Systems engineer

Systems engineers design, develop and improve engineering systems. They work on the whole system, and may be involved in all aspects of design, development, integration, manufacturing and marketing. They need a broad knowledge of engineering and must be able to guide the development of the system through all its stages.

Work activities

Modern engineering systems are large and complex. They include telecommunications networks, defence systems, air traffic control systems and manufacturing production plants. They are all made up of tightly or loosely connected building blocks.

Systems engineers are responsible for the smooth running of the whole system. They get involved with research and design, manufacturing, repairs, maintenance and marketing. Systems engineering isn’t just about knowledge of different areas of engineering – it’s about making systems work by taking into account all the factors involved. These include specifications and targets, the development of systems over time, the processes and methods involved, as well as economic, safety, quality and environmental considerations. They need to write reports which list resources needed, including people, machinery, technology and finance.

Systems engineers may have an in-depth knowledge of one specialist area, although it’s essential that they have a broad knowledge of many subjects, like electronics, mechanics, ergonomics and computer software. A typical engineering system involves many different types of engineer working together as a team and the systems engineer must be able to understand and support the work of all the different team members. Systems engineers need a broad knowledge because they often manage projects; this may involve leading teams made up of engineers from different backgrounds. Systems engineers use computer aided design (CAD) systems to produce computer models of working systems. They have to understand both the manufacturer’s and operators’ points of view. Systems engineers may also work with sales and marketing departments.

Personal qualities and skills

As a systems engineer, you need:

To enjoy solving problems by taking an overview and looking at all the different factors involved.
A broad knowledge of engineering.
The ability to understand technical drawings and diagrams.
Computer skills.
To be methodical and creative.
A logical approach to your work.
Good interpersonal and communication skills as you’re likely to be working with a wide range of people.
Good organisational skills, for example, to plan projects.
The ability to work on your own and in a team.
Good written skills, for example, to produce reports.

If you’ve got leadership skills, these will also be very useful. You may also need knowledge of safety regulations and legal requirements.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for systems engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities. According to job site Reed, systems engineers earn an average of £58,000 (based on 1,200 salaries). However, you are likely to start on a much lower salary.

Most systems engineers work typical full-time hours, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and some weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

Major employers are those in aeronautical, motor and defence engineering. However, systems engineers also work for firms in manufacturing, energy, communications, construction, computing, transportation, chemical, water, robotics, marine and offshore industries and in government departments. Opportunities for systems engineers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for systems engineers to work as independent consultants or in partnership with other specialists in professional practice.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry routes and training

The usual way to become a systems engineer is through a relevant engineering degree, foundation degree or HND. A level 7 (degree) apprenticeship is also a good place to start.

Systems engineers come from a wide variety of engineering backgrounds, including electrical/electronic, mechanical, chemical, telecommunications and aeronautical engineering. There are also some specialist systems engineering courses. These are available at a small number of universities around the country. It’s essential to check prospectuses carefully to make sure the course you choose is appropriate to the branch of engineering you want to follow.

Some graduates join graduate training schemes, which offer structured training and learning. Depending on their level of entry, engineers can gain chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng) professional status. Both are highly regarded by employers throughout industry. To register as a CEng or an IEng, you must join a relevant, professional engineering institution licensed by the Engineering Council. To become a CEng or an IEng, you need to demonstrate the appropriate competence and commitment. Full details are available at engc.org.uk.

Depending on their qualification, engineers can progress by taking on more responsibility for the management of engineering projects and teams of engineers. Some engineers choose to become self-employed or take contract work on a freelance basis.

Qualifications

To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will need at least two A-levels/equivalent, as well as GCSEs in maths and English.

To enter a degree course in systems engineering, the usual requirement is:

Two to three A-levels.
GCSEs in your A-level subjects at grades 9-4.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4

Maths and a science subject (often physics) are normally required at A-level

English, maths and a science subject are usually required at GCSE at grades 9-4. Other qualifications, such as a relevant Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma are often accepted. Check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Numerous institutions offer undergraduate and postgraduate engineering qualifications via distance learning.

Sponsorship for higher education study in systems engineering is available from the larger engineering and manufacturing companies. Funding for postgraduate study may be available through universities from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

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