systems engineer.

Specific duties of a systems engineer depend on the industry and the project stage. However, some everyday tasks of a systems engineer include:

• developing systems: as a systems engineer, you oversee the development of new systems from conception of an idea to completion. Before creating a system, you liaise with the stakeholders to determine its objectives and functions. You also use modelling techniques to assess performance and value to the end-user. When you have the design concepts, it is easier to develop the systems.
• testing and deploying systems: after creating a system, you evaluate its performance to ensure it accomplishes its intended purpose. During testing, you identify vulnerable areas and adjustments required to improve efficiency. Existing systems also require testing to determine the inefficiencies and improve functionality. If the new system passes all the tests, you can launch it.
• maintaining and troubleshooting issues in a system: as a systems engineer, you monitor existing systems and identify problems that affect the system's structural integrity. During maintenance, you fix issues in the system or upgrade some parts to improve the output.
• ensuring safety procedures are in place: as a systems engineer, it is your job to ensure safety procedures are in place. For instance, workers may require training before working with the systems. It is also crucial to have protective gear for the teams and adhere to health and safety regulations during production.
• writing reports and presenting system designs: during the design stages, you present system design ideas to the stakeholders before development. It is also crucial to write maintenance reports during system checks, troubleshoot and offer recommendations to improve efficiency.
• execution of project management tasks: as a systems engineer creating a system, you perform project management tasks. You develop the project plan, identify the necessary resources and assign tasks to team members to ensure the project is completed within a specific timeline.

The work environment of a systems engineer varies depending on the roles and industry. For instance, during the design stages, a systems engineer works in an office setting alongside other engineers to develop a system's blueprints. Sometimes, you also work in a factory setting when analysing processes or maintaining the systems used in manufacturing. In other industries, you may work outdoors developing water delivery, mining, transport or waste management systems. You work in server rooms or handle various hardware parts in information technology settings. Since you work both onsite and offsite, the role involves a lot of travelling.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include project managers, data engineers, software developers, web developers, IT specialists and programme managers. You might also be working close to engineers and product managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, mining managers, marketing managers and system administrators.

As a systems engineer, you work an average of 40 hours weekly in a full-time position. However, some projects take longer to complete, and the design stage often requires long work hours, including evenings and weekends. Sometimes you also work on public holidays to fix glitches in a system or meet deadlines. Part-time positions are rare in systems engineer jobs, but you can find short-term contracts in various industries. Freelance opportunities are also available for systems engineers.

Becoming a systems engineer is a great career choice with exciting job prospects. With experience, it is easy to move to a managerial position like becoming a project manager, operations manager or factory manager.

Some systems engineers focus on various specialisms or industry sectors. You can become an expert in computer or manufacturing systems. Alternatively, become a consultant or a lecturer in academic institutions.

Finding your systems engineer job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a systems engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job.Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

Systems engineers develop systems that solve problems. For instance, they design new systems to assist with producing specific products. As a systems engineer, you also determine the problems within a specific system or upgrade the hardware of an existing system.

No. The main role of systems engineers is to develop a design concept and plan the process of executing it. Working in systems engineering involves gathering the requirements for developing a design or defining the problems in a system and finding solutions.

Becoming a systems engineer improves your career prospects since the role is in high demand. Systems engineers also work in various industries. Hence, they can specialise in various business sectors like mining, technology or manufacturing.

A systems engineer earns an average salary of $80,000 annually. Very experienced professionals with additional qualifications increase the remuneration package to $115,000.

To become a systems engineer, you require a bachelor's degree in systems engineering or a related field. Some employers also need work experience and registration with a professional body.

Applying for a systems engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our systems engineer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.