If you have a passion for information technology (IT) and dream of turning it into a fulfilling career, ponder the path of a systems engineer. This role calls for the ability to grasp the grand scheme while meticulously attending to the finer details. In the following article, we will delve into the prerequisites for entering the field of systems engineering and its current demand, as well as gain a comprehensive understanding of what the role entails.
Join us on a detailed exploration of who can pursue a career as a systems engineer and the steps to become one in the year 2024. Embark on this journey with us as we dissect this career guide, helping you determine if it aligns with your aspirations and talents in the realm of IT.
Who is a System Engineer, and What Do They Do?
System Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and manage complex systems and infrastructure to ensure they operate efficiently and effectively. Their objective is to assist a product team in creating an engineered system that meets the objectives outlined in the project's initial requirements document.
A systems engineer will concentrate on integrating all the many systems into a cohesive whole that delivers on expectations throughout the product's lifecycle. How to become a system engineer is a question many ask as they look to enter this profession. The finished product should interact with many systems to form a seamless whole that satisfies the product's needs.
They provide the technical infrastructure to run business operations efficiently. Technical proficiency is at the heart of systems engineering. They aim to optimize the system as a whole rather than individual parts. A systems engineer's specific daily activities will vary depending on the business they work for and the demands they are facing at any given time.
How to Become a System Engineer in 5 Simple Steps
Let us answer your question, “how do I become a systems engineer?” in 5 simple steps.
Step 1: Master Skills
Top Skills Needed to Become a System Engineer
How to become an embedded system engineer? You must have a set of soft skills as well as hard skills. By enrolling in online courses and tutorials that cover relevant topics in system engineering, such as online DevOps courses, project management courses, etc., you can master system engineering. Below is a detailed list of all the skills required on how to become a senior system engineer.
Soft Skills
In addition to technical skills, System Engineers require a range of soft skills to excel in their roles. Soft skills are essential for effective communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and overall job performance. Here are some key soft skills for System Engineers:
- Clear Communication: System Engineers must communicate technical concepts and solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Active Listening: Listening attentively to colleagues and clients to understand their needs and concerns.
- Documentation: Creating clear and comprehensive documentation is crucial for sharing information and ensuring consistency.
- Collaboration: Working effectively in multidisciplinary teams, including developers, network administrators, and project managers.
- Conflict Resolution: Handling conflicts and disagreements within teams constructively to maintain a positive working environment.
- Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share knowledge and expertise with team members.
- Analytical Thinking: Analyzing complex problems, identifying root causes, and proposing effective solutions.
- Adaptability: Being open to new approaches and adapting to changing technologies and requirements.
- Time Management: Managing multiple tasks and priorities efficiently to meet deadlines.
- Organization: Keeping track of configurations, documentation, and project tasks.
- Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of internal or external customers.
Hard Skills
System engineers require a strong set of hard skills to design, implement, and manage complex IT systems and infrastructure effectively. Here are some essential hard skills for System Engineers:
- Proficiency in various operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Server, Linux distributions (e.g., CentOS, Ubuntu, Red Hat), Unix-based systems (e.g., FreeBSD, Solaris)
- In-depth knowledge of networking concepts, protocols, and technologies, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, Routing and switching, Firewalls and network security, VPN and remote access
- Understanding of hardware components, including Servers (physical and virtual), Storage devices (e.g., SAN, NAS), Network equipment (e.g., routers, switches), Load balancers
- Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash, PowerShell, Python
- Experience with virtualization technologies like VMware, Hyper-V
- Knowledge of cloud platforms and services, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Expertise in configuration management tools, including Ansible, Puppet, Chef, and Terraform (for infrastructure as code)
- Proficiency in managing and configuring relational and NoSQL databases, such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
- Specific knowledge of DevOps tools is essential to streamline the collaboration and communication between software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) teams. Enroll in courses such as KnowedgeHut online DevOps courses to gain the required expertise.
Other Competencies
Some other competencies to successfully perform your role as a system engineer include:
- Patience and Empathy: Dealing with end-users and clients with patience and empathy, especially when troubleshooting issues.
- Leadership: Taking the initiative to lead projects, provide guidance to junior team members, and make decisions when necessary.
- Proactive Problem Solving: Identifying potential issues and addressing them before they become major problems.
- Integrity: Maintaining high ethical standards and ensuring the security and confidentiality of systems and data.
