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Systems engineers are the experts behind any project that optimizes systems for an organization. They combine engineering and management skills to design systems that best address a business problem or goal — a critical role in any industry.

Become a systems engineer

Systems engineers are the experts behind any project that optimizes systems for an organization. They combine engineering and management skills to design systems that best address a business problem or goal — a critical role in any industry.

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What does a systems engineer do?

Triage

Systems engineers define customer needs and crucial system functionality in the early stages of a product or service lifecycle. They analyze system challenges and design solutions to address a business problem or goal.

Manage

Systems engineers manage teams across disciplines to coordinate the best solution for every problem. They manage all installed systems and infrastructure and provide guidance on project costs, design concepts and changes, and more to keep projects running smoothly.

Monitor and troubleshoot

System engineers monitor the project plan, assessing risks associated with budgets, performance, scheduling, resources, and testing. They ensure requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle and proactively troubleshoot issues before they happen.

Top systems engineering tasks

System integration

System configuration

System maintenance

System monitoring

Why become a systems engineer?

In today’s world, every major business depends on systems. The more complex the system, the more vital the role of a systems engineer.

It might be the role for you if . . .

You enjoy:

  • Simplifying complex problems
  • Collaborative problem solving
  • Optimizing processes

You excel at:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Leading teams
  • Project management

How much does a systems engineer make?

Entry level

$ 64,000

Average salary

$ 86,000

Expert level

$ 132,000

Popular certifications for systems engineers

CCNP Enterprise certification

The CCNP Enterprise certification can help you prove your skills in the ever-changing landscape of the enterprise network technologies. The certification covers core technologies and an enterprise focus area of your choice.

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CCIE Data Center certification

With the advancement of technology generating more data than ever, data center teams should take advantage of automation to scale and secure their infrastructure. The CCIE Data Center certification proves your skills with complex data center solutions.

Explore CCIE Data Center

Let’s build the bridge to possible

Explore the Enterprise certifications community

Not sure where to begin? The Enterprise certifications community is where you can ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other members as you prepare for your certification exam.

Join the Enterprise certifications community

Explore the Data Center certifications community

The Data Center certifications community is buzzing with learning tools, training resources, preparation material, and industry guidance to help you build an IT career through Cisco certifications.

Join the Data Center certifications community