Systems engineer
Design, build and manage engineering systems for specific purposes, making sure everything works properly together.
Also known as: test and commissioning engineer
About the job
What it's like
Systems engineers make engineering elements work together in the end-to-end process of a complex system. These elements could include parts of a machine, electronic components or software code.
Systems engineers are needed for a wide variety of systems, including software applications, machinery or electronics. You might work on:
parts of a car manufacturing assembly line
how a wind turbine will work to generate energy and feed it to a power grid
managing and storing data and information using technology
working out a system to store and transport hydrogen
planning how a boat's navigation system will be built
Many industries rely on systems engineers because of their vast skills and knowledge. You'll work with different teams and individuals to design a system and make sure it works through its whole lifecycle.
You could work with different types of system or specialise in one area. For example, computer, mechanical, electrical or manufacturing systems. You could also help cut carbon emissions in your industry by improving efficiency, cutting out waste and reducing energy use.
Your tasks might include:
working out how much a system will cost and making sure you meet the customer's needs
developing systems from start to finish
testing existing systems and developing solutions to fix issues
working with other teams and individuals such as project managers, engineers and developers
making sure systems meet standards in areas such as safety, security and legal regulation
communicating complex ideas and issues to stakeholders in an understandable way
Green job
In this job, you could be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
YouTube, Tomorrow's Engineers – hear from system engineer Rhodri and his work helping to save lives at sea
The Women's Engineering Society – read about inspiring female engineers
The European Space Agency – learn how systems engineers contribute to space missions
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – for more information on engineering careers
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- working with technology
- understanding
- time management
- researching
- problem solving
- developing a plan
- creative
- cooperating
- attention to detail
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Engineering Science
Most systems engineers will have a degree in engineering or a related subject. You could get this by going to university or by doing an apprenticeship.
For some jobs, you might be able to apply with a lower level of qualification. This means you could go to college and then into work or continue studying for a higher qualification.
Here's more information about each of the different routes you could take.
University
You could go to university and get a degree in engineering. You could also study a more specialised subject if you know the industry you'd like to work in.
Some subjects you could study include:
Aerospace Systems
Computer and Electronic Systems
Computer Science
Electrical Energy Systems
Electrical Engineering
Electronic and Digital Systems
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Software Engineering
Search undergraduate courses related to engineering.
College
Some jobs accept applicants with a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND). You could go to college after school to get one of these qualifications.
There are many subjects where you can learn useful practices. Some cover engineering from a general perspective and others offer more specialised knowledge. You could study:
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Engineering Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Software Engineering
Entry requirements will depend on the subject and the level you're studying. For HNC or HND courses, you'll likely need 1 or 2 Scottish Highers at Grade C. Courses value qualifications in maths or physics.
Search for courses relevant to this role.
Apprenticeship
If you’re 16 or older, a Modern Apprenticeship will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. After you qualify, you'd be able to study further or move into a role where you can build experience.
Apprenticeships.scot has options where you'll learn general engineering principles and skills. There are also more specialised courses if you have an interest in a particular industry. Here are some you might find helpful:
You could also earn a degree level qualification through a Graduate Apprenticeship. Check out these options:
Experience or qualifications which show knowledge of the industry will be helpful. For example, Skills For Work: Engineering or relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).
You might be able to get volunteering experience in an engineering environment. This’ll help you build up the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a career in mechanical engineering.
Have a look for engineering volunteering opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
Different types of roles will need you to have specialised skills. For example, to work with software, you'll need knowledge of programming languages.
It'll help to join a professional engineering institution. The Engineering Council has a list of recognised bodies you can become a member of.
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