Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

What does a professional in this career do?

In this job you will...

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