Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
In the Computer Systems Engineers/Architects occupation, workers design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. O*NET rates it as medium preparation, which usually means one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. It leans on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active listening. The job can ask you to communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements. With a code of CIR, this is mostly a job for people drawn to orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. Investigative interests also help, rated 5.5 out of 7. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.
What they do
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Main tasks
- Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
- Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
- Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
- Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
- Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
- Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Systems Evaluation
- Systems Analysis
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
- You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
- You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and critical thinking.
May not suit you if
- You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
- You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.9 out of 7 here.
- You need to start within a few months, with no training period.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CIR takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.
Preparation
Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Infrastructure Engineer
- IT Architect (Information Technology Architect)
- IT Engineer (Information Technology Engineer)
- Network and Infrastructure Engineer
- Solutions Architect
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.