How to Become a Systems Engineer

The modern world is incredibly complex. Most industries rely on heavily interconnected systems involving machines, people, computer programs, and processes to function smoothly. Businesses call upon systems engineers when things break down or need to be improved. To pursue this interdisciplinary career field, you must know how to become a systems engineer.

The process is relatively straightforward but involves a lot of schooling and certification. Let’s break down the steps to becoming a systems engineer individually.

Article Navigation: What is Systems Engineering? | What is a Systems Engineer? | How to Become a Systems Engineer | Education | Systems Engineer Degrees | Certifications & Licenses | Licenses for Professional Engineers | Systems Engineering Career Path | Professional Organizations, Associations, & Resources | FAQs | Conclusion

What is Systems Engineering?

To begin with, this multidisciplinary field involves understanding, organizing, and managing different systems to maximize productivity and other results. Let’s define a few terms, as the career path can feel a little opaque.

• “Engineering” means creating and optimizing something.
• A “system” involves people, techniques, software, and items or tools. For example, computer systems like applications, industrial systems like a manufacturing process, or even an onboarding system used to hire new employees by human resources.

So, this is the art of engineering and optimizing systems, often so they work better together. Indeed, these qualified professionals most frequently facilitate greater productivity rather than causing friction or other issues.

What is a Systems Engineer?

Likewise, a systems engineer is a multidisciplinary professional. They specialize in engineering, management, and computer science topics. With their interdisciplinary expertise, they look at existing systems and try to find ways to improve them.

For example, a computer firm may hire these professionals to help produce high-quality software faster and with fewer bugs or problems during coding. To do this, these professionals may:

• Analyze specific challenges with the computer firm and their software platforms
• Design a project or fix for the system(s) in question
• Implement the engineering solution so the computer firm can make the software more efficiently and productively than ever

The responsibilities in this career can include but are not limited to the following:

• Analyzing the challenges or problems
• Identifying or creating new solutions to meet the needs of specific engineering projects
• Finding ways to integrate multiple systems for better productivity
• Managing teams, often across different departments or disciplines
• Optimizing existing systems
• Maintaining system quality while affecting changes

Because systems engineers must focus on many topics, they must also wear many hats and have much academic knowledge in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and team management. One of the best ways to get the most advanced knowledge is to pursue accredited systems engineering master's degrees online.

These professionals are relatively similar to software engineers. However, in software, you focus on creating or optimizing existing software, not necessarily the systems with which the software will be integrated, such as a company’s software platform.

Systems Engineer vs. Systems Administrator

Similarly, systems engineers share responsibilities with administrators. But administrators are in charge of maintaining and managing existing operations, not coming up with new ones or finding solutions for major issues affecting large systems of scale.

An engineer can have many different titles. For instance, a principal systems engineer creates new systems for specific purposes. Meanwhile, a senior systems engineer may have additional management experience and could lead teams in a particular field, like computer science/programming.

How to Become a Systems Engineer Online

Achieving success in this career takes a while, but it is relatively straightforward. You must acquire educational credentials, secondary credentials, licenses, and real-world experience before qualifying for the best positions.

Step 1 – Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Above all, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, because a bachelor’s degree is the primary credential required to get started in this industry. You should pursue a bachelor’s program in this field or a closely related major/topic.

Systems engineering bachelor’s degrees generally take four years to complete on average. Of course, you must earn good grades during your program to qualify for excellent master’s degree programs later on.

Step 2 – Earn a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineer

While you don’t need a master’s degree to qualify for most positions, a graduate degree is recommended. Doing so allows you to apply for higher-paying jobs. Also, it makes you stand out relative to other job seekers in the same industry.

Most master’s in systems engineering take two years to complete. However, some accelerated tracks may allow you to complete a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program in five years. Regardless, ensure your bachelor’s and master’s degrees are accredited.

Step 3 – Gain Real-World Experience

After acquiring your degree(s), you’ll need real-world experience or a related job position to qualify for further career advancement. Generally, you need three to five years of in-the-field experience to pursue a career at a major company or firm.

Step 4 – Become a Professional Engineer

It’s well worth your while to take this time to become a Professional Engineer or PE as well. PE licensure stands out on your resume and ensures you have the right qualifications to serve in critical jobs, especially for big employers like the government.

Step 5 – Consider Professional Certification

You may further pursue professional certifications from ancillary industries or organizations. For example, the International Council on Systems Engineering offers the Certified Systems Engineer credential, which marks your suitability for these positions.

