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What is a systems engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Experts
Andrea Welker Ph.D.,
Dr. Pauline Mosley
introduction image

A systems engineer designs and manages complex systems for organizations or clients. They analyze user requirements, create specifications, develop software and hardware architectures, and oversee installation and testing of systems. They work with interdisciplinary teams to identify problems, evaluate potential solutions, and ensure seamless integration. Systems engineers use mathematics, science, and engineering to develop effective solutions. They aim to optimize performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of systems, while ensuring quality standards and safety.

What general advice would you give to a Systems Engineer?

Andrea Welker Ph.D.Andrea Welker Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Be open to new experiences. Find a good mentor. Become a valued employee. Always remember that you are designing something for someone.
ScoreSystems EngineerUS Average
Salary
6.5

Avg. Salary $82,834

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
4.7

Growth Rate 21%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.75%

Black or African American 4.65%

Hispanic or Latino 8.43%

Unknown 4.86%

White 52.14%

Gender

female 13.95%

male 86.05%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress Level
4.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.6

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Systems Engineer?

Pros

  • High demand for systems engineers

  • Opportunities for career advancement

  • Competitive salary and benefits

  • Variety of industries and sectors to work in

  • Constant learning and growth opportunities

Cons

  • High level of responsibility and pressure

  • Long hours and tight deadlines

  • Can be mentally taxing and stressful

  • Potential for burnout due to high workload

  • Risk of becoming too specialized in a particular area of expertise.

Systems Engineer career paths

Key steps to become a systems engineer

  1. Explore systems engineer education requirements

    Most common systems engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.9 %

    Master's

    13.5 %

    Associate

    12.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific systems engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Python6.77%
    Linux5.34%
    C++4.58%
    C #4.58%
    DOD4.00%
  3. Complete relevant systems engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a systems engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems engineer resumes.
  4. Research systems engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage compute clusters and all RHEL base workstations.
    • Manage and provide all PC & printer support and repair and audio visual /video conferencing equipment setup.
    • Manage and communicate requirements throughout the project life cycle, handle change management, and review QA test plans
    • Install and manage wireless Cisco/Hewlett Packard routers.
  5. Prepare your systems engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a systems engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Systems Engineer Resume templates

    Build a professional Systems Engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Systems Engineer resume.
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  6. Apply for systems engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a systems engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Systems Engineer Job

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Average systems engineer salary

The average Systems Engineer salary in the United States is $82,834 per year or $40 per hour. Systems engineer salaries range between $62,000 and $109,000 per year.

Average Systems Engineer Salary
$82,834 Yearly
$39.82 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do systems engineers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Systems Engineer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

The Different employees i work with and what all i learn from them

Cons

very little


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

Troubleshooting and commissioning

Cons

Undone job, when we're unable to discover certain fault on time.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

I like working with a operating systems like Windows or Linux and networks.

Cons

I don't like write a scripts.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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