what is a systems engineer?
A systems engineer is a professional who applies engineering principles to develop and maintain efficient systems. They play a crucial role in various industries by solving multiple problems in systems. Unlike other engineers who solve issues in independent parts, a systems engineer takes a holistic approach by studying the interconnections of systems. When a systems engineer develops a system, they ensure it provides a positive user experience while considering the company objectives and operations.
what does a systems engineer do?
As a systems engineer, you are the interface between the stakeholders in the systems development process. That means your primary role revolves around defining, developing, testing, maintaining and replacing systems. You incorporate the views of the management, end-users, speciality engineers and suppliers to create an efficient system for your employer.
Systems aren't strictly related to computers, but they rely on engineering advancements and the latest technology. As a systems engineer, you can work in computer, mechanical, electrical and manufacturing systems to ensure all the components work together and meet the needs of the consumers. You also collaborate with various departments in a company to ensure a smooth production process and proper maintenance of the existing systems.
Would working as a systems engineer suit your problem-solving and innovation skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a systems engineer role.
average salary of a systems engineer
According to ONS, a systems engineer’s average salary is £41,692 annually. When starting your career as a systems engineer, your earnings start from £33,516 per year. Experienced systems engineers with additional skills and expertise in various specialisms earn over £63,090 per year. Your compensation package will also include allowances and non-monetary benefits. Systems engineers enjoy medical, transport and house allowances and some employers provide overtime pay or bonuses. The non-monetary benefits include paid vacation days.
what factors increase your salary as a systems engineer?
A systems engineer's salary depends on experience level and qualifications. At an entry-level position, you have minimal skills and work experience; hence, your pay will be low compared to experienced systems engineers. Your skill level is also based on educational qualifications or specialism. Systems engineers with a degree earn more compared to someone with an apprenticeship. If you focus on a specific study area, you are likely to make more than a general systems engineer. For instance, specialising in computer systems increases your compensation package due to the additional expertise in the area.
Your employer's location can also impact your pay. Companies in major cities pay more due to the high cost of living and increased demand for systems engineers. Smaller towns have a low cost of living and lower demand for engineers, limiting your salary prospects.
types of systems engineers
- computer systems engineer: your job is to design computer systems that fit your clients' needs. If a retail company requires a sales management system, you incorporate all the functions relevant to retail management like invoice and inventory management systems. You also advise on the best software and hardware tools for the computer system to function efficiently.
- product development systems engineer: your job is to improve product development systems to help your company remain competitive. You develop systems that eliminate inefficiencies and troubleshoot problems that affect the product's quality standards.
- biosystems engineer: as a biosystems engineer, you develop and maintain systems relating to the natural environment. Your duties may include analysing resource conservation or waste treatment systems. You can also create food processing systems for various industries.
working as a systems engineer
Are you wondering what a systems engineer does daily? Read on to find out the work routine and duties of a systems engineer:
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systems engineer job description
Specific duties of a systems engineer depend on the industry and the stage of a project. However, some everyday tasks of a systems engineer include:
- developing systems: as a systems engineer, you oversee the development of new systems from conception of an idea to completion. Before creating a system, you liaise with the stakeholders to determine its objectives and functions. You also use modelling techniques to assess performance and value to the end-user. When you have the design concepts, you can develop the systems.
- testing and deploying systems: after creating a system, you need to evaluate its performance to ensure it accomplishes its intended purpose. During testing, you identify vulnerable areas and adjustments required to improve efficiency. Existing systems also need testing to determine the inefficiencies and improve functionality. If the new system passes all the tests, you can launch it.
- maintaining and troubleshooting issues in a system: as a systems engineer, you monitor existing systems and identify problems that affect the system's structural integrity. During maintenance, you can fix issues in the system or upgrade some parts to improve the output.
- writing reports and presenting system designs: during the design stages, you present system design ideas to the stakeholders before development. It is also crucial to write maintenance reports during system checks, troubleshooting and offering recommendations to improve efficiency.
