What Is a Systems Engineer (and How Do I Become One)?

Systems engineers develop and oversee all aspects of a complex system to solve a problem, from its initial creation to production and management through the end product or solution. Systems may include products, people, services, information, natural elements, processes, or several, depending on the job. 

As a systems engineer, you will be in charge of troubleshooting and communicating with all parties involved in implementing and using the system. You’ll find systems engineers working in almost every major industry, from healthcare to transportation, manufacturing, and software. It’s a career that allows you to solve problems, explore solutions, and build systems that address problems or achieve goals.

According to Glassdoor, systems engineers in the UK earn a median salary of £45,538  per year as of October 2024 [1]. 

What does a systems engineer do?

The day-to-day tasks of a systems engineer vary by industry and company. Some of the everyday responsibilities you’ll likely engage in include:

• Designing and implementing systems and tools

• Troubleshooting issues with a company's systems and networks

• Automating tasks for production environments

• Installing new hardware and software

• Performing system upgrades

• Managing backup and recovery

• Monitoring and capacity planning for servers

• Conducting version management

• Developing system security standards

• Assessing resources to meet organisational needs

• Overseeing help desk staff

How to become a systems engineer

You’ll need to meet the educational requirements, acquire the necessary skills, gain professional experience, and pursue certification to become a systems engineer. Like many prospective systems engineers, you might also earn certification to learn key skills and boost your chances in the job market. Consider these important aspects of becoming a systems engineer to help you prepare for this career path. 

Systems engineering degrees

When pursuing a systems engineering degree, you’ll likely first obtain a degree in a subject such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field. Employers of systems engineers typically require one or two A levels (or similar) for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. With two to three A levels (or similar), you can go for a bachelor's degree from an accredited program. A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum educational requirement to enter this field. Consider taking a mix of engineering and business courses whilst earning your degrees. 

After that, you might get a master's degree, typically requiring an undergraduate degree first. Many employers require a master’s degree, and earning it can help you move into managerial positions. If you want to become a chartered engineer, consider pursuing a master's degree accredited by a professional institution approved by the Engineering Council.  

Since many different types of systems engineers exist, once you choose your industry or begin working in a particular field, you can narrow your education pathway further to pursue a career in systems engineering within that industry. Examples of systems engineering specialisations include:

• Transportation systems engineering

• Software systems engineering

• Logistics engineering

• Product development systems engineering

• Biosystems engineering

Work experience

Gaining on-the-job training is another critical piece to becoming a successful systems engineer. Real-world experience allows you to explore systems engineering firsthand and may help you decide what kind of systems engineer you’d like to become. 

If you want to earn certification, work experience is a typical requirement. It’s also a likely requirement for many systems engineering positions. To gain work experience, apply for entry-level positions in the industry you want to work in or consider enrolling in an internship or apprenticeship programme with a company you wish to work for. 

Systems engineer certifications 

Earning a certification in systems engineering is another way to demonstrate to a potential employer that you have the skills and knowledge needed to do the job. Certifications can help you grow your career as a systems engineer in many ways. Certifications are professional credentials individuals receive after demonstrating knowledge and skills in specific areas of systems engineering. Each certification programme has its criteria, often requiring you to pass exams and meet experience requirements. 

Certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) from INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering) and the Associated Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) are examples of industry-recognised credentials that validate an engineer's expertise.

Systems engineer skills

Working as a systems engineer requires a wide array of skills to understand what needs to happen within a process, create a system to make that process possible, implement it, and see it through whilst monitoring and problem-solving along the way. 

Depending upon the industry, these are some of the top technical and workplace skills required of a successful systems engineer. 

Systems engineer workplace skills

Effective communication is critical since systems engineers have to collaborate with fellow engineers and programmers, end users, and various stakeholders. For example, systems engineers need to be able to communicate technical concepts to those without a technical background. 

This career also requires your ability to predict outcomes and solve problems. Systems comprise many smaller moving parts that work together to achieve one result. Systems engineers need impeccable attention to detail and “big picture” skills to see a system from design to development. 

The list of workplace skills you'll need to be an effective systems engineer includes:

• Communication  

• Analytical skills 

• Organisational skills 

• Detail-oriented thinking

• Ability to see the “big picture” 

• Troubleshooting 

• Time management  

Systems engineer technical skills

The job-specific skills necessary to become a successful systems engineer will look a little different based on the industry you're interested in. Still, as a general rule, having a solid knowledge of computer engineering and general software development is a good idea, as systems engineers typically work with computer systems. 

Almost all systems engineers will benefit from project management skills since systems engineers act as the primary interface between management, customers, suppliers, and specialty engineers in the systems development process.

These skills could serve you well as a systems engineer:

• Software development

• Data architecture and programming 

• Cloud computing

• Networking

• Scripting

• Information security 

• Software and hardware 

• Risk management 

• Systems engineering software

Systems engineer career path

You can start in an entry-level position, such as a junior systems engineer, before transitioning into a systems engineer job. After gaining additional experience, you can progress into more advanced roles like project manager, operations manager, technical specialist, or consultant. You might also consider aiming for specialisation and becoming skilled in computer or manufacturing systems.

Get started on Coursera

To pursue a career as a systems engineer, earn the appropriate degrees, and start gaining experience. Certifications can be a discovery tool if you want to learn more about the field before pursuing a career. For example, uncover more about the specifics of systems engineering with Introduction to Systems Engineering, offered by The University of South Wales, or Foundations of Healthcare Systems Engineering, provided by Johns Hopkins University—both available on Coursera.