To understand what a computer systems engineer does, it’s important to understand exactly what is meant by a “computer system.” When someone refers to a computer system, they’re actually referring to multiple computers that work together toward a common goal on behalf of a particular organization. For example, these computers may work together to track worker productivity, enable cloud-based collaboration for employees, track projects, manipulate and analyze “big data,” and much more. The person responsible for designing and maintaining these systems is the computer systems engineer. This individual has several key responsibilities within the organization,
Design and Deployment of Complex Computer Systems
The first phase of any computer system is actually designing the system and deploying it for use within the organization. A computer systems engineer will typically use their extensive knowledge of computers to choose the right hardware components, software tools, and location for the system. They’ll assemble the system according to industry best practices and test it for both hardware and software reliability. Once the system proves both useful and dependable, it will be placed into active use for the company’s needs. Following deployment, the computer systems engineer moves into maintenance and diagnostic modes.
Maintenance and Diagnostics: Keeping the System Running
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, anyone who has worked with computers in the past knows that they’re far from maintenance-free. Even a single laptop requires regular updating, rebooting, and careful maintenance to ensure it works perfectly for many years. This is the primary work of the computer systems engineer throughout their career. They’ll maintain computer systems by occasionally checking, adjusting, or replacing computer hardware. As operating system and software updates become available, they’ll test and deploy those updates so that the system remains secure and highly effective.
Some engineers may also focus on employee training and awareness campaigns so that they know how to leverage the power of the system as designed. This work is never-ending. Successful execution of systems maintenance often proves to be the difference between an excellent systems engineer and one who is considered lackluster.
Education: Becoming a Systems Engineer Takes Time
An aspiring systems engineer isn’t going to just walk onto the job one day at a major organization. Instead, they’ll be required to gain a significant amount of education and training, as well as a decent amount of hands-on experience, before they’ll be considered qualified enough for this high-stakes, high-tech position. In many cases, companies hiring a computer systems engineer will want to see that they have earned both an undergraduate degree in computer science and a graduate degree in computer engineering. Some employers may require professional certifications that relate to both hardware and software used by that particular business. This will generally be listed in the job description.
As with virtually all tech jobs, aspiring engineers only boost their chances of being hired by pursuing internships and apprenticeships. Since this industry is growing so quickly, most aspiring systems engineers will find it easy to locate a rewarding internship that pays well and conveys the necessary skills to get the job done properly.
Related Resource: Become an Interface Designer
An Exciting, Fast-Growing Profession
Most professions in the tech industry are growing quickly and offering some of the highest average annual salaries in the country. That’s certainly true for computer systems engineers, who almost always earn six-figure salaries and find that there are simply more jobs than candidates available to fill them.
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