Because you have to spend several years accumulating experience before you qualify for the best positions, it’s a good idea to use those years to acquire more credentials and licenses. Then, your resume will be as attractive and competitive as possible when it’s time for a promotion.

Step 6 – Consider a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering

Finally, you can consider a Ph.D. in systems engineering to further your academic learning. A Ph.D. is not usually required for most positions – a master’s degree is acceptable.

However, a Ph.D. allows you to expand the field with a research and analysis perspective. But you’ll need to complete and defend a dissertation to complete this type of degree.

Ph.D. in systems engineering programs may allow you to concentrate your learning further, qualify to lead departments, serve on advisory boards, and more. Also, this degree will enable you to negotiate higher salaries at your current job.

Systems Engineer Education Online

To enter this career path, you must complete a rigorous, comprehensive educational program from start to finish.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a System Engineer?

You must have specific qualifications before applying for these high-paying jobs. Specifically, you need the following:

• A four-year degree from an accredited institution, at minimum. Few employers will accept a degree from a nonaccredited institution. Before applying, you should ensure the National Society of Professional Engineers accredits your program.
• PE or Professional Engineering licensure
• Specific certifications which prove competency or expertise in one area or another
• Several years of experience

You can get years of experience by applying for and working at junior engineering jobs for several years, such as earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

On a personal level, you should remember that these professionals have many essential responsibilities and do a lot of highly technical, focused work. Good qualities include:

• Online for complex mathematics and geometry
• An understanding of computer science
• Interest in complex mathematical problems
• Creativity
• Communication and team leadership skills

How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Systems Engineer?

In short, it will usually take six to ten years to become a systems engineer. For example, you’ll need to spend at least four years on your college education before you qualify for entry-level jobs.

After that, you’ll have to acquire on-the-job experience and a graduate degree to qualify for the best-paid, highest-responsibility positions. In many cases, your training never ceases, especially if you have PE licensure (in which case you’ll have to complete continuing education units).

Systems Engineering Degree Requirements

Accredited systems engineering degrees are academically robust and challenging. These degree programs usually include admission requirements like:

• A high school diploma or GED
• A GPA average of 3.0 or above, though the exact average can vary from school to school
• Letters of intent stating why you want to complete a given program
• Letters of recommendation from supervisors or previous teachers

At the graduate and doctoral levels, systems engineering degree programs generally require that you have some real-world experience in the field.

Systems Engineer Degrees Online

To become a systems engineer, there are two degrees you should target right from the get-go: a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

Systems Engineering Major – Bachelor’s

Accredited bachelor’s degrees in systems engineering online prepare you for entry-level jobs. A BS program in this major will cover classes and topics such as:

• System integration
• System theory
• Simulation
• Decision analysis
• Probability and statistics
• Modeling and analysis

Furthermore, many bachelor’s in systems engineering degree programs have concentration or research areas in which you can specialize. These can include concentrations in things like infrastructure, biomedical systems, computer technology and data, security, and industrial and manufacturing operations.

All bachelor’s programs in this field cover a lot of science, math, and computer programming topics. Most BS degrees in systems engineering require specific math and computer science prerequisite classes during your associate-level years and middling to high GPA minimums.

Master’s in Systems Engineering

A master’s degree averages two years or more. The right master’s in systems engineering degree will allow you to further specialize or tailor your studies to a given industry or concentration. For example, manufacturing, computer science, aerospace, etc.

Regardless, these programs cover more complex topics, including advanced data models, simulation programs, advanced theory, and more. Some master’s programs require completing a capstone course or thesis project to graduate.

These programs also have higher admissions requirements, including high GPA minimums or more class prerequisites.

Certifications & Licenses

Earning a degree is only part of what you need to become a qualified systems engineer. You’ll also need to acquire specific certifications and licenses. You can acquire certification from a handful of agencies during your program or on-the-job training. These organizations require you to study or obtain in-person experience, plus pass one or more exams, to acquire their certifications.

International Council on Systems Engineering

The International Council on Systems Engineering offers Systems Engineering Professional or SEP certification. This certification recognizes how you have progressed through your career in developing and applying knowledge and industry-approved practices. You can pursue three levels of certification, but all levels require a community or panel of knowledgeable representatives to acknowledge your competency in a specific profession.

Being a Certified Systems Engineer professional is an excellent certification to pursue. You need five years of professional work experience. You can alternatively pursue Expert Systems Engineering Professional certification, which requires more years of professional work experience and leadership skills.

