Systems Engineers: How to Become One
If you were to ask a group of systems engineers about how they arrived at their current job, there's a good chance you would get several different answers about the paths and steps that each person took.
That said, there are still ways that you can develop a baseline understanding of the preparation that is necessary to become one.
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has gathered data to provide you with insight into the type of education that's commonly required for systems engineers to land a job. This page contains information, sourced from real job postings, that describes the experience levels and specific skills that employers of systems engineers expect candidates to have. In the end, this information will help you create an education or professional development plan that aligns with your career aspirations.
Keep reading to learn more about career steps for systems engineers.
What Education & Experience is Needed for Systems Engineers?
Do systems engineers need a degree? What kind of experience do systems engineers typically need? Thanks to data sourced from Lightcast™ from real job postings, we can get some clarity on those questions, as well as the level of education that is commonly required for systems engineers to secure jobs.
Education Level Required in Job Postings for Systems Engineers
Jobs Postings for Systems Engineers By Education
- Bachelor's degree: 35,671 (52%)
- Master's degree: 16,878 (24%)
- No Education Listed: 12,329 (18%)
- Ph.D. or professional degree: 2,427 (4%)
- High School or GED: 1,672 (2%)
A bachelor's degree is the level of education sought the most by employers of systems engineers. According to job data, a bachelor's degree was required for 52% of positions. In 24% of job listings a master's degree was required and in 18% of postings no education level was listed.
Experience Level Required in Job Postings for Systems Engineers
Jobs Postings for Systems Engineers By Experience
- 0-1 Years: 965 (3%)
- 2-3 Years: 3,579 (9%)
- 4-6 Years: 9,000 (24%)
- 7-9 Years: 8,608 (23%)
- 10+ Years: 16,102 (42%)
While the amount of required experience will vary based on the responsibility and seniority of the position, an aggregate view of job posting data can help paint a picture of the experience level sought for most job openings for systems engineers. In 42% of job postings for Systems Engineers, employers were looking for candidates with 10+ years of experience. In 24% of listings employers were looking for candidates with 4-6 years of experience, while 7-9 years of experience was sought in 23% of job postings for systems engineers.
What Kind of Degree Do Systems Engineers Need?
So far this page has provided detail into the level of education and the amount of experience required in job openings for systems engineers, but what type of education or degree will help prepare you for a career in the field?
According to occupational data obtained through Lightcast,™ there are 31 key academic programs that can help prepare prospective systems engineers, and in 2021 a total of 629,415 of those programs were completed at institutions in the United States.
Check out the information below to learn more about the specific programs that should be considered by prospective systems engineers.
Top Degree Programs for Systems Engineers
Top 5 Degree Programs for Systems Engineers (2021)
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | 351,860 |
| Computer Science. | 59,346 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 51,511 |
| Information Technology. | 31,478 |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | 22,799 |
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | 351,860 |
| Computer Science. | 59,346 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 51,511 |
| Information Technology. | 31,478 |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | 22,799 |
| Information Science/Studies. | 18,279 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | 14,224 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | 14,182 |
| Management Information Systems, General. | 11,636 |
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | 8,719 |
| Operations Management and Supervision. | 7,115 |
| Network and System Administration/Administrator. | 5,472 |
| Computer Software Engineering. | 4,226 |
| Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other. | 4,000 |
| Systems Engineering. | 3,904 |
| Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator. | 3,302 |
| Informatics. | 2,726 |
| Computer Programming, Specific Applications. | 2,399 |
| Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst. | 2,305 |
| Information Technology Project Management. | 2,076 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other. | 1,880 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | 1,755 |
| Information Resources Management. | 1,181 |
| Systems Science and Theory. | 884 |
| Data Science, General. | 526 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | 518 |
| Management Information Systems and Services, Other. | 476 |
| Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification. | 278 |
| Knowledge Management. | 204 |
| Computer Programming, Other. | 152 |
| Economics and Computer Science. | 2 |
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Systems Engineers
Make the most of your experience by getting up to 30 credits for training and certificates toward an IT-Project Management associate degree.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
- Months To Complete: 24