Top System Engineer Certifications / Degree
Certifications can play a crucial role in advancing your career as a systems engineer, as they validate your expertise and skills in specific areas of IT. Here are some valuable certifications for systems engineers.
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE): The MCSE certification from Microsoft is designed for IT professionals who focus on designing and managing Windows-based infrastructure solutions. It demonstrates expertise in Microsoft server technologies.
- DevOps Certifications: Proficiency in DevOps practices and tools helps systems engineers perform their role better. Enroll in the best DevOps certification courses to get certified and excel as a DevOps systems engineer.
- Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP): The CSEP certification is offered by INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering) and is a recognition of your systems engineering knowledge and skills.
- Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma): CETma certification is for electronics technicians and demonstrates a high level of expertise in electronics repair and maintenance.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): The CCNA certification from Cisco validates your networking skills, including routing, switching, and basic network security.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): CISSP is a globally recognized certification in the field of cybersecurity. It focuses on information security and covers a wide range of security domains.
- CompTIA Network+: CompTIA Network+ is an entry-level certification that covers essential networking concepts and skills, making it a great starting point for those entering the IT field.
Step 2: Determine Your Ideal Timeline
An assessment of your current skills and knowledge in project management will give you a fair idea of the time you will take to prepare for your certifications.
Start Learning in a Format That Suits You
It is very important that you choose the learning format which meets your criteria. There are various ways to become a system engineer without a degree. Below is a list of learning options available for you to check.
- Online Courses and Tutorials: Enroll in online courses on platforms like KnoweledgeHut, edX, or LinkedIn Learning. Choose courses that align with your goals, whether it's system engineering, networking, programming, or another field.
- Books and eBooks: Explore textbooks, reference books, and eBooks related to your area of interest.
- Video Tutorials: Watch video tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. Many technical concepts are explained through video demonstrations.
- Interactive Learning Platforms: Utilize interactive platforms like Codecademy for programming, Cisco's Networking Academy for networking, or AWS Training for cloud computing.
- Certification Programs: Consider pursuing industry-recognized certifications such as CCNA, CISSP, or MCSE. Certification programs often include structured training materials and hands-on labs.
- Online Forums and Communities: Online forums, discussion boards, and communities related to your field will pave the way to engaging with professionals, asking questions, and sharing knowledge.
How Long Does It Take to Become a System Engineer?
The time it takes to learn how to become a system engineer and then transition to become a cloud system engineer can vary significantly depending on several factors, including your starting point, educational path, career goals, etc. Here are some general timelines based on different scenarios:
- If you start with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, information technology, electrical engineering), it typically takes four years to complete your undergraduate studies. Also, many system engineers gain practical experience in IT roles before transitioning into systems engineering positions. Building a robust skill set through self-study and certification preparation can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on your starting knowledge and the depth of expertise you aim to achieve.
Step 3: Begin Building Your Portfolio / Resume
Building your resume is one of the crucial steps in job hunting. It is very important to understand the digital project manager job description to match it with your skill sets and work experience. Always highlight your strong skills and competencies in your resume.
Portfolio Example or Resume Template for Download
Below is a system engineer resume template for your reference.
Step 4: Where and how to find a job
Finding a job requires you to do research on various job roles and skills and see if your skill sets match the job. There are different arenas through which you can start your job search.
- Online job boards: There are a number of online job boards that list digital product manager jobs. Some of the most popular job boards include Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn.
- Company websites: Many companies list their open positions on their own websites. You can search for job openings on the websites of companies that you are interested in working for.
- Recruiters: Recruiters can help you find job openings that match your skills and experience. You can find recruiters by networking with people in the industry or by contacting recruiting firms.
- Networking: Networking is a great way to learn about job openings and meet potential employers. By attending industry events, connecting with people on LinkedIn, and reaching out to your friends, family, and colleagues, you can get your foot in the door.
Top Companies Hiring System Engineer
IBM, Accenture, Wells Fargo, Cognizant Technology Solutions, and DXC Technology are the top companies hiring system engineers.
Job Outlook for System Engineer
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the CompTIA salary calculator, the median annual wage for systems engineers is $90,920. Also, systems engineers are predicted to experience average job growth between 2016 and 2026, with 22,300 net new positions anticipated within that time frame.
Step 5: Ace the Interview
To face the interview, you will have to prepare well and be confident. Also, you have to be extremely clear about your role and your fitment in the organization. Let us understand the interview process in detail.
