Job Profile
System Engineer
A system engineer is active in many different industries and pulls the strings in companies in the information and communication technology sector, as well as in software and systems houses. IT consulting firms and engineering offices also avail themselves of the services of an IT System Engineer. The System Engineer works in companies as an employee or operates as a freelancer. To handle the extensive and complex tasks in a company, the System Engineer needs to possess a variety of skills and have a solid education.
System Engineer Profilbeschreibung
What Does A System Engineer Do?
A System Engineer has a wide range of responsibilities within a company and carries significant responsibility. One of the key tasks of a System Engineer is monitoring and optimizing the existing IT infrastructure. This involves coordinating the available hardware and software, documenting errors, as well as software development and application implementation to improve the system. At the same time, the engineer ensures that the operational workflow is not disrupted despite their work.
In many companies, the IT System Engineer is also the first point of contact for system administration. In addition to monitoring and troubleshooting, the System Engineer often works as a system programmer and is responsible for designing, enhancing, and configuring systems. Therefore, System Engineers learn various programming languages during their studies. Depending on the industry, System Engineers are not only responsible for system software within the company. The development, testing, and integration of various service and organizational applications are also part of their extensive responsibilities.
Especially in large corporations and industrial companies, there is the possibility of multiple System Engineers working together as a team. Each System Engineer in this team specializes in a specific service or production area. Additionally, these teams often include software engineers, system administrators, IT managers, and network engineers. The extensive expertise of each team member makes it easier to solve complex tasks. Furthermore, it is important to consider the task from different perspectives. All decisions made by the engineers contribute to the success or failure of the respective products or services. This reflects the significant responsibility that a System Engineer has within a company.
How To Become A System Engineer?
In Germany, the prerequisites for studying include the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or the subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Fachabitur). The optimal foundation for a career as a System Engineer is a degree in the field of System Engineering. This specialization is offered at approximately 10 universities. Alternatively, degree programs in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or aerospace engineering are also possible. Bachelor’s degree programs in these fields are offered at more than 40 universities and around 100 universities of applied sciences in Germany. The duration of the studies varies depending on the field, usually ranging from 6 to 8 semesters. A Bachelor’s degree qualifies for a Master’s program. Depending on the industry, System Engineers with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree are also in demand.
What Do You Need To Become A System Engineer?
The key pillars for working as a System Engineer are solid knowledge in the fields of computer science and network technology. Good mathematical skills are also required, as well as proficiency in common programming languages. In addition, a good System Engineer should have the following qualities and qualifications:
- Object-oriented analysis and modeling using graphical tool environments such as SysML, UML, or Rhapsody.
- Experience in model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
- Experience in requirements engineering and working with tools such as IBM DOORS or Enterprise Architect.
- Working according to relevant standards and guidelines such as ISO9001 or ASPICE.>
- Working with existing hardware and software systems and optimizing them.
Furthermore, the System Engineer needs to be organized. This is particularly important because the engineer is usually responsible for planning the work for an entire team. The System Engineer may provide training sessions for the team and employees of the relevant departments when needed. The engineer must be able to explain the content of the training sessions to the employees in a way that is understandable even without extensive technical knowledge. The management is regularly informed about performance levels through presentations or reports. Other requirements include being a team player, having good communication skills, and demonstrating confidence within the company.
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Where Does A System Engineer Work?
Due to their comprehensive skills and extensive knowledge, System Engineers are in high demand in almost every industry. After completing their studies, System Engineers usually work in the private sector. However, there are also engineers who pursue careers in research or work at universities and colleges. When seeking employment opportunities after graduation, System Engineers can find roles in companies in the computer and electrical engineering sectors, for example. They are also highly sought after in the machinery and automotive industries, as they can offer complex solutions. Other well-compensated job opportunities for engineers are available in the wood and furniture industry. System Engineers are also sought after in the healthcare sector or in the administration of countries, cities, and municipalities.
Specializations Of A System Engineer
When people hear the job title System Engineer, they often think of positions in software and system administration or network technology. However, the profession of a System Engineer is much broader, and it is possible to specialize in various fields or industries. Qualifications in specific industries such as mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, aerospace, or electrical engineering may include strong academic backgrounds in software development and system engineering. Employers in diverse industries in the private sector highly value those who have excelled in project management and system analysis.
With the appropriate qualifications in different fields, System Engineers in the private sector often advance their careers as team leaders, department heads, or managers. These career advancements are possible in development, production, or administration departments. If a System Engineer possesses economic expertise, advancement to a managerial position is also possible. Career opportunities for System Engineers depend on the respective industry.
With language skills, System Engineers also have the opportunity to work abroad, as competent System Engineers are sought after in Europe and worldwide. After completing a bachelor’s degree and gaining work experience in the private sector, System Engineers have the option to pursue further professional development, which contributes to additional qualifications. Of course, obtaining a higher-level degree such as a master’s degree is also possible. This opens up many more opportunities for the System Engineer. A master’s degree qualifies the System Engineer for the profession and also allows them to pursue a doctoral degree.
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Sören Elser
Co-founder of ElevateX GmbH and your contact for the strategic use of freelancers.