- execution of project management tasks: as a systems engineer creating a system, you must perform project management tasks. You will develop the project plan, identify the necessary resources and assign tasks to team members to ensure the project is completed within a specific timeline.
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work environment
The work environment of a systems engineer varies depending on the roles and industry. For instance, during the design stages, a systems engineer works in an office setting alongside other engineers to develop a system's blueprints. Sometimes, you also work in a factory setting when analysing processes or maintaining the systems used in manufacturing. In other industries, you may work outdoors developing water delivery systems, transport systems or waste management systems. You work in server rooms or handle various hardware parts in information technology settings.
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who are your colleagues?
Based on your industry, your colleagues might include mechanical engineers, cloud engineers, computer engineers and electrical engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to operations managers and systems architects, and other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, project managers, maintenance engineers, systems administrators and service desk analyst.
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work schedule
As a systems engineer, you work an average of 40 hours a week in a full-time position. However, some projects take longer to complete, and the design stage often requires long work hours, including evenings and weekends. Sometimes you also work on public holidays to fix glitches in a system or meet deadlines. Part-time positions are rare in systems engineer jobs, but you can find short-term contracts in various industries. The job involves travelling from the office to factory plants or meeting clients. Freelance opportunities are also available for systems engineers.
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job outlook
Becoming a systems engineer is a great career choice with exciting job prospects. You can become incorporated from a junior systems engineer position or achieve chartered status. With experience, it is easier to move to a managerial position like becoming a project manager, operations manager or factory manager.
You can also focus on various specialisms or industry sectors. Some systems engineers become experts in computer or manufacturing systems. Alternatively, become a consultant or a lecturer in academic institutions.
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advantages of finding a systems engineer job through randstad
Finding your systems engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a systems engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
You need a firm grasp of engineering and business concepts to become a systems engineer. That requires educational qualifications, including:
- university degree: if you are considering a career as a systems engineer, you should begin with an undergraduate course in industrial or systems engineering. The minimum requirements for the degree are 3 A-Levels, while a foundation degree requires 2 A Levels.
- master's degree: while an accredited bachelor's degree can get you an entry-level position, the job's complexity requires a master's degree. A graduate qualification in systems engineering increases your prospects and chances of getting a managerial position.
- work experience: to become a systems engineer, hands-on experience is invaluable. The work experience prepares you for chartered status and helps you secure a job.
skills and competencies
Systems engineers require hard and soft skills, including:
- technical skills: as a systems engineer, you need technical skills role like using various software. Your job involves using modelling software, specialised equipment and multiple computer programmes. Technical skills will also help you accomplish your tasks faster.
- analytical thinking: your role requires meticulous analysis of each task. For instance, you have to analyse a system as a whole or a sum of its parts before implementing changes. Analytical thinking and attention to detail help you factor in every aspect of the system before recommending alterations.
- time management: a systems engineer prioritises tasks to meet deadlines. You are also responsible for determining project milestones and adjusting the timeline when changes occur. Your work will be easy if you have time management skills.
- teamwork skills: as a systems designer, you collaborate with various professionals, from manufacturing employees to researchers, security experts and salespeople. You need teamwork skills to offer constructive feedback and direct teams to achieve a project's objectives.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a systems engineer
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what is a systems engineer salary?
As a systems engineer, your salary ranges between £33,516 and £63,090. The compensation package often depends on your educational qualifications and experience level.
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is a systems engineer a real engineer?
A systems engineer applies engineering principles and business concepts when developing a system. However, unlike other engineers who solve problems independently, they look at system functions holistically.
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what jobs do systems engineers get?
A systems engineer works in any industry, including manufacturing plants, factories and information technology companies. You can become a computer systems engineer and maintain computer systems for various companies.
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how do I become a systems engineer?
A systems engineer needs a degree in systems engineering or a related field and a master's degree.
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is a systems engineer a good career?
A systems engineer is a promising career with exceptional opportunities for advancement. Besides, you will earn a lucrative compensation package and gain many transferable skills.
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how do I apply for a systems engineer vacancy?
Applying for a systems engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
