Systems Engineer 7000 Engineering subject sub_topic Systems engineers design and coordinate large and complex projects known as systems. Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary process that ensures that customer needs are satisfied throughout the entire life cycle a system. One example of a system is a jet airliner – and so are all of the airplanes owned by one airline, and all of the plans in one country. Other examples include water and food distribution networks, experimental manned space flights, and military defense programs. Systems engineers also work on telephone systems, electric power systems, and sewage systems. Systems engineering involves matching varied pieces together to make one cohesive whole. Engineers in this field interact with others in a variety of disciplines, depending on their particular industry, and the work to ensure that the individual parts can work together to perform a desired function. Starting salaries for Systems Engineers are around $75,000. 0 0 0 7430 <p>Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary, highly technical field that is closely related to logistics and project management, but demands expertise in one or more subfields of engineering (such as software engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial engineering.) Since many systems are managed via computer, there is a substantial degree of crossover with computer systems engineering. Those seeking a career in this field may earn a systems engineering degree, or may specialize in a different field of engineering, with additional training and coursework in systems engineering. </p> <p>Systems engineers work on complex problems such as transportation management, manufacturing plant design, and automatic inventory control. They manage the process behind systems development, taking into account such factors as cost, schedule, necessary training, manufacturing needs, testing, performance, and byproduct disposal. Professional systems engineers follow multiple steps in designing solutions to a given problem. </p> <b>What you Will Learn</b> <p>The first and most important step in systems engineering is stating the problem. Systems engineers develop a solid understanding of what a system must accomplish, using input from various stakeholders (users, manufacturers, regulatory agencies, etc.) Next, they investigate alternatives, since any system design comes with distinct costs and benefits. Discovering multiple alternatives allows for more choice and a closer-to-ideal solution depending on project priorities. These alternatives will then be modeled in some way (via a computer simulation, functional flow diagram, or physical representation) with the most desirable alternative(s) being expanded upon. The process of modeling may lead to the creation of additional alternatives; it is typical for the systems engineering process to allow for multiple iterations of potential solutions. </p> <p>Since each system is composed of multiple sub-systems, integrating these different parts is another key part of the job. Finally, as the system is launched, additional assessment and evaluation take place. Essentially, a systems engineer is the center of a web consisting of project managers, end users, and specialty engineers. It is his or her job to bring together the needs of these disparate groups in order to achieve a coherent, functional system.</p> <b>Degree Requirements </b> <p>A systems engineer should have expertise in one or more sub-fields of engineering, a talent for mathematics, a deeply analytical mind, creativity, communication skills, and adaptability.</p> <p>For those seeking systems engineering degrees, various programs are available at the undergraduate, graduate, and certificate levels. It is not uncommon for systems engineers to have a B.S. in one field of engineering and graduate degree in systems engineering. Systems engineering students should have a breadth of understanding of various sub-disciplines of engineering in order to apply that knowledge to different projects. </p> <b>Earning Potential</b> <p>Compensation for systems engineers varies, but is among the higher-paid engineering jobs; comparable salaries for specialty engineers range well over $100,000, with median salaries in the $70,000-$80,000 range. The demand for systems engineers can be expected to grow along with the rapidly evolving complexity of systems in aerospace, defense, alternative energy, and telecommunications.</p> <p>A systems engineer has the chance to be instrumental in creating efficient, user-friendly systems across an incredibly diverse array of industries. The tremendous variety of projects, along with attractive compensation, makes systems engineering a desirable degree and career field. </p> <b>Article References</b><br/><br/> International Council on Systems Engineering<br/> <a href="http://www.incose.org/practice/whatissystemseng.aspx"target="_blank">http://www.incose.org/practice/whatissystemseng.aspx</a><br/> <a href="http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/careersinsystemseng.aspx"target="_blank">http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/careersinsystemseng.aspx</a><br/> <a href="http://www.incose.org/practice/fellowsconsensus.aspx"target="_blank">http://www.incose.org/practice/fellowsconsensus.aspx</a><br/> <a href="http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/educationpolicy.aspx"target="_blank">http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/educationpolicy.aspx</a><br/><br/> Systems and Industrial Engineering, University of Arizona<br/> <a href="http://www.sie.arizona.edu/sysengr/whatis/whatis.html"target="_blank">http://www.sie.arizona.edu/sysengr/whatis/whatis.html</a><br/><br/> U.S. Department of Labor<br/> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm"target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm</a><br/><br/> systems-engineering Systems Engineering Systems Engineering 7000, 7180, 7200, 10400, 10600, 10620 Accredited Engineering Schools & Degrees in Systems Engineering 1 0