Online Degrees

Computer Systems Engineer Careers

The average value of the Bachelor degree needed to become a Computer software engineers, systems software is $2,135,235.00.

Points Of Interest

Systems-level computer software is “nuts and bolts” code that supports the development of the software applications that most people use today. Computer software engineers are often hired to research new ideas and methods in systems-level software. They may also develop, test and design operating systems as well as compilers and network distribution software. Systems-level software works behind the scenes for most applications, including general computing, medical, scientific, industrial, business, military, aerospace, and communications. Important tasks for this group of workers include setting operational specifications, analyzing software requirements and formulating these same requirements.

To perform these functions, systems software engineers must apply the techniques and principles of analytical mathematics, engineering and computer science. As you might expect, a high level of education is a pre-requisite for this kind of work. Successful job applicants will hold at least a bachelor’s degree and many will have earned higher degrees, including doctorates in computer science. Relevant experience is, as with most other occupations, an important factor. While computer programmers face a declining job market, engineers in computer systems software can look forward to extremely favorable job prospects: their field is expected to expand by about 30 percent through 2018.

Nature Of The Work

The design and development of computer software is the job of software engineers. The industry divides software into two types: applications that make computers such efficient tools for a broad range of tasks at work and in the home; and systems software that enables computer hardware to run a variety of applications.

Creating, testing and evaluating both kinds of software involves the application of mathematic analytic techniques along with the principles and theories of computer science. Software engineering is a rapidly evolving field that must constantly keep up with technological advances as well as developments in best practice, such as agile development and Scrum. Systems level software includes both operating systems and so-called middleware and network control systems as well as some software compilers. The engineers who work on and manage development and design project teams need expertise in computing systems theory and software structure. They must take the limitations of the target hardware platform into account in order to assure that their output will perform as expected. Software engineering projects typically start with an analysis of user needs. Code that will meet those requirements is then designed, developed, tested and debugged. To manage the process, software engineers use diagrams, flowcharts and additional documentation. They will sometimes write detailed instruction sets or algorithms that issue commands direct to the computer itself. Algorithms can then be converted in a specific computer language.

This process, known as coding or programming, is typically the job of a team of computer programmers. Like the software they produce, computer engineers are usually split into two separate categories: software systems engineers and applications engineers. Applications focus on the end user. They can be generalized, or perform specialized utility functions. Today’s applications are most often written in Python, C++, Java or C. The bulk of the work for applications engineers is in developing business applications or in customizing applications for a specific industry or company.

Applications engineers may also be hired to develop databases. Systems software engineers are responsible for the maintenance, expansion and construction of computer systems within an organization. They must work with upper-level managers to determine the needs of each department and function, such as payroll, inventory, order entry and billing. They may also make suggestions about technical direction and changes to improve productivity. Intranets, networks that link computers and facilitate communication between offices within an organization while keeping them separate from the rest of the world and protecting them against malicious access from outside, are often setup and maintained by computer systems engineers. Overall system security and data assurance are among their most important functions within the organization.

Not every company has its own IT (Information Technology) department, so computer systems engineers may also work at outsourcing service companies that contract to set up, install and often maintain computer hardware and software for other organizations. Because of the highly technical nature of the work, some computer scientists join marketing or sales departments, where they provide technical and logistical consultation and support to salespeople. Outsourcing contracts routinely involve a high level of customization to the purchaser’s requirements: systems software engineers are best equipped to determine the changes that are needed and to explain them to their colleagues and to the client. Security is a major concern of all computer system users, and as with in-house departments, computer systems engineers who work for outsourcing service companies must ensure and maintain security throughout the systems that they design and develop. Traditionally, software engineers and systems analysts design software and programmers write the code that implements it on a particular operating system or hardware platform.

But many programming functions that used to be done by hand have been automated, so programmers have started to encroach on territory that was once the exclusive property of systems software engineers, such as the identification of software requirements or user needs. Programmers may also, in certain instances, participate or take full responsibility for the design of the code they write. Computer software workers, both engineers and programmers, typically do their work in comfortable, clean, quiet offices. The computer equipment they use may also be located in a laboratory. If they work for a large software vendor or a consulting company, software engineers will often participate in face-to-face customer meetings, and of course will travel to do so. However, advances in telepresence, virtual private networks and other technologies are making telecommuting more acceptable to employers and customers, enabling many software engineers to work from remote locations or home offices. Most software workers keep to a 40 hour week, but more strenuous schedules of over 50 hours per week were reported by about 15 percent of software engineers in 2008. There is little risk of injury in the production and maintenance of computer software, but these jobs do require spending much of the day at a desk typing on a keyboard and staring at a screen or screens. Software engineers are therefore somewhat prone to back pain, eyestrain, and to carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries to wrists and hands.

