Life As a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect
Example of Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Job Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Daily Life Of a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect
- Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
- Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components.
- Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
- Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
- Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
- Evaluate existing systems to determine effectiveness and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements.
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What Every Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Should Know
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: 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: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Other Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Job Titles
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Solutions Architect
- Software Systems Engineer
- Knowledge Architect
- Systems Requirements Planner
Job Outlook for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
There were about 287,200 jobs for Computer Systems Engineer/Architect in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 26,600 new jobs for Computer Systems Engineer/Architect by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 22,400 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Computer Systems Engineer/Architect are Washington, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maryland, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects make between $47,350 and $144,820 a year.

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Systems Engineers/Architects make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $87,060 |
Alaska | $98,830 |
Arizona | $85,010 |
Arkansas | $73,670 |
California | $103,270 |
Colorado | $102,470 |
Connecticut | $100,340 |
District of Columbia | $117,540 |
Florida | $78,900 |
Georgia | $90,140 |
Hawaii | $89,960 |
Idaho | $80,610 |
Indiana | $79,310 |
Iowa | $78,810 |
Kansas | $79,300 |
Kentucky | $79,420 |
Louisiana | $66,600 |
Maine | $79,790 |
Maryland | $113,330 |
Massachusetts | $92,110 |
Michigan | $76,400 |
Minnesota | $81,650 |
Mississippi | $81,280 |
Missouri | $82,610 |
Montana | $68,430 |
Nebraska | $86,230 |
Nevada | $72,610 |
New Hampshire | $112,440 |
New Jersey | $99,210 |
New Mexico | $79,540 |
New York | $90,750 |
North Carolina | $88,650 |
North Dakota | $70,730 |
Ohio | $82,440 |
Oklahoma | $78,490 |
Oregon | $79,610 |
Pennsylvania | $87,040 |
Rhode Island | $81,290 |
South Carolina | $92,100 |
South Dakota | $81,250 |
Tennessee | $74,000 |
Texas | $90,290 |
Utah | $76,890 |
Vermont | $72,220 |
Virginia | $105,270 |
Washington | $91,620 |
West Virginia | $83,660 |
Wisconsin | $74,600 |
Wyoming | $75,780 |
What Tools & Technology do Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Systems Engineers/Architects may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Web browser software
- Python
- React
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
How do I Become a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect?
Individuals working as a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect?

Where Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Computer Systems Engineers/Architects work:

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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