Computer Systems Engineer

Also called: Automation Engineer, Computer Systems Architect, Electronic Data Interchange System Developer (EDI System Developer), Enterprise Architect, Firmware Engineer

Computer Systems Engineer

Varies

estimated salary

Computer systems engineer to design and develop solutions to complex application problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

  • Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
  • Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
  • Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
  • Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
  • Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
  • Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
  • Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
  • Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components.
  • Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
  • Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.
  • Communicate project information through presentations, technical reports, or white papers.
  • Define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems.
  • Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
  • Design and conduct hardware or software tests.
  • Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.
  • Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
  • Establish functional or system standards to address operational requirements, quality requirements, and design constraints.
  • Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes and make recommendations regarding component use.
  • Complete models and simulations, using manual or automated tools, to analyze or predict system performance under different operating conditions.
  • Develop or approve project plans, schedules, or budgets.
  • Develop efficient and effective system controllers.
  • Evaluate existing systems to determine effectiveness and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements.
  • Configure servers to meet functional specifications.
  • Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
  • Develop application-specific software.
  • Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
  • Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
  • Train system users in system operation or maintenance.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 84% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 69% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Telephone — 74% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 66% responded "Extremely important".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 71% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 47% responded "A lot of freedom".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
  • Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
  • Document technical specifications or requirements.
  • Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
  • Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
  • Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
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Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Human resources software
  • Oracle Taleo Hot Technology
  • Human resource management software HRMS
Object or component oriented development software
  • jQuery Hot Technology
  • Python Hot Technology
  • R Hot Technology
  • Practical extraction and reporting language Perl Hot Technology
  • Scala Hot Technology
  • Oracle Java Hot Technology
  • Objective C Hot Technology
  • Apache Groovy Hot Technology
  • Advanced business application programming ABAP Hot Technology
  • C# Hot Technology
  • C++ Hot Technology
  • Swift Hot Technology
  • Smalltalk
  • Spring
  • Jupyter Notebook
  • Microsoft ActiveX
  • IBM ILOG
Configuration management software
  • Puppet Hot Technology
  • VMWare Hot Technology
  • Perforce Helix software
  • Chef
  • IBM Rational Build Forge
  • IBM Rational ClearCase
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