The great majority of us are “system engineers,” if you think about it. We need to know how the elements operate together, whether we’re developing a new system or just using one on a daily basis. And so, if you want to become an engineer with the skills and training to design complex systems for everything from computers and networks to cars and airplanes, then this is your perfect career choice. System engineering requires both creativity in coming up with solutions that meet customer needs as well as analytical expertise in making sure those solutions work reliably. You’ll learn all about system architecture-the interconnected network of physical components that make up a system and also gain knowledge in project management, operations support, quality assurance testing, software development life cycle management (SDLC), information assurance, and system security.
This article will discuss the system engineering career path.
1. About System Engineer
System engineers design the architecture of complex systems, including hardware, software, and human interaction. System engineering is an interdisciplinary profession that integrates several fields, such as computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software development. To exchange information with consumers and set requirements for the many components of a system, these professionals must have excellent communication skills.
System engineers may find jobs in a variety of industries, including aerospace, communications, electronics, and transportation. They may work for consulting firms or directly for a company to design systems from the ground up. Other opportunities include working toward more general goals such as increased efficiency or enhanced productivity by modifying existing software on existing equipment or work to improve a system’s security or accuracy.
2. Becoming a System Engineer
For those interested in becoming system engineers, earning at least a bachelor’s degree is typically required. This may be in an engineering discipline or something related to computer science, information technology, or math. Employers also look for individuals who have hands-on experience with hardware and software testing. The following are some potential courses of study:
Computer Science and Systems Engineering BS degree offered at the University of Maryland College Park provides students with a solid understanding of both computer science and engineering to prepare them for roles such as systems analyst, system administrator, and chief information officer (CIO). This curriculum includes courses in programming, networks, data modeling, and statistics.
EECS Systems Engineering BS degree offered at the University of California, Berkeley provides students with a strong background in the theory and practice of computational science, signal processing, and systems engineering to prepare them for roles such as system architect, product manager, and technical leader. This curriculum includes courses in computer organization and architecture, information theory and coding, random processes and applications, digital signal processing, and communications.
Electrical Engineering Systems MS degree offered at the Georgia Institute of Technology provides students with the tools to solve complex problems in hybrid, embedded, and large-scale electronic systems. This curriculum includes courses in digital circuits, analysis and design of electronic circuits, communication Networks, wireless networks, and intelligent controls.
Industrial Engineering & Operations Research Systems BS degree offered at the University of California, Davis provides students with the knowledge and skills to solve problems in system design and analysis within a firm or government. This curriculum includes courses such as value engineering, production planning and control systems, transportation research, and supply chain management.
System Engineer Certification offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) is designed for those looking to become certified as systems engineers. This certification is considered by the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an individual’s professional portfolio that can improve career opportunities and advancement.
3. The Skills Needed to Be Successful in This Career
To be successful in this system engineer career, the following skills are necessary: analytical skills, interpersonal skills, and leadership. Analytical skills are important because they allow for a system to be dissected and analyzed. The team may also need to look at the different systems that contribute to the final result. With the analysis of one system, you can figure out how it impacts other systems. Interpersonal skills and leadership abilities are also needed because they allow for the team members to work well together and communicate effectively with others outside of their team. Leadership allows for problem-solving if needed within the team.
This Career allows for creativity to be used in order to fix problems. The team has the flexibility while designing to use new technologies or different methods of doing things. If a certain method proves to be unsuccessful, the team can go back and design another way that may work better. As technology changes, there are always new ways of solving problems, so this Career allows for a lot of flexibility.
This Career can help others by finding new ways to solve problems and creating solutions that may better the world. Because systems connect all walks of life, improving existing ones or going into uncharted territories can create opportunities to make lives easier or more efficient. For example, self-driving cars could lead to more people being able to get around who may not be able to now.
This Career is one that brings on many challenges because there are always problems needing to be solved. Sometimes the solutions are small improvements, but they often end up making a big difference.