International Ground Source Heat Pump Association

Suppose you plan to work in the geothermal or manufacturing industries. In this case, you may pursue the Certified Geothermal Inspector certification from the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. This certification is a two-day, comprehensive inspector workshop that requires you to pass an inspector’s exam. You get a card and certificate for completing the certification program.

Association for Facilities Engineering

The Association for Facilities Engineering offers many credentials and certificates to pursue. Among the most important are the Certified Plant Engineer credential, which validates skills and leadership experience as a facilities engineer, and Certified Professional Supervisor, which showcases your skills as a manager.

North American Transportation Management Institute

The North American Transportation Management Institute also offers a handful of professional designations that may be worth pursuing. These include Certified Director of Safety, Certified Driver Trainer, and Certified Director of Maintenance/Equipment.

Licenses for Professional Engineers

Alongside a degree and relevant certifications, PE or Professional Engineer licensure is needed for many competitive and lucrative positions. The PE seal recognizes you as a competent, qualified engineer. It requires you to constantly demonstrate your competency, serving as another credential to bolster your resume to potential employers.

To earn PE licensure, you must:

1. Earn a four-year engineering degree from an accredited program
2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam
3. Complete four years of engineering experience under a licensed PE
4. Past the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam

Pursuing PE licensure immediately is a good idea, no matter where you plan to work. You can do this after earning your bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.

Systems Engineering Career Path

Acquiring a degree and licenses or certifications is just the start of a career in this field. There is much to look forward to once you earn your first job.

Systems Engineering Jobs

Systems engineering jobs can have various titles, responsibilities, and even salary levels. You will oversee industrial, computer, and other engineering projects and lead many team members from interdisciplinary backgrounds.

Most systems engineer jobs involve:

• Learning about systems or optimization problems a business is experiencing
• Devising a solution or optimization fix for the problems in question
• Implementing the solution so that operations run more smoothly or productively than before

Systems engineers must use different tools and technologies and bring their interdisciplinary backgrounds to the forefront of their work daily. Depending on the exact job requirements or the industry you work in, you may lead a team frequently or operate more independently.

Salary

Systems engineer salaries can also vary heavily, just like their exact job duties and responsibilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for engineers is $111,280. You can expect to make around this much at a bare minimum in this career, especially after you become licensed and acquire a master’s degree.

However, some make much more than this amount. They may earn over $160,000 annually, generally with more seniority and experience. Those who lead teams usually tackle more extensive, complex projects and are compensated accordingly.

Your bachelor’s degree salary can also be generous out of the gate. For example, industrial engineers earn $95,300 per year on average and only need a bachelor’s degree.

Systems Engineering Job Outlook

Given the interdisciplinary nature of these jobs, it isn’t easy to chart job growth rates overall. However, the BLS indicates that similar engineering professionals, such as industrial engineers, have an overall job outlook and growth rate of around 10% until 2031.

This trend should translate into several thousand new jobs in this field annually. Finding employment will be easy if you have the right skills and licenses.

Furthermore, as time goes on, you’ll have opportunities to advance your career and progress into higher, more administrative positions.

Career Advancement

You will already have some management and personnel communication experience. As you gain even more experience, you could become a manager, through which you will lead teams and projects.

However, you can also pivot your career trajectory and become an engineering manager, development manager, or something else. Some become industrial production managers who oversee the operations of manufacturing plants and industrial facilities.

With the experience and degrees you need, the sky’s the limit regarding your future career prospects. Any engineering jobs will be available to you. Although you may need specific licenses or certificates, being a certified Professional Engineer should qualify you for most engineering jobs, especially once you have experience.

Professional Organizations, Associations, & Resources

Whether you are already in the profession or are looking to enter, you may benefit from checking out these professional organizations and resources.

• International Council on Systems Engineering
• Association for Facilities Engineering
• North American Transportation Management Institute
• National Society of Professional Engineers

FAQs

Is system engineer a good career?

Yes, if you like creating or optimizing integrated systems in different industries. It is best to have a mind for math, computer science, and engineering to succeed in this career.

Do system engineers get paid well?

Yes. Most make $100,000 or more annually.

Is coding needed In this Career?

Most professionals need a rudimentary understanding of computer science and programming principles. However, only some specialize in coding or specific programming languages.

How do I become a system engineer without a degree?

You cannot pursue this career without a degree.

Conclusion

In summary, these professionals are talented, highly knowledgeable professionals who earn excellent salaries and should have no trouble finding employment. Earning your degree online will make your professional future bright.

You can start pursuing that future right away with GetEducated. Our extensive educational resources can help you find the right online systems engineering program for your needs. Check them out today!