The role of Systems Engineer

Businesses in all sectors of industry employ Systems Engineers. These highly skilled and extremely important individuals develop, install, operate and monitor systems based on the needs of the consumer, in the process helping the company to enhance customer experiences and increase revenue streams. This is an interdisciplinary role that provides a great deal of variety for the relevant professional. Read on for a comprehensive systems engineer job description.

Duties and Responsibilities of an Systems Engineer

What is systems engineering? What does a systems engineer do? A system engineer job description includes many responsibilities, including:

• Evaluation of current systems and the identification of potential improvements regarding increases in efficiency and effectiveness
• Installation, configuration, improvement and monitoring of new systems and the implications that their usage have on the business
• Coordination of affected departments and other interested parties, including the potential need for training
• Identification of potential issues for users and implementers
• Collaboration with team members, end users, clients, suppliers, and stakeholders with a focus on continuous improvement
• Integration of new systems (e.g. operating systems) within existing infrastructures, emphasising advantages, and minimising disruption
• Communication of performance levels to senior management, often via presentations or reports
• Maintain operating systems, physical systems, and installed systems with system management tools

Systems Engineer Job Offers

Qualities needed to be a successful Systems Engineer

The best Systems Engineers tend to be adaptable and can perform systems engineering functions to the highest levels when working on even the most complex of operations. They will be skilled at problem-solving, will possess confidence in their own abilities and will revel in the challenges that come their way. Identifying problems in production systems and fixing them quickly will always be a major advantage.

Being a good communicator, especially when passing on highly technical process information about the systems engineering process to non-technical individuals, will be a must. There is also a need to be good when working as part of a team, and to understand the value of input from those looking at development cycle issues from a slightly different angle. Those offering a differing perspective can include Software Engineers, Systems Administrators, Directors of IT and Network Engineers.

Formal qualifications are often a prerequisite when applying for Systems Engineer vacancies. They should ideally be in relevant disciplines such as computer science, software development, systems engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, project management, systems analysis, computer engineering, and the like. There are several specialisations in this field, including biosystems, logistics, software, and transportation.

Qualifications and technical skills - How to become a Systems Engineer

Experience in any of several relevant fields will help in applications. Prospects can also be improved if the candidate has certifications such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Red Hat, Citrix, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Oracle Java. The first of these is especially important if the candidate wishes to become a Microsoft Certified systems engineer.

A thorough understanding of relevant tools will be expected. These tools can include the likes of Teamcenter, MagicDraw, Enterprise Architect, Rational Rhapsody for Systems Engineers and Innoslate. Systems Engineers work in a wide variety of industry sectors, so there could be sector-specific applications that need to be researched and understood.

Next Steps for a Systems Engineer

As a Systems Engineer, progression within the field is rife with opportunity. Internships provide invaluable insight into how a system works and often act as part of a longer journey that can eventually lead to more senior roles. With the right skills and experience, Engineers may be considered for positions such as Senior Systems Engineer, Lead Development Engineers or even Head of IT. This fast-paced role requires excellent knowledge and the capacity to adapt quickly, but those who dedicate themselves to their craft can reap enormous rewards.

Systems Engineer Salary

With expertise in technical systems, Systems Engineers play a key role in the operation of many businesses. Knowing this, it's not surprising that experienced practitioners working in Australia are rewarded handsomely for their efforts, with average salaries ranging from $105000 to $125000. However, the exact salary figure for a Systems Engineer ultimately depends on variables ranging from their experience to the value they bring to their particular organisation. A good Systems Engineer is essential to the success of any business and those who can successfully provide technological solutions should be able to expect good remuneration.

Demand for Systems Engineers in Australia 

With a projected job growth of 26.2% over the next five years, systems engineering is one of the most in-demand roles in Australia today, and the prospects for future employment are very promising. Companies are recognising the need for professionals specialised in designing, developing, testing and installing computer systems and software, and there are plenty of opportunities available for creative problem solvers with technical backgrounds. Highly proficient engineers should be able to find suitable positions to stretch their skills both now and well into the future.