Computer Systems Engineers/Architect Career

Job Description: Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.


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Computer Systems Engineers/Architect Career

What Computer Systems Engineers/Architects do:

  • Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
  • Communicate project information through presentations, technical reports, or white papers.
  • Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
  • Define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems.
  • Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.
  • Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
  • Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
  • Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
  • Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
  • Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.
  • Evaluate existing systems to determine effectiveness, and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements.
  • Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components.
  • Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
  • Complete models and simulations, using manual or automated tools, to analyze or predict system performance under different operating conditions.
  • Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
  • Establish functional or system standards to address operational requirements, quality requirements, and design constraints.
  • Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
  • Train system users in system operation or maintenance.
  • Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
  • Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
  • Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
  • Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
  • Design and conduct hardware or software tests.
  • Develop or approve project plans, schedules, or budgets.
  • Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
  • Configure servers to meet functional specifications.
  • Develop application-specific software.
  • Develop efficient and effective system controllers.

What work activities are most important?

Importance Activities

Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Holland Code Chart for a Computer Systems Engineers/Architect