Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

Median Annual Wage: $83,410

Education: Bachelor's degree (61%); Post-secondary certificate (13%); Some college, no degree (9%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Systems Engineer; Electronic Data Interchange System Developer (EDI System Developer); System Architect

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects.

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  • Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
  • Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.
  • Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
  • Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
  • Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.
  • Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
  • Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
  • Provide guidelines for implementing secure systems to customers or installation teams.
  • Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
  • Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
  • Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes and make recommendations regarding component use.
  • Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
  • Design and conduct hardware or software tests.
  • Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
  • Define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems.
  • Develop or approve project plans, schedules, or budgets.
  • Configure servers to meet functional specifications.
  • Establish functional or system standards to ensure operational requirements, quality requirements, and design constraints are addressed.
  • Evaluate existing systems to determine effectiveness and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements.
  • Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
  • Communicate project information through presentations, technical reports or white papers.
  • Complete models and simulations, using manual or automated tools, to analyze or predict system performance under different operating conditions.
  • Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
  • Train system users in system operation or maintenance.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects.

  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  • Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects.

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