Computer Systems Engineering, Broken Down.
Computer systems engineering is one of the most popular engineering fields, with the number of professionals growing steadily. One reason to this may lie in the fact that computer engineering jobs are abundant and there is an open position for everyone.
Another one may be that salaries are quite lucrative. Whatever the case, the fact remains that the number of systems engineering jobs is projected to expand in the future.
Breaking Down Computer Engineering Career
Although the computer engineering career appears desirable to many, for the reasons stated above, not everyone has truly grasped the extent of what it portends. It is by no means an easy job and is, as such, not suitable for everyone.
A computer systems engineer develops, tests, and evaluates software and personal computers by combining their knowledge of engineering, computer science, and math analysis. Contrary to popular belief, computer systems engineers do not merely engineer computer technology. Rather, they are expected to fully comprehend how that technology is used on a wider scale to suit both personal and professional requirements.
To become a computer systems engineer, one has to obtain in-depth knowledge of computer technology on top of understanding the underlying concepts of computers. Bottom line, the system engineer is expected to be capable of improving the equipment and current processes by integrating both software and hardware solutions as to produce a stable system that will meet the clients’ needs.
Many companies hire telecom engineers to that end. In the world where pen and paper are considered obsolete, it is only to be expected. Every employee needs a reliable personal computer with perfect networking in order for the job to run smoothly at all times. It is exactly the “all times” that is the keyword here. Computer systems are quirky and, more often than not, most employees are insufficiently informed about the network security. Truth be told, they are not expected to be. It is the spot where the computer systems engineer steps in and makes sure everything is under control.
And that is a highly demanding task. The engineer must provide the employees (and the clients, depending on their specific role) with tips on security measures, user interface, and general system capabilities, enabling them to operate the system satisfactorily on an everyday basis. Should this fail (and, make no mistake about that, from time to time it is bound to), the engineer is also to troubleshoot difficulties.
Everything considered, there is more to computer systems engineering than meets the eye. The knowledge obtained during a formal schooling is often not sufficient to cover the requirements, nor are the tasks of each system engineer the same. How come? Much depends on the employer. Given that the profession is sought out by all kinds of businesses, a system engineer is as likely to work with a governmental organization as with a manufacturing one.
However, there are some tasks that all system engineers are expected to perform (and outperform, as it were). E.g., providing advice on software and hardware, various program installations, and all kinds of implementations, evaluation, testing, and troubleshooting are among the common ones.
Finally, one of the most demanding aspects of the job is online security. There is no need to particularly elaborate on the ever-growing focus on online information sharing. At all times, a system engineer is to take care of company’s security requirements, data exchange, use of online applications, and employees’ online activity. A business must always have steady online presence and never compromise its clients’ sensitive data. This is, perhaps, the most demanding aspect of the job, especially if an employee or two like playing solitaire online, don’t know the difference between “reply” and “forward”, or have never heard of bcc. If you find this funny, take us at our word: these are some of the most common causes of the disasters lying in wait.
Career Opportunities
If the above mentioned scenario happens to be your worst nightmare come true, you will be glad to learn that computer system engineers have many specialization options. Given that the field of study is enormous and that IT is evolving at the speed of light, a system engineer can focus on a wide range of fields. The most common career choices are: application software developer, computer hardware engineer, and systems software developer. Additional positions of interest include: academic positions, government and industrial research positions, system innovation positions, component manufacturing positions, and system integration positions. Senior engineering positions are among the best paid professions; however, they call for a master’s degree.
Median Salaries
Software engineering jobs, in particular, are expected to rise 17% by 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Current median pay for software engineers is $102,280 per annum. The starting salary is $56,856. Current median pay for application software developers is $98,260, with the number of positions projected to rise 19% by 2024. Current median pay for system software developers is $105,570, with the number of positions projected to rise 13% by 2024. Current median pay for computer hardware engineers is $111,730 per annum, with the number of positions projected to rise 3% by 2024.
If you are more interested in the operation and maintenance of the information systems, hardware-related careers are the right choice for you. The common ones include computer system administration, computer system analytics, and computer hardware engineering. Computer systems administrators ensure that all the equipment is operating properly. The role includes running performance tests and troubleshooting issues, as well as equipment installation. Current median pay for computer systems administrators is $77,810 per annum. Computer systems analysts modify the existing technology and devise new equipment as to ensure optimum operations. They manage installation and implementation activities, perform all necessary tests, and design new systems. Current median pay for the position is $85,800 per annum. 118,600 new job positions are expected to open up by 2024 (a 21% growth rate).
Computer Systems Engineering Online
The biggest benefit of computer systems engineering jobs is that they may be performed online. That is indeed what many professionals do, all around the globe. With the market going international and IT positions always being in demand, all engineers are guaranteed a good job. Online marketplaces, such as Field Engineer are gaining popularity, and fast. Why not choose away when you can? After all, all companies need a good computer systems engineer or two.