Brief overview of interview process + Tips
Brief overview of interview process
The interview process will be the first step in your recruitment and hiring process. It is a very critical stage where both the employer and the candidate assess each other's suitability and fitment for the role and the organization. The interview process typically involves several rounds of interactions and evaluations where the employer will assess you on your hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills to ensure a well-informed hiring decision.
Tips for Success:
- Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, culture, and recent news or projects.
- Technical Preparedness: Review key technical topics, such as operating systems, networking, scripting, and automation, in preparation for technical interviews.
- Behavioral Examples: Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability.
- Soft Skills: Emphasize your soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, and leadership, throughout the interview. These skills are often as important as technical expertise.
- Portfolio or Projects: If you have relevant projects or work samples, be prepared to discuss them to showcase your practical skills.
- Dress and Punctuality: Dress professionally for the interview and arrive or log in on time. First impressions matter.
- Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email after the interview to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position.
Who can become a System Engineer?
While there are no strict prerequisites on how to be a system engineer, there are certain qualifications, skills, and characteristics that can make you well-suited for this role.
System Engineer Requirements
Let us look at the basic requirements to become a systems engineer:
- Educational Background: Many Systems Engineers have a degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, information technology, electrical engineering, or a related discipline. However, some individuals enter the field with non-technical degrees and acquire the necessary skills through certifications and practical experience.
- Technical Knowledge:
- Systems engineers need a strong foundation in various technical areas, including operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Unix, which is crucial.
- Networking: Understanding networking concepts, protocols, and configurations is essential.
- Scripting and Automation: Knowledge of scripting languages like Python, PowerShell, or Bash can be valuable for automation tasks.
- Cloud Computing: Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud can be advantageous.
- Hardware: Understanding hardware components and server architectures is important.
- Certifications: While not always mandatory, certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise. Common certifications for Systems Engineers include CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSE, and AWS Certified Solutions Architect, among others.
- Experience: Practical experience in IT roles, such as system administration, network administration, or software development, is valuable for gaining the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to excel as a Systems Engineer.
Why / Benefits
Numerous advantages make working as a systems engineer a desirable career choice for people who enjoy technology and solving problems. Due to the critical role they play in maintaining IT infrastructure, Systems Engineers typically enjoy job security, even during economic downturns.
What’s the Demand for System Engineers?
The field of systems engineering isn't entirely new, but there is now a greater demand for it across various industries. In order to manage the multidisciplinary components of space, weapons, and communications system development, systems engineering was first practiced in the US in the 1950s. In both domestic and foreign markets, there is a significant demand for system engineers as a great deal of businesses rely on them heavily. The demands have now spread to other sectors also, including the automobile, medical device, and industrial ones. System engineers will benefit from this as many businesses add opportunities tailored to the position.
According to pay and quality of life, Systems Engineering is one of the top 50 jobs in the United States, according to CNN (Cable News Network Inc.), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2026, employment opportunities for Industrial engineers, including System Engineers, will grow at a faster-than-average 10-percent rate. Therefore, based on your interests, choosing this as your profession might be the ideal choice.
Salary details for the top 5 countries
| Country | Base Salary | Range |
|---|
| USA | $116,000 | $93,000 to $147,000 |
| India | ₹4,70,000 | ₹3,70,000 to 7,80,000 |
| Germany | €72,940 | €61,000 to €92,000 |
| UK | £56,464 | £43,000 to £76,000 |
| Australia | A$1,10,000 | A$88,000 to A$140,000 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, venturing into a career as a systems engineer offers an exhilarating and fulfilling path for individuals with a fervor for technology, creative problem-solving, and innovation. As the demand for this role continues to rise, the question of how to become a systems engineer becomes increasingly relevant.
In our ever-evolving landscape, where solutions rely on intricate combinations of hardware and software, the need for professionals who can navigate both domains concurrently is evident. This surge in complexity and the demand for efficiency has led to the simultaneous development of hardware and software, challenging traditional workflows.
Furthermore, the adoption of systems thinking is on the rise, driven by the pursuit of holistic solutions and the convergence of hardware and software. Systems engineering, even when a dedicated systems engineer is not present, plays an indispensable role in the realm of product development. It underscores the interconnectedness of various components in delivering innovative solutions to meet the demands of today's dynamic market.
