Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

Most important skills

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Writing
Speaking
Systems Analysis
Systems Evaluation
Complex Problem Solving

Key knowledge

Computers and Electronics
English Language
Telecommunications
Customer and Personal Service
Engineering and Technology
Administration and Management
Design
Mathematics

What the work involves

Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.
Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.
Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.

Strongest interest areas (O*NET): Conventional, Investigative, Realistic.

Qualifications and licensing

Most common education: Post-Secondary Certificate (40.9% of respondents)
Related experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (27.3%)
On-the-job training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (27.3%)
Preparation level: O*NET job zone 3: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Licensing: Not yet verified. Check your state licensing board.

Check before planning

Licensing for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects is not yet verified for any state: check the state licensing board before planning.
Projection education uses SOC 15-1299 (detailed_parent); it may describe a broader group.

Limits

Distributions show what current workers or occupational experts report, not legal minimums.
Requirements vary by employer and state; time to qualify is not estimated.

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections · dataset 2026.10.8 · method e3-qualification-1.0.0

Work environment

How the typical conditions of this occupation compare with 911 occupations in O*NET (very low = the lowest fifth).

Levels are relative. Most occupations involve a lot of contact with people, for example, so “very low” can still mean regular contact; the last column shows what workers actually reported.

Rankings compare typical U.S. occupation-level work conditions; individual jobs and employers vary. Data: O*NET 31.0 Work Context and BLS wages (May 2025).
Condition	Level	Compared with other occupations	Most common answer (O*NET survey)
Contact with others	Low	Lower on contact with others than 71% of occupations compared	36% of surveyed respondents chose “Contact with others most of the time”
Dealing with the public	Low	Lower on dealing with the public than 61% of occupations compared	36% of surveyed respondents chose “Important”
Teamwork	Low	Lower on teamwork than 71% of occupations compared	40% of surveyed respondents chose “Very important”
Freedom to make decisions	Low	Lower on freedom to make decisions than 63% of occupations compared	55% of surveyed respondents chose “Some freedom”
Time pressure	Moderate	Lower on time pressure than 53% of occupations compared	59% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a week or more but not every day”
Conflict situations	High	Higher on conflict situations than 65% of occupations compared	36% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a month or more but not every week”
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people	Moderate	Higher on dealing with unpleasant or angry people than 57% of occupations compared	40% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a year or more but not every month”
Consequence of error	High	Higher on consequence of error than 74% of occupations compared	38% of surveyed respondents chose “Extremely serious”

Work-pressure profile

Time pressure: moderate
Conflict situations: high
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people: moderate
Consequence of error: high

Each part is shown on its own. There is no combined stress score, and conditions vary by employer and role.

Full answer distributions