Prepare yourself for an in-demand career in cybersecurity where you’ll build defensive and offensive strategies for cybersecurity to mitigate risks and protect people, processes and systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Prevent costly security breaches by implementing adequate security measures to protect data in any industry or government sector.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Turn patient data into knowledge that improves lives with Franklin’s M.S. in Health Informatics. Finish your master's online in as few as 12 months.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 12
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Leverage technology to align with business goals with Franklin’s 100% online M.S. in Information Systems, which can be completed in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Cybersecurity 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Leadership 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Learning Technology 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Build your business knowledge while you gain practical understanding of database management, information security and IT-project management with Franklin’s online accredited MBA with a Specialization in Information Technology.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 12
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Certificates & Microcredentials for Systems Engineers
Start your cloud computing journey with AWS certificate courses for beginners and keep up with the fast pace of innovation.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
This DeepLearning AI certificate course lets you dive into the cutting-edge world of AI specialization, machine learning and data-driven solutions.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
In-demand programmers know Git. You can, too, with GitHub certificate courses that put you among the ranks of other Git certification-ready development pros.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Put your creativity to work with these Google UX design courses that equip you to build and test user-centered solutions and to use Google Analytics to improve usability.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 5-6 months
- Cost: $35/month
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
What Skills Do Systems Engineers Need?
Education and experience have been covered, so what are the specific skills and traits needed by systems engineers to secure a job?
A good way to understand this is to examine actual job postings for skills commonly sought by employers. Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for systems engineers, as well as common skills that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Systems Engineers
Based on 51,491 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Systems Engineers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 16,826 | 33% |
| Project Management | 15,257 | 30% |
| Agile Methodology | 11,688 | 23% |
| Software Engineering | 8,543 | 17% |
| Software Development | 7,981 | 15% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Systems Engineers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | 30,127 | 59% |
| Management | 28,384 | 55% |
| Communications | 27,429 | 53% |
| Operations | 18,004 | 35% |
| Planning | 16,272 | 32% |
Based on 51,491 job postings related to systems engineers, computer science was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 33% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for project management, agile methodology, software engineering, software development and information systems were also highly sought.
As for common skills, leadership was the most desired skill found in job postings for systems engineers, followed by management, communications, operations, planning and information technology.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 16,826 | 33% |
| Project Management | 15,257 | 30% |
| Agile Methodology | 11,688 | 23% |
| Software Engineering | 8,543 | 17% |
| Software Development | 7,981 | 15% |
| Information Systems | 7,483 | 15% |
| Amazon Web Services | 6,467 | 13% |
| Automation | 6,185 | 12% |
| Scalability | 6,134 | 12% |
| Business Strategies | 5,714 | 11% |
| Technology Solutions | 5,253 | 10% |
| Business Process | 5,038 | 10% |
| Microsoft Azure | 4,974 | 10% |
| Auditing | 4,965 | 10% |
| Finance | 4,882 | 9% |
| Enterprise Architecture | 4,855 | 9% |
| Marketing | 4,607 | 9% |
| Change Management | 4,472 | 9% |
| Emerging Technologies | 4,326 | 8% |
| DevOps | 4,319 | 8% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | 30,127 | 59% |
| Management | 28,384 | 55% |
| Communications | 27,429 | 53% |
| Operations | 18,004 | 35% |
| Planning | 16,272 | 32% |
| Information Technology | 14,623 | 28% |
| Innovation | 12,096 | 23% |
| Problem Solving | 12,095 | 23% |
| Customer Service | 9,942 | 19% |
| Influencing Skills | 9,549 | 19% |
| Writing | 8,525 | 17% |
| Research | 8,014 | 16% |
| Coordinating | 7,861 | 15% |
| Presentations | 7,647 | 15% |
| Strategic Planning | 7,626 | 15% |
| Mentorship | 7,534 | 15% |
| Budgeting | 6,871 | 13% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 6,576 | 13% |
| Governance | 6,504 | 13% |
| Coaching | 6,368 | 12% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information about systems engineers? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for systems engineers.
What do systems engineers do?
How much do systems engineers make?
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