What Is a Computer System Engineer?

A computer system engineer helps in the design, planning, testing, selection and installation of computer systems. They envision and build computer systems based around specific requirements of client organizations. They work in large organizations, small and medium businesses, universities and also as consultants. With the large-scale deployment of computer and IT systems in the modern business era, computer systems engineers are highly sought-after professionals.

Education Requirements

A computer system engineer generally has a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or computer engineering with a specialization in hardware and software systems. In top universities/colleges such as University of California, Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University and Princeton, computer system engineers learn and gain deep comprehension of processors, electronic equipment, circuit boards, computer systems and applications and programming and technologies such as database management software, operating system software and program testing software. In recent years, experienced Information Technology (IT) professionals with diplomas or certifications from CompTIA, Novell, Cisco and Microsoft are also employed by business owners and other commercial establishments.

Technical Skills

Computer systems engineers need to showcase certain technical skills and abilities consistently while developing systems and a workable IT network for businesses and organizations. In order to identify and solve complex problems and review technical information, they need to have good technology design, systems analysis, programming, operational analysis and critical thinking skills. They need to show thorough attention to detail, apply analytical and logical thinking to address issues and understand practical applications of engineering, computer science, mathematics and technology.

Job Responsibilities

A computer system engineer has to be sharply attuned to a client's specific requirements and customized needs. She draws up a broad plan or a blueprint in conjunction with the customer's current and anticipated computer systems needs. She analyzes information system needs, evaluates and recommends the right mix of software, components, hardware and network systems, peripherals and allied equipment; then she designs, builds, tests and installs the entire network structure. If necessary, she upgrades or modifies an existing IT system in a department to ensure systems efficiency. She is responsible for fixing or troubleshooting systems errors and overall maintenance of the organization network.

Employment Opportunities

The ubiquity of computing and the demand for large, complex and efficient IT systems has created numerous and varied employment opportunities and work settings for computer system engineers. They work in the IT and information systems departments of large corporations, government offices, military contractors, consulting agencies and multilateral organizations. They also work in high-end IT corporations, telecommunication companies, and computer design, manufacturing and service companies. Experienced computer systems engineers work as independent consultants servicing small and medium businesses and nonprofit groups.

Additional Attributes

With the widespread influence and use of computing systems and applications, the computer system engineering occupation has become multi-dimensional and challenging. Nowadays, a computer system engineer is expected to understand workings of business domains and specific sectors, analyze technical problems and develop more creative solutions. He has to possess sound communication and interpersonal skills in order to liaise with engineers and professionals from other disciplines, business managers, programmers and top executives.

References

• Get Access
• United States Department of Labor
• State University

Resources

• Computing Technology Industry Association, IT Industry's leading association