Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer Career Overview
Details of a large, complicated and technical project are handled by a systems engineer. A systems engineer works almost like a project manager except that he or she deals with and solves more technical problems in order to complete a project. The project itself is also usually technical and inventive in nature, such as a developing a new telephone system grid or a new function of the space shuttle. The details a systems engineer must take care of include the design of a project or product and testing of the design, cost analysis, scheduling and supervision of outsourced workers.
Systems engineers have a knack for math and science and enjoy technical and practical problem solving. Since a systems engineer needs to manage many resources and workers, he or she must have great leadership and people skills. It is also required for most systems engineers to have completed at least a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of Engineering in order for them to attain an entry level position. There are many areas of systems engineering to choose from and most engineers choose their career path while still earning their Bachelor’s degree. Some students then move on to earn their Master’s degree in their specific field of engineering before pursuing a career.
Systems Engineer Training & Education
While most entry-level systems engineers have a higher than average earning potential, this earning potential can increase significantly for those who have obtained a graduate degree before entering the workforce. A systems engineering degree is usually required for any company to hire a graduate. Most companies will hire graduates who have earned a bachelor’s degree but the company may require their employees to continue their education by earning additional certifications or a master’s degree. Companies will often provide financial assistance for their employees to earn certifications or graduate degrees. Since most systems engineering jobs are intertwined with the latest business and technology trends, most employees are required to constantly further their education.
Systems Engineer Career & Salary Outlook
Since there are so many fields of systems engineering, it is hard to determine the average earning potential. The income of an engineer also relies on the education that he or she has achieved prior to starting a career in the industry. Engineers that work for the federal government in agricultural engineering made a mean salary in 2007 of $75,144.
All fields of engineering are expected to keep growing in the coming years. The number of students graduating with engineering degrees should be roughly equal to the amount of engineering jobs available from the years 2006 to 2016. Federal government budget cuts may affect some systems engineers in the space or electronics industry. However, new jobs in other engineering fields are still being created.
Career Fields/Specializations
Systems Engineer Careers
There are a large number of corporate companies in several industries that can require the work of a systems engineer. While earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering, the possibilities of employment are usually explored and a student can choose the field of study he or she would like to pursue.
Civil Systems Engineer Career
Civil Systems engineers concentrate on structures such as bridges, roads, airports and sewage systems. They are responsible for researching and designing these projects and supervising the outsourced companies hired to do the work. Civil Systems Engineers must be aware of environmental hazards and safety as well as government regulations and standards.
Electrical Systems Engineer Career
Electrical systems engineers deal with electrical equipment and may work at an automobile plant, aircraft carrier plant or other manufacturing company. These engineers are responsible for the design, testing and manufacturing of new models of electronics. They may work on a new model of automobile or a new way of supplying power to a machine.
Industrial Systems Engineer Career
Industrial Systems engineers mainly work in a corporate environment and design a system of people or production to allow the company the most profit with the least resources. They are responsible for cost analysis, job evaluation and the implementation of an administrative system. Industrial Systems Engineers may be able to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Business instead of Engineering and still be considered for this type of engineering job.
Mechanical Systems Engineer Career
A mechanical systems engineer possesses an interest in putting things together and researching different ways to make a mechanical device work. They work on solving mechanical problems and developing new techniques for power generators or internal combustion engines. They can also work on designing and building modern appliances such as refrigerators, elevators and machine tools.
Article ReferencesU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm
International council on Systems Engineering
http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/careersinsystemseng.aspx