4. The Future Outlook of the Career
Employment opportunities are expected to increase by 8% from 2012 to 2022. Systems engineering is a fairly young career as it was created in the 1960s, but it is a profession with excellent future prospects. Employment opportunities have been growing year after year, and the field offers a bright career path for those who are qualified.
Systems Engineering is a rapidly growing field.
More and more companies around the world see the benefits of using systems engineering as part of their design process, which drives demand for skilled engineers.
Systems Engineers are in High Demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that systems engineering jobs should grow at an annual rate of 8% between 2012 and 2022, which is much faster than average for other professions. The majority of these jobs will be found in the aerospace industry, but other areas such as information technology, automotive, energy, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment will also grow.
Systems Engineering Salaries are on the Rise.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that in May 2014, the median annual wage for systems engineers was $100,560, with 10% earning more than $140,840 per year. Note that this is an average salary based on the total number of individuals doing the job. The field also offers opportunities for self-employment and a complex set of skills that can lead to a better salary in other industries after a few years of experience.
The systems engineering profession is known for being challenging, engaging, and rewarding. It’s no wonder that many engineers find this career path very attractive.
If you are considering a career change or if you are still in the early stages of your engineering career, this might be the perfect time to consider systems engineering. It offers challenging opportunities for creative minds who enjoy working with modern technology. With sufficient training and experience, engineers can move up quickly through the corporate ranks while also having rewarding project work, which allows them to see the tangible results of their efforts.
Being an engineer is also a great profession if you want to contribute positively to the advancement of technology and the improvement of society. It is very satisfying to work that can lead to life-long friendships with interesting people from all around the world.
5. Typical Day-to-Day Tasks of a System Engineer
A system engineer is responsible for the design, development, and deployment of information and communication systems. They work with clients to understand their needs and design a system that meets those needs. A system engineer also oversees the system’s implementation and ensures that it meets the client’s specifications.
System engineers also oversee the production of specifications for new systems, such as computer programs and software. They make detailed plans describing how a system should meet the client’s needs and requirements to ensure that it works effectively. They may create flowcharts or other diagrams to guide the work performed by programmers and technicians. Once a specification is in place, a system engineer is responsible for following its progress and ensuring that it meets the client’s expectations.
System engineers also work with clients to establish the process by which new systems are introduced into an organization. Designing a large-scale information or communication system can be a lengthy project, and a client may be hesitant to delay existing operations. A system engineer works with clients to implement new systems in phases or stages, allowing for a gradual transition that minimizes the impact on regular operations.
System engineers also are involved in troubleshooting issues related to existing computer programs and other information technology (IT) systems. If an organization has an established system that is no longer meeting its needs, a system engineer may work with client employees to identify the problems and develop a solution. They also work with programmers and technicians to create solutions that improve the functionality of existing systems.
System engineers often work in teams with network architects, web architects, programmers, and project managers. A system engineer will typically educate clients about their organization’s IT needs and then coordinate between team members as projects progress. They ensure that all project plans are completed on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction.
A software engineer typically works in an office environment during regular business hours, although there are also opportunities for system engineers who work remotely. Most software engineers work full-time; however, some companies will hire part-time or contract system engineers to meet their staffing needs.
6. Salary Ranges for Different Levels of Experience and Location
The salary range for someone with no experience can vary widely depending on the industry and location. For example, in Boston, an entry-level employee will make about $35,000 a year, while in Los Angeles, that same person would be paid around $25,000. Entry-level salaries are also dependent on the type of company. If you’re working for a small business or family-owned company, they may pay less than one of the larger corporations. The average starting salary ranges from $30k to $40k per year, depending on which state you live in and what city you work in.
When first starting out, you’ll take any job that offers an income, but as you gain experience and qualify for more positions, you will command higher wages. The average salary for someone with around two years of experience is $45-50k per year. Once you reach the 5+ years of work experience mark, salaries increase to around $55-65k. The highest salaries are in the $75-100k range, depending on position and location.