Training, Other Qualifications, And Advancement

A common requirement for software engineering positions is the bachelor's degree, usually a bachelor of science in computer science, mathematics, software engineering or computer information systems. Employers may require a master’s degree for some positions that involve highly complex work and decision-making. As with most jobs, employers tend to look most favorably upon applicants who have already accumulated relevant experience, show a broad knowledge of computer technologies and systems, and demonstrated skills appropriate to the position. Internships are a good way to gain job experience and job-related knowledge while pursuing undergraduate studies. Continual education and self-development is an unwritten rule in this profession, as opportunities for advancement are open to software engineers who stay up to date with the increasingly rapid pace of technological change. Some larger employers have in-house training programs.

Others support professional development seminars and other forms of continuing education by paying all or part of the costs for software systems engineers to take additional college or university courses, to attend private training institutions and to participate in education events sponsored by professional societies in computing. Computer software engineers must also become familiar with specific industries, in order to understand the needs of internal and external clients. For instance, systems engineers who work for banks or for companies that provide services to banks must have a certain level of understanding of finance and accounting principles. Certificates establish credibility and competence, and therefore may confer a competitive advantage on job seekers who hold them. Many product vendors or software firms require professionals who adapt their complex wares for specific clients to be certified. Professional societies and other organization also offer certificates that can be acquired voluntarily through study, work experience or a combination of both. Computer software systems engineers need excellent in problem-solving and analysis.

Creativity and inventiveness are especially important characteristics order for designers of new software utilities and programs. Systems engineers must frequently work with abstract ideas and perform technical analyses, because the software they design and develop controls the operation of the computer. Engineers must also have the ability to effectively communicate with other members of their teams, other company employees, and end users. Multi-tasking is a job requirement, as is energetic focus and precise attention to details. For those software systems engineers who are ready to move up the ladder into management, general business skills become increasingly important. Advancement comes almost routinely to skilled workers who stay up to date with the newest technology.

As computer software engineers gain experience, their opportunities for advancement proliferate. A systems engineer can go on to become an information systems manager, a project manager or team leader, even a chief information officer. Business skills, training and credentials such as a master’s degree in business administration are helpful to candidates for higher level management positions. Outside of the corporate career track, experienced computer software engineers with hard-to-find expertise can take advantage of high-paying opportunities as independent consultants or systems designers . These contract workers are often hired for specialized projects in areas like security, business-to-business transactions or data assurance.

Employment

The most recent employment figures available from the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics are for 2008. In that year, computer software engineers and programmers held about 1.3 million jobs. Approximately 394,800 of these workers were employed as systems software engineers. Computer systems design and related services generated 32 percent of the job opportunities, but software engineers work in almost every industry. Computer and peripheral manufacturers, software publishers, insurance companies and financial institutions also employed large numbers of computer software engineers. In 2008, about 48,200 people in this field were self-employed.

Job Outlook

Overall, employment of systems software engineers is expected to grow by 32 percent through 2018: a much faster rate than the average for the entire workforce. During that time period, demand for these advanced technology skills will create more than 295,000 jobs. Computer networking is one factor driving this expansion. The data-processing systems used by telecommunications, business, government and healthcare organizations will continue to increase in complexity and sophistication, and to be access via intranets, the Internet and the World Wide Web. As computers become more interconnected, safeguarding networks becomes vital. Implementing new computer systems, updating old ones, and solving problems than occur with both will create expanding demand for systems software engineers. Rapid technological evolution will continue to spawn new areas of growth. As companies find new uses for the Internet, web sites continue to proliferate. New types of mobile devices are moving the Internet off the desktop and into the pockets, purses and briefcases of a new generation of workers and consumers, and they require new operating systems to be produced by computer software engineers. Meanwhile, software-as-service offerings over the Internet continue to proliferate: many of these must be customized to meet the needs of specific industries and companies, creating more jobs for systems software engineers. Computer systems engineers will also be needed to integrate the new mobile technology with existing computer systems. Ubiquitous networks are creating needs for new types of software to maintain and enhance the security of information.

