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Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $45K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $65K
Median Salary: $92K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $122K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $152K
Demand
Core Tasks
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.
Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.
Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components.
Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
Communicate project information through presentations, technical reports, or white papers.
Define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems.
Design and conduct hardware or software tests.
Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.
Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
Establish functional or system standards to address operational requirements, quality requirements, and design constraints.
Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
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.
Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
Train system users in system operation or maintenance.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Computers and Electronics
95%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology
80%
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
79%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
78%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Design
70%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Telecommunications
66%
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Administration and Management
64%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service
62%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
58%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Communications and Media
54%
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
83%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
83%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
80%
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.
Systems Evaluation
80%
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Complex Problem Solving
78%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Systems Analysis
78%
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Writing
78%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning
75%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Operations Analysis
75%
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Speaking
75%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Top 10 Abilities
Problem Sensitivity
83%
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
80%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
80%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
80%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning
78%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
78%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering
78%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Expression
78%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Originality
78%
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Near Vision
73%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
100%
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
95%
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
93%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
93%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Processing Information
92%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
90%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
90%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Thinking Creatively
90%
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
87%
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
84%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
Design integrated computer systems.
Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
Identify information technology project resource requirements.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
Document technical specifications or requirements.
Prepare analytical reports.
Communicate project information to others.
Develop organizational goals or objectives.
Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
Test computer hardware performance.
Test software performance.
Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
Develop guidelines for system implementation.
Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.
Design computer modeling or simulation programs.
Develop models of information or communications systems.
Develop detailed project plans.
Design software applications.
Configure computer networks.
Manage information technology projects or system activities.
Install computer software.
Install computer hardware.
Maintain computer hardware.
Coordinate software or hardware installation.
Train others in computer interface or software use.
Work Context
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Spend Time Sitting
How much does this job require sitting?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Coordinate or Lead Others
How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Education
Majors based on the broader career Computer Occupations, All Other
Major
Interests
Investigative
91%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic
81%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
62%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Artistic
39%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
24%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Analytical Thinking
94%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
89%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Innovation
88%
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Persistence
88%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Adaptability/Flexibility
86%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Dependability
86%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
86%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Achievement/Effort
85%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Integrity
84%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance
84%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Work Values
Achievement
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Independence
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Working Conditions
69%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
67%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.