What Do Computer Systems Engineers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Computer Systems Engineers design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions. They also verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.

Other tasks include:

• 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.

We asked Computer Systems Engineers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Computer Systems Engineers define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems. They provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.

A typical day for a Computer Systems Engineer and Architect will also include:

• Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
• Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
• Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
• Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
• Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.

We asked some Computer Systems Engineers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	74% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	57% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	70% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	9% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	4% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	26% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Computer Systems Engineers also investigate system component suitability for specified purposes and make recommendations regarding component use. They may also research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Computer Systems Engineers Communicate project information through presentations, technical reports, or white papers. They might also Configure servers to meet functional specifications.

In addition, they Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.

To some Computer Systems Engineers, it is also their responsibility to Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Computer Systems Engineer and Architect, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm

http://www.acm.org/

http://www.cra.org/

http://www.ncwit.org/