers can find work:

Corporations
Government
Nonprofits
Education