Once you start working at a company that offers insurance benefits, you’ll also want to look into buying your own health or medical insurance plan. Insurance costs vary, so it’s best to shop around for the best rates based on your age, location, and type of plan you want.
7. How to Break into the Industry as an Entry-level Candidate with No Work Experience or Formal Training but Lots of Interest and Ambition?
If you want to break into the industry as an entry-level candidate with no work experience or formal training but lots of interest and ambition, then you will need to be willing to work hard. If you are willing to start at the bottom and do what it takes to get where you want to go, then your chances of success will increase.
You will face competition for all of the entry-level positions, but if you take these basic steps, then you’ll see that it’s not impossible to get where you want to go. The first thing you need to do is create an amazing resume. This resume should highlight your skills and achievements at your current (or most recent) position while also showing how those skills and achievements will be useful in the position you are looking for. The second step is to create a cover letter that speaks directly to what job you’re applying for and why you’ll fit in so well with the rest of the team there.
You should also keep track of any people or companies that can help connect you to your dream job. Take advantage of the numerous networking opportunities available to you and speak with everyone you meet. Be sure to send thank you notes or emails after meeting with anyone you’ve had a conversation with so that they’ll remember who you are and the things you talked about.
Finally, make sure that your social media profiles are in order. Hiring managers will do an online search before they even consider you for the position, so make sure that what comes up looks good. This is also where your use of hashtags on Twitter and Instagram can be beneficial. If you’re using #marketing or #sales or any industry-related hashtags, then it’s likely that people who are searching for marketing or sales-related positions will come across your profile and see that you’re interested in the industry. If you do all of these things correctly, then it’s likely that you’ll land an entry-level position in no time at all.
8. Is System Engineering a Promising Career?
The field of system engineering is one that has been steadily growing in recent years.
System engineers are sought-after professionals with a knack for understanding the needs of different industries, and their ability to solve complex problems quickly makes them ideal candidates for companies looking to stay competitive in today’s marketplace.
Many students considering their future careers are attracted by the opportunities offered by this promising field—but they should also know what it takes to succeed as a system engineer. With an intense workload, long hours, and little time off, it may not be easy work, but if you thrive on challenges and want to contribute your creativity towards solving some of today’s most pressing issues, then you might just find yourself excelling in this demanding role.
Career opportunities in system engineering include IT project management, business systems analysis, enterprise networks and data communications, cybersecurity/cyberwarfare, information security (encryption), aerospace (pilot controls), transportation (automation/controls), instrumentation control (MMI), medical equipment design, telecommunications network engineering.
9. Best Colleges to Study System Engineering
The following are the top ten best colleges to study system engineering:
(1) Stevens Institute of Technology. The school is located in New Jersey and has a highly qualitative student body with solid experience in the field.
(2) Purdue University. Purdue University is one of the top three engineering institutions in the country. Apart from being ranked, the university also provides state-of-the-art facilities for research and education.
(3) Northwestern University, Illinois. This university ranks among the top five schools for civil engineering and has a reputation for excellence in research work.
(4) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This university ranks among the top five schools for civil engineering and innovation courses.
(5) Stanford University. Stanford University is a hub for talented students from all across the world. The university has been highly profiled as well as ranks among the top universities in the U.S.
(6) University of California, Berkeley – Cal Berkeley as it is more popularly called as ranks among the best universities in the world and provides state-of-the-art facilities for research and education.
(7) University of California, Los Angeles – UCLA is ranked as among the best universities in the world and has a reputation of providing highly qualitative student bodies with solid experience.
10. Top Recruiting Companies for System Engineers
With the growing demand for cloud technology, system engineers are in high demand. The following list of companies specialize in recruiting them:
- – IBM
- – Arista Networks
- – Juniper Networks
- – Google Inc.
- – Cisco Systems Inc.
- – Amazon Web Services (AWS)
