System Integration Engineer Job Description, Skills, Salary and More
The internet has changed the way the world works. Today, people expect to buy hardware and software, plug it in, and improve their lifestyles. Unfortunately, computers can’t talk to one another, so there are often issues if separate operating systems and networks are used.
This is where a system integration engineer comes into play. By ensuring that software programs and devices work together seamlessly, you allow people and businesses to enhance their processes.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, please continue reading.
What Does It Mean To Be A System Integration Engineer?
Essentially, to be a system integration engineer, it means you must be passionate about bridging gaps that occur as a result of the constant development of technology and consumerism.
The technical term is “interoperability.” If you’re one of these people, you’ll shiver when you think about poor integration and the impact it has on systems.
What’s The Job Description For A System Integration Engineer?
The job description is to make sure that new information is spread quickly so that everyone can take advantage of it by working through an interface that’s reliable. As a result, it’s your duty to define and implement strategies and technology that ensures the seamless integration of data. You also must solve problems in pressurized situations.
To integrate networks successfully, system integration engineering involves implementing the latest industry codes and processes to negate problematic procedures. For example, you could have issues stemming from the use of:
- Different operating systems
- Different programming languages
- Outdated legacy systems with no upgrades
Therefore, system integration operators need to spot issues and trace them to their source to prevent escalation.
What Skills Does A System Integration Engineer Require?
At Field Engineer, we believe that the required skills can be split into three different categories - hard and soft skills, and personality traits.
Hard Skills
These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Understanding the latest software and hardware engineering principles and practices, such as methods and challenges of integration
- Knowledge of close and color vision practices, and depth perception
- Experience of integrating computer programs. For example, Oracle, SQLServer, and Java (or all three)
Soft Skills
- Ability to organize self and others
- Strong communication skills, oral and written
- Ability to decipher technical data and explain it in plain English
- Can prioritize workload and execute tasks accordingly and in line with industry best practices
Personality Traits
As well as soft skills, system integration engineers must show competency in the following characteristics:
- Works well in team situations
- Likes solving complicated problems in a fast-paced and pressurized atmosphere
- Prefers hands-on tasks
- Passionate and motivated, i.e. willing to work overtime for the sake of the user experience
At Field Engineer, we see candidates with the skills above secure interviews and full and part-time roles regularly.
What Are The Roles And Responsibilities Of A System Integration Engineer?
The roles and responsibilities of a system integration engineer differ slightly depending on the employer. As a rule, your daily workload will include everything from conducting project reviews and evaluating patches to designing automation software and planning for release management.
The work is varied, and although the position may appear dry from the outside, it’s often incredibly challenging and rewarding to work in the system integration engineering sector since no two days are the same.
This is an outline of the tasks you can expect to complete:
- Research and recommend systems, equipment and technologies
- Work with colleagues from across the company, from management to administration and legal
- Collect and analyze data
- Create work plans
- Curate documents that relate to integration principles
- Provide aftercare to clients, such as integration support for previously installed software and programs
System integrators who receive promotions and climb the corporate ladder often oversee these duties through project management projects. This can occur in a variety of sectors, including entertainment, health care, and defense, and at Field Engineer, we recruit for them all.
Do System Integration Engineers Need Certifications?
No. Typically, employers ask for degree or degree-equivalents in related fields. For example, an undergraduate qualification in computer science or engineering will put you in a healthy position to secure a job once you leave college.
Of course, certifications such as Enterprise Integration Engineer and Java programming highlight your ability to implement integration methods and maintain systems. Plus, they give you a better chance of standing out in a saturated marketplace.
How Much Does A System Integration Engineer Earn?
In the US, system integration engineers fall into the ‘Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software’ group. As a result, they earn $96,620 a year on average, or $46 an hour.
