Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering and engineering management that focuses on how to design, integrate, and manage complex systems over their life cycles. It involves finding solutions to real problems and identifying the most probable or highest-impact failures that can occur. The systems engineering process is a discovery process that is quite unlike a manufacturing process, which is focused on repetitive activities that achieve high-quality outputs with minimum cost and time.
Systems engineering considers both the business and technical needs of customers with the goal of providing a quality solution that meets the needs of users and other stakeholders, is fit for the intended purpose in real-world operation, and avoids or minimizes adverse unintended consequences. It provides facilitation, guidance, and leadership to integrate the relevant disciplines and specialty groups into a cohesive effort, forming an appropriately structured development process that proceeds from concept to production, operation, evolution, and eventual disposal.
The goal of all systems engineering activities is to manage risk, including the risk of not delivering what the customer wants and needs, the risk of late delivery, the risk of excess cost, and the risk of negative unintended consequences. Systems engineering focuses on multiple, interacting components performing a function that cannot be achieved by any one component.
As a systems engineer, one is in charge of troubleshooting and communicating with all parties involved in implementing and using the system. Systems may include products, people, services, information, natural elements, or processes—or a mix of several depending on the job. There are different types of systems engineering, such as transportation systems engineering, software systems engineering, logistics engineering, product development systems engineering, and biosystems engineering.
To become a systems engineer, one needs to earn a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering or other related fields, like computer engineering or mechanical engineering. Gaining on-the-job training is also critical to becoming a successful systems engineer. Graduates of systems engineering programs pursue careers in a variety of industries and academic disciplines, where they are highly valued for their flexibility and versatility.