As this technology continues to expand, software engineers will be hired in growing numbers to develop more secure systems and to integrate them with legacy networks and systems. Like other jobs in information technology, systems software engineering is subject to outsourcing, including offshoring. Shifting operations to foreign countries, or contracting work to service firms located offshore, allows client firms to access workers with lower prevailing wages who are nonetheless highly educated and skilled. But because effective software engineering requires substantial research and development to drive innovation, as well as familiarity with clients and industries to make sure that new systems and applications offer valuable benefits to customers, systems software engineering jobs are less likely to be offshored than more routine tasks such as computer programming. With rapid employment growth goes excellent job prospects.

Computer software engineers with real world experience a bachelor’s or higher degrees in computer science or related fields will enjoy a highly favorable job outlook. The skills sought by employers will continue to be a combination of systems analysis, interpersonal, business and programming abilities. Many systems software engineers will be promoted to managerial positions, creating additional job openings for technically skilled workers. Others will transfer to other occupations such as marketing, sales or general management, while still others will retire. As more businesses contract outside services to customize, upgrade and manage increasingly complicated and rapidly evolving computer systems, systems software engineers should also find more opportunities for consulting work.

Projections

Half of these salaried employees were earning between $73,200 and $113,960. 10 percent received salaries of under $57,810, while the top 10 percent of wage earners took home at least $135,780. The industries that employed the largest numbers of engineers in computer systems software development and maintenance were: Services in scientific development and research; Manufacturers of computers and computer peripherals; Software publishers; Manufacturers of control instrumentation, electromedical instruments and navigational measurement instrumentation; and Service firms that design computer systems and related products. R & D service jobs were the best-paying, with a media annual wage of $102,090.

Computer and peripheral manufacturing jobs paid $101,270, on average. Systems software engineers who worked for computer software publishers earned a mean annual wage of $93,590. Those who were involved in manufacturing computerized electronic instruments took home a mean annual wage of $91,720, while their peers involved in the design of computer systems and related services earned, on average, $91,610.

In July 2009, the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that computer science graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree received starting salary offers that averaged $61,407. Wages In May 2009, the 385,200 computer systems software engineers who were employed earned a mean annual wage of $96,620. Half of them earned between $74,520 and $116,510. 10 percent made less than $59,600, while the top ten percent earned $139,930 or more.

Not surprisingly, companies engaged in computer systems design and related services employed 31% (119,640) of these engineers, paying them a mean annual wage of $95,150. The 23,040 top earners were employed by computer and peripheral equipment manufacturers, taking home a mean annual wage of $112,020. California has both the most computer systems software engineering jobs (69,200) and the highest mean annual wage ($109,240). As you might have guessed already, Silicon Valley (San Jose / Sunnyvale / Santa Clara) is the leading metro area within California and the rest of the country. 24, 460 computer systems software engineers work there, earning a mean annual wage of $124,360.

Related Occupations

Today, many other professions deal extensively with data, data processing and / or computer technology. Some of the most important and largest fields include: Actuaries Computer systems and network administrators Database administrators Computer scientists Computer support specialists Computer systems analysts Engineers Mathematicians Operations research analysts Statisticians

Sources Of Additional Information

Check with state employment services, they may be able to information about software engineering job openings in computer systems. The largest employers in any area are almost members of or more chambers of commerce, so these organizations can be a useful source of information. Additional information about careers in computer software engineering, including systems software, is available from the following sources:

• Association for Computing Machinery, 2 Penn Plaza, Suite 701, New York, NY 10121-0701. Internet: http://computingcareers.acm.org 
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society, Headquarters Office, 2001 L St. NW., Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036-4910. Internet: http://www.computer.org 
• National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE., Bellevue, WA 98007. Internet: http://www.nwcet.org 
• University of Washington Computer Science and Engineering Department, AC101 Paul G. Allen Center, Box 352350, 185 Stevens Way, Seattle, WA 98195-2350. Internet: http://www.cs.washington.edu/WhyCSE 
• National Center for Women and Information Technology, University of Colorado, Campus Box 322 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0322. Internet: http://www.ncwit.org

Related Jobs

People with the educational background, skills, and desire to become a Computer software engineers, systems software might be well suited to work in one of the following fields as well:

• Computer hardware engineers
• Computer programmers
• Computer support specialists
• Computer systems analysts
• Computer software engineers, applications
• Network systems and data communications analysts
• Database administrators