...the Web's Best Employment Resources

System Software Engineers Job Overview

System software engineers analyze the user’s needs and then develop software to fulfill those needs. They design, develop, test and evaluate the software systems by applying the principles of mathematical analysis and computer science.

System Software Engineers Schools and Degrees

At least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer information system is required in order to enter this field. Universities and colleges generally award diplomas and certificate programs along with a bachelor’s, master’s or associate’s degree. The duration of the course is usually two to four years. However, the preference is undoubtedly for graduate degrees, as this makes candidates more capabale for the most demanding jobs.

Job Requirements

Certification and training are made available to many system software engineers by many system software vendors. However, a thorough grounding in the subject is required and authorities say that simply a certification alone does not suffice. Experience hones the abilities of system software engineers and that leads to better opportunities for them in the future.

System software engineers work in a continuously changing technology field, so they need to keep themselves aware of the latest in the technology world. They need to attend professional development seminars and continuing education programs. Knowledge of the skills related to the industry for which they are working helps as well.

System software engineers need to have strong analytical abilities and problem solving skills. As they handle a number of tasks simultaneously, they also need to be able to multi task and also have an eye for detail.

Nature of Work

The construction, expansion and maintenance of the computer systems of an organization are conrolled by system software engineers. They coordinate the computer needs of each department in an organization. Organizations that configure and install computer systems need system software engineers. They are also responsible for providing the security required for the systems they configure. Since the sales of such highly technical products need customization, system software engineers are needed to help explain the technicalities.

System software engineers usually work in a neat and comfortable office environment. On average, they work for forty hours a week. However, if deadlines demand, they put in extra hours in the evenings and during the weekends. Those working for consulting firms and software vendors often need to travel in order to fulfill all the duties of their job. They spend long hours at the computer and face the risk of suffering from eyestrain, back problems and wrist and hand problems.

System Software Engineers Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, employment in this field is to increase by 38% percent in the next ten years.

The average annual salary of a system software engineers is approximately $70,000.

Job Numbers and Growth

There are an estimated 350,000 system software engineers nationally. Most recently, workers have experienced a very low level of joblessness. An estimated 3% of employees did not have employment in 2008.

Area Job Conditions

System software engineers -of-a-feather seem to flock to San Jose (California), Framingham (Massachusetts), and Lowell (Massachusetts). They are less likely to be found around Asheville (North Carolina), McAllen (Texas), and Gary (Indiana).

Compensation of workers is best in San Jose (California), Rapid City (South Dakota), and San Francisco (California), and much worse in Gainesville (Florida), Shreveport (Louisiana), and Port St. Lucie (Florida).

Training and Education

Employees often find employers are looking for a bachelor's degree. System software engineers, in 85% of cases, have bachelor's degree or higher. After high school, 13% of workers pursued some additional career education. Employees, in 2% of cases, had only a high school education. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

System software engineers employed part-time are 3% of the total. Workers, in about 2% of cases, work for themselves.

System Software Engineers by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin