Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Computer and Mathematical
Talking with staff or clients about what a system needs to do comes first, then deciding which hardware and software pieces will meet those needs. From there, the job is to direct the design, installation, and day-to-day running of complete systems—operating systems, networks, applications, and the machines they run on—and to watch for problems as they operate. Maintenance is ongoing: installing or upgrading hardware and software, and giving installation teams or customers clear guidance on how to keep systems secure. It suits people who like tracing how system parts affect one another and who can write recommendations as well as talk through technical choices.
Typical education: Post-Secondary Certificate (vocational/technical)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$116'580
Median Wage Market Position
$116'580
What you might do
- Lead the design and running of complete systems
- Talk with clients to learn exact requirements
- Judge which hardware and software pieces fit
- Direct installation of operating systems and hardware
- Watch running systems for emerging problems
- Give installers guidelines for keeping systems secure
Skills that matter
- Hearing what staff and clients need
- Judging which parts fit a given purpose
- Overseeing how complete systems are built
- Guidance on installing systems securely
- Watching systems to catch problems early
- Installing and upgrading hardware and software
AI & the future of this role
Drafting architectures, integration patterns, and trade-off analyses may increasingly start from machine-generated options. High-stakes system choices and cross-team alignment still matter, but much design work looks exposed.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details