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Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

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
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
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
Access software
Citrix
Analytical or scientific software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Application server software
Spring Boot
Backup or archival software
Veritas NetBackup
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Tableau
Communications server software
IBM Domino
Computer aided design CAD software
PTC Creo Parametric
Computer based training software
InScribe
Configuration management software
VMWare
Content workflow software
Atlassian JIRA
Customer relationship management CRM software
Salesforce software
Data base management system software
Teradata Database
Data base reporting software
SAP Crystal Reports
Data base user interface and query software
Transact-SQL
Data mining software
Google Analytics
Desktop communications software
Skype
Desktop publishing software
Adobe Systems Adobe FrameMaker
Development environment software
Ruby
Document management software
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Exchange
Enterprise application integration software
Oracle Fusion Middleware
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP Business Objects
Enterprise system management software
Splunk Enterprise
Expert system software
Ansible software
File versioning software
Git
Financial analysis software
Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Graphical user interface development software
Salesforce Visualforce
Graphics or photo imaging software
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Human resources software
Oracle Taleo
Industrial control software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Information retrieval or search software
LexisNexis
Instant messaging software
Blink
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Internet directory services software
Microsoft Active Directory
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software
Voice over internet protocol VoiP system software
LAN software
Local area network LAN software
Map creation software
Geographic information system GIS software
Medical software
MEDITECH software
Metadata management software
CA Erwin Data Modeler
Network conferencing software
IBM Lotus SameTime
Network monitoring software
Wireshark
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software
Firewall software
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software
Virtual private networking VPN software
Object or component oriented development software
Swift
Object oriented data base management software
PostgreSQL
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Operating system software
UNIX Shell
Platform interconnectivity software
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
Portal server software
Apache HTTP Server
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Program testing software
Selenium
Project management software
Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Requirements analysis and system architecture software
Unified modeling language UML
Sales and marketing software
Marketo Marketing Automation
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Storage networking software
Amazon Simple Storage Service S3
Transaction security and virus protection software
Symantec
Transaction server software
Microsoft Internet Information Service IIS
Video conferencing software
Cisco Systems Webex
Video creation and editing software
Apple Final Cut Pro
WAN switching software and firmware
Wide area network WAN software
Web page creation and editing software
Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
Web platform development software
Spring Framework
Word processing software
3M Post-it App
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Communications Devices and Accessories
Smartphones
Components for information technology or broadcasting or telecommunications
Motherboards
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Blade servers
Data Voice or Multimedia Network Equipment or Platforms and Accessories
Computer network routers
Electrical wire and cable and harness
Multi-conductor cables
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Computers and Electronics
95%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology
80%
Importance

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%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics
78%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Design
70%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Telecommunications
66%
Importance

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Administration and Management
64%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
83%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Systems Analysis
78%
Importance

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Writing
78%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning
75%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Operations Analysis
75%
Importance

Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Speaking
75%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Top 10 Abilities
Problem Sensitivity
83%
Importance

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%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Written Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Deductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Information Ordering
78%
Importance

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%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Originality
78%
Importance

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%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
100%
Importance

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%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
93%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
93%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Processing Information
92%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
90%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Getting Information
90%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Thinking Creatively
90%
Importance

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
87%
Importance

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%
Importance

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
Computer and Information Sciences, General
Data Processing
Information Science/Studies
Computer Science
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Mathematics and Computer Science
Accounting and Computer Science
Computational Science
Human Computer Interaction
Chemistry
Security Science and Technology
Medical Illustration and Informatics
Interests
Investigative
91%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Attention to Detail
89%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Innovation
88%
Importance

Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Persistence
88%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Adaptability/Flexibility
86%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Dependability
86%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Initiative
86%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Achievement/Effort
85%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Integrity
84%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Stress Tolerance
84%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Work Values
Achievement
81%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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%
Importance

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.