what is a systems engineer
A systems engineer is a professional who applies engineering principles to develop and maintain efficient systems. They play a crucial role in various industries by solving problems in systems. Unlike other engineers who solve issues in independent parts, a systems engineer takes a holistic approach by studying the interconnections of systems. When a systems engineer develops a system, they ensure it provides a positive user experience while considering the company objectives and operations.
what does a systems engineer do?
As a systems engineer, you are the interface between stakeholders in the systems development process. That means your primary role revolves around defining, developing, testing, maintaining and replacing systems. You incorporate the views of the management, end-users, speciality engineers and suppliers to create an efficient system for your employer.
Systems aren't strictly related to computers but rely on engineering advancements and the latest technology. As a systems engineer, you work in computer, mechanical, electrical and manufacturing systems to ensure all the components work together and meet the needs of the consumers. You also collaborate with various departments in a company to ensure a smooth production process and proper maintenance of the existing systems. Some systems engineers work in the mining industry to plan the mining process and ensure the machines function as expected.
systems engineer jobsaverage systems engineer salary
In Australia, a systems engineer earns a median salary of $115,000 annually. When starting in the role, you have minimal experience and skills. This reduces your starting remuneration package to $100,000 annually. When you gain experience working in the industry for a couple of years and improve your qualifications, your remuneration package can increase to $130,000 yearly. Some employers pay overtime when you work extra hours, while others provide bonus packages at the end of the year.
how to increase the salary of a systems engineer
As a systems engineer, your earnings depend on the industry you work for and your qualifications. For instance, if you are a computer systems engineer, you will earn more than a product or transportation systems engineer. The complexity of the role and additional responsibilities in some industries like mining increases the remuneration.
Apart from the industry, your work experience and skills also determine your remuneration prospects. To increase your earnings, consider improving your qualifications and skills. For instance, a systems engineer with a degree is likely to earn more than someone with qualifications from vocational educational training institutions. The location also affects your remuneration since metro areas have higher salary prospects.
Want to know what you will earn as a systems engineer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of systems engineers
Some of the types of systems engineers include:
- computer systems engineer: your job is to design computer systems that fit your clients' needs. Suppose a retail company requires a sales management system. In that case, you incorporate all the functions relevant to retail management, like invoicing and inventory management. You also advise on the best software and hardware tools for the computer system to function efficiently.
- product development systems engineer: your job is to improve product development methods to help your company remain competitive. You develop systems that eliminate inefficiencies and troubleshoot problems affecting product quality standards.
- biosystems engineer: as a biosystems engineer, you develop and maintain systems relating to the natural environment. Your duties may include analysing resource conservation or waste treatment systems. You can also create food processing systems for various industries.
working as a systems engineer
A systems engineer oversees all aspects of a project and ensures the smooth running of processes from the beginning to the end. Here are details on the duties and responsibilities of systems engineers:
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systems engineer job description
Specific duties of a systems engineer depend on the industry and the project stage. However, some everyday tasks of a systems engineer include:
developing systems: as a systems engineer, you oversee the development of new systems from conception of an idea to completion. Before creating a system, you liaise with the stakeholders to determine its objectives and functions. You also use modelling techniques to assess performance and value to the end-user. When you have the design concepts, it is easier to develop the systems.
testing and deploying systems: after creating a system, you evaluate its performance to ensure it accomplishes its intended purpose. During testing, you identify vulnerable areas and adjustments required to improve efficiency. Existing systems also require testing to determine the inefficiencies and improve functionality. If the new system passes all the tests, you can launch it.
maintaining and troubleshooting issues in a system: as a systems engineer, you monitor existing systems and identify problems that affect the system's structural integrity. During maintenance, you fix issues in the system or upgrade some parts to improve the output.
ensuring safety procedures are in place: as a systems engineer, it is your job to ensure safety procedures are in place. For instance, workers may require training before working with the systems. It is also crucial to have protective gear for the teams and adhere to health and safety regulations during production.
writing reports and presenting system designs: during the design stages, you present system design ideas to the stakeholders before development. It is also crucial to write maintenance reports during system checks, troubleshoot and offer recommendations to improve efficiency.
execution of project management tasks: as a systems engineer creating a system, you perform project management tasks. You develop the project plan, identify the necessary resources and assign tasks to team members to ensure the project is completed within a specific timeline.
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work environment
The work environment of a systems engineer varies depending on the roles and industry. For instance, during the design stages, a systems engineer works in an office setting alongside other engineers to develop a system's blueprints. Sometimes, you also work in a factory setting when analysing processes or maintaining the systems used in manufacturing. In other industries, you may work outdoors developing water delivery, mining, transport or waste management systems. You work in server rooms or handle various hardware parts in information technology settings. Since you work both onsite and offsite, the role involves a lot of travelling.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include project managers, data engineers, software developers, web developers, software engineers, cloud engineers, IT specialists and programme managers. You might also be working close to engineers and product managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, mining managers, marketing coordinators, marketing managers and system administrators.
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work schedule
As a systems engineer, you work an average of 40 hours weekly in a full-time position. However, some projects take longer to complete, and the design stage often requires long work hours, including evenings and weekends. Sometimes you also work on public holidays to fix glitches in a system or meet deadlines. Part-time positions are rare in systems engineer jobs, but you can find short-term contracts in various industries. Freelance opportunities are also available for systems engineers.
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job outlook
Becoming a systems engineer is a great career choice with exciting job prospects. With experience, it is easy to move to a managerial position like becoming a project manager, operations manager or factory manager.
Some systems engineers focus on various specialisms or industry sectors. You can become an expert in computer or manufacturing systems. Alternatively, become a consultant or a lecturer in academic institutions.
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advantages of finding a systems engineer job through randstad
Finding your systems engineer job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a systems engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job.Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Becoming a systems engineer in Australia requires the following educational qualifications:
- bachelor's degree: having an undergraduate degree is the minimal requirement for entry-level systems engineers. Pursue a bachelor's degree in systems engineering, industrial engineering, computer engineering or information systems. Due to the competitive nature of the role, consider pursuing a master's degree to improve your career prospects. A master's degree also improves your chances of promotion to leadership roles.
- work experience: it is important to secure an internship programme before you complete your bachelor's. Internships provide you with the relevant expertise and mentorship to jumpstart your career. Joining a professional association in Australia also improves your employability. For instance, join the Systems Engineering Society of Australia or Engineers Australia.
systems engineer skills and competencies
Systems engineers require hard and soft skills, including:
- technical skills: as a systems engineer, you require technical skills like using various software. Your job involves using modelling software, specialised equipment and computer programmes. Technical skills also help you accomplish your tasks faster.
- analytical thinking: your role requires meticulous analysis of each task. For instance, you analyse a system as a whole or a sum of its parts before implementing changes. Analytical thinking and attention to detail help you factor in every aspect of the system before recommending alterations.
- time management: a systems engineer prioritises tasks to meet deadlines. You are also responsible for determining project milestones and adjusting the timeline for changes. Your work will be easier if you have time management skills.
- teamwork skills: as a systems designer, you collaborate with various professionals, from manufacturing employees to researchers, security experts and salespeople. You require teamwork skills to offer constructive feedback and direct teams to achieve a project's objectives.
FAQs about working as a systems engineer
Here are the most asked questions about working as a systems engineer:
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what is the role of a systems engineer?
Systems engineers develop systems that solve problems. For instance, they design new systems to assist with producing specific products. As a systems engineer, you also determine the problems within a specific system or upgrade the hardware of an existing system.
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do systems engineers code?
No. The main role of systems engineers is to develop a design concept and plan the process of executing it. Working in systems engineering involves gathering the requirements for developing a design or defining the problems in a system and finding solutions.
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is systems engineering a good career?
Becoming a systems engineer improves your career prospects since the role is in high demand. Systems engineers also work in various industries. Hence, they can specialise in various business sectors like mining, technology or manufacturing.
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what is the salary of a systems engineer?
A systems engineer earns an average salary of $115,000 annually in Australia. Experience and additional qualifications increase the remuneration package to $130,000 annually.
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how do I become a systems engineer?
To become a systems engineer in Australia, you require a bachelor's degree in systems engineering or a related field. Some employers also need work experience and registration with a professional body.
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how do I apply for a systems engineer vacancy?
Applying for a systems engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our systems engineer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
