How to Be Systems Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 3, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The Systems Engineer plays a vital role in the successful operation of any business. Without their knowledge and expertise in managing complex computer systems and networks, businesses would be unable to run smoothly. Their expertise ensures that systems remain secure and reliable, while also keeping up with the latest technologies.

This in turn leads to increased productivity, improved customer service, and lower operational costs. Furthermore, their ability to troubleshoot and maintain systems can help prevent costly downtime, which can have a large impact on the company's bottom line. the Systems Engineer is an integral part of any business and their work has a direct effect on the success of the organization.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a Systems Engineer, an individual should begin by obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field. This degree will provide students with the foundational knowledge needed to be successful in the field.
Develop Technical Skills. Systems Engineers should also develop technical skills like coding, programming, troubleshooting, and network administration. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering can be helpful in developing these skills.
Take Professional Certification Courses. Completing professional certification courses such as CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) can help demonstrate a commitment to the field and provide an edge in the job market.
Gain Experience. Once the necessary training is complete, aspiring Systems Engineers should gain experience in the field by working as a Systems Engineer or in a related position. Working in this capacity allows individuals to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills.
Pursue Advanced Certifications. Systems Engineers who want to further their career should pursue advanced certifications like Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE). These certifications demonstrate an individuals expertise and commitment to the field.

The proliferation of digital technology has created an ever-growing demand for systems engineers. Systems engineers are responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining complex systems and networks, ensuring that they operate efficiently and securely. This demand has led to an increase in the number of available systems engineering positions, as companies strive to meet their growing digital needs.

As a result, those with the necessary skills and knowledge have the opportunity to pursue lucrative, long-term careers in the field. However, this growth in opportunity also comes with an increased need for skilled professionals who can handle the complexities of these systems. In order to be an ideal and efficient systems engineer, one must possess a deep understanding of technologies, be able to troubleshoot problems quickly, and be able to think critically about potential solutions.

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Job Description

Design, deploy and maintain enterprise systems.
Develop system architectures, requirements and solutions.
Administer, configure and maintain system hardware, software and applications.
Monitor and troubleshoot system performance and issues.
Research and recommend new technologies for systems architecture and design.
Perform system backups, disaster recovery and capacity planning.
Create and maintain user accounts, security settings and access permissions.
Prepare technical documentation for system processes and procedures.
Provide technical support for system users and resolve issues.
Implement, maintain and adhere to security standards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Network and Systems Administration: Knowledge of network and system architecture, including hardware, software, data storage and retrieval, and troubleshooting.
Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and resources.
Programming Knowledge: Proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as C/C++, Java, or Python.
Cloud Computing: Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and technologies, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Security Knowledge: Understanding of network security protocols, authentication methods, and cryptography.
Automation: Ability to create scripts and automated processes to improve system efficiency and performance.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify problems, analyze their causes, and develop solutions.
Database Management: Understanding of relational database management systems (RDBMS) and NoSQL databases.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for communicating technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Documentation: Ability to create comprehensive system documentation for future reference.

Systems engineering is a critical skill that any successful professional in the tech industry needs to have. It involves the ability to analyze complex systems and develop effective solutions to ensure all elements of the system are functioning optimally. To do this, a systems engineer needs to possess a wide range of skills, such as knowledge of programming languages, data analysis, and project management.

Without these skills, a systems engineer would be unable to effectively design, configure, and maintain complex systems. Furthermore, they would lack the necessary knowledge to troubleshoot any potential problems that might arise. As a result, organizations would be unable to maximize the efficiency and performance of their systems.

With an understanding of systems engineering, professionals can provide invaluable insight into the overall architecture of a system and help organizations remain competitive in an ever-evolving digital environment.

Mechanical Engineer, Petroleum Engineer, and Aerospace Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in systems engineering?
How have you implemented systems engineering processes in the past?
Describe a project you have recently worked on that involved systems engineering.
What challenges have you faced while working with systems engineering?
How would you approach troubleshooting a system issue?
What do you consider to be the most important components of successful systems engineering?
How do you keep up with the latest technology and trends in systems engineering?
What strategies do you use to ensure systems are secure and compliant?
How do you ensure communication between system stakeholders is effective?
What processes do you use to ensure system requirements are met?

Common Tools in Industry

Ansible. Automation tool used for provisioning, configuration management, and application deployment (eg: used to deploy an application to multiple servers).
Jenkins. Continuous integration and delivery platform used to automate software testing and deployment (eg: used to build, test and deploy a web application).
Splunk. Data analytics platform used for log analysis and monitoring (eg: used to detect and investigate security-related events).
Puppet. Configuration management tool used for automating system administration tasks (eg: used to deploy a package across multiple servers).
Docker. Containerization platform for deploying applications in a virtualized environment (eg: used to run a web application on different operating systems).
Chef. Automation platform used for configuring and managing systems and applications (eg: used to deploy a database across multiple servers).
Nagios. Open source monitoring system used for tracking system performance and availability (eg: used to monitor the status of network devices).
Terraform. Infrastructure as code automation tool used for provisioning cloud infrastructure (eg: used to provision a server on Amazon Web Services).

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
International Society for Automation (ISA)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE-CS)
American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)

We also have Security Engineer, Network Engineer, and Manufacturing Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Networking. The process of connecting computers and other electronic devices to share data and resources.
Software Engineering. The application of engineering principles to the development, maintenance, and testing of software.
Systems Analysis. Analyzing and understanding the needs of a system and its users in order to design and implement a solution.
Systems Design. The process of creating a system architecture that meets the needs of the user.
Systems Integration. The process of connecting different systems to create a unified platform.
Database Management. Managing and maintaining databases to ensure accuracy, security, and reliability.
Cybersecurity. The process of protecting computer systems from malicious attacks and cyber threats.
IT Infrastructure. The physical components of an information technology system, such as hardware, software, and networking equipment.
Cloud Computing. The use of remote servers to store, manage, and process data.
DevOps. A combination of development and operations processes that focus on automation and collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Systems Engineer?

A Systems Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains the systems, networks, and software that make up a computer system. They are responsible for ensuring that the system meets its performance and security requirements.

What skills are needed to be a Systems Engineer?

Systems Engineers need strong technical skills in areas such as networking, system administration, scripting, and programming. Additionally, they require excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

What types of systems do Systems Engineers work on?

Systems Engineers may work on a variety of systems such as local and wide area networks, databases, cloud systems, web applications, and embedded systems.

What qualifications are needed to be a Systems Engineer?

Most employers require Systems Engineers to have at least a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field. Many employers also prefer candidates with certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

How much do Systems Engineers make?

According to PayScale.com, the average salary for Systems Engineers in the United States is $77,641 as of 2020. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.