Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

What the job really is

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

At a glance

• Sector: Computer & Mathematical
• O*NET-SOC code: 15-1299
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
• Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
• Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
• Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
• Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
• Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
• Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
• Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
• Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
• Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
• Configure servers to meet functional specifications.
• Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.

Tools and technology

AJAX, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Photoshop, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation, Amazon Web Services AWS software, Ansible software, Apache Airflow, Apache Cassandra

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Software Developers
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Computer Network Architects
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• Blockchain Engineers
• Database Administrators
• Database Architects
• Information Security Engineers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Computer Systems Engineers/Architects — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.