Course

Category

Hardware

Systems Engineer

Career Overview

A computer systems engineer is someone who combines their knowledge of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to develop, test and evaluate software, circuits, personal computers and more. They don't simply engineer computer technology, but understand how that technology fits into the larger scheme of professional and personal needs.

Education

System engineers usually hold at least 4-year bachelor's degrees in computer science, software engineering or another related field. Computer science programs tend to include courses in programming, data structures, computer systems and software engineering. During college, students may benefit from taking industry-specific courses, such as business, management or accounting. Engineers may also be required to have extensive experience in the field, which they may gain through internships in undergraduate school. Additionally, some companies require their employees to hold graduate degrees or graduate-level certificates.System engineers should have great technical, interpersonal, and business skills. They manage computer systems in a business environment and are responsible for resolving technical issues. Most system engineers have field experience and possess a bachelor's degree.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Computer hardware engineers analyze complex equipment to determine the best way to improve it.

Creativity. Computer hardware engineers design new types of information technology devices.

Critical-thinking skills. These engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems.

Problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them.

Speaking skills.Engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers as well as with nontechnical team members.

Job Duties

  • Coordinate system development tasks to include design, integration and formal testing
  • Oversees all transitions into production
  • Develop and complete actions in system specifications, technical and logistical requirements and other disciplines
  • Create and maintain programmatic and technical documentation to insure efficient planning and execution
  • Manage and document system configurations
  • Maintain knowledge of computer engineering trends and new technology.

Job Prospects

A computer systems engineer who is focused more on the product development side may work in a laboratory or other sterile environment to prevent contamination of the delicate electronics that comprise modern computers. One who is focused more on the implementation side will work in a variety of situations according to his or her clients’ needs. These situations will also require the engineer to adapt his or her schedule to accommodate the clients’ hours of operation, using off-hours for system installation and testing, and work hours for system training.