System Engineers

We marvel at the dynamics of an aircraft when we are in air, wondering how everything functions so perfectly and with ease. The flawless planning and working of integrated systems at the airport, the machines at a dental clinic, or the latest gadgets and equipments that reduce manual work and perform tasks with such efficiency and perfection, all do not cease to fascinate us.

Well, all these are the brain child of system engineers. This is a field of engineering which deals with how complex processes are designed and managed over the lifecycle of the project. It integrates technology with human disciplines to identify new research methods and find new ways of doing things.

The world is continuously evolving and there is an emerging need of newer systems, new advancements in technology, improvement in existing systems and hence, the demand for system engineers. They are required in every domain ranging from water and food distribution networks, military defence, communications, electricity, transport, hospitality, medicine and almost every other field.

A system engineer is a technological artist. He is an architect with knowledge of systems and designs them in a manner to implement his ideas into fruitful inventions. They are required in both government as well as private organizations. In a recent survey, system engineers were labelled as one of the top career opportunities.

The duties include testing of systems, coordination of all their parts and ensure that computer systems function efficiently to support an organizations information technology needs. To pursue this career, one must possess a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and coursework in information technology and computer systems. A system engineer receives a pay package starting from Rs 4 lakhs onwards, depending on his capabilities and in America, one would receive around $ 88000 per year, as of January 2010.

There are various forms of system engineering like Security systems engineer who evaluates, designs and tests system security to ensure integrity of systems and dataor Computer systems engineer who designs and improves the hardware and software of computers to ensure they operate efficiently. They are also known as lead system analysts or network engineers, and are responsible for the overall management of networks, development of hybrid software, web products, and hardware solutions. They may have to work with computer equipment, servers, devices and other types of hardware.

The engineer maybe required to manage the business cycle by producing cost effective software, hardware and applications ranging from specification and design, to the coding, testing and maintenance of the agreed solution for the problem. They can move up the ladder and make transitions to various other IT positions after gaining considerable knowledge and expertise.

There is an ever growing demand for system engineers and several job opportunities.

Due to this reason they are in a position to command high salaries and be the envy of many young career aspirants.