Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

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

Also called: Infrastructure Engineer, IT Architect (Information Technology Architect), IT Engineer (Information Technology Engineer), Network and Infrastructure Engineer, Solutions Architect, Systems Application Engineer, Systems Architect, Systems Consultant, Systems Engineer, Web Architect, Application Systems Architect, Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, Cloud Platform Engineer, Cloud Software Engineer, Cloud Solution Architect, Computer Systems Architect, Data Platform Engineer, Enterprise Architect, Firmware Engineer, Information Architect, Knowledge Architect, Machine Learning Engineer, Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Platform Engineer, Platform Software Engineer, Reliability Engineer, Software Systems Engineer, Solutions Engineer, Systems Developer, Systems Requirements Planner, Target Developer, Technical Architect

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.

Skills, machines and equipment

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Writing
Speaking
Systems Analysis
Systems Evaluation
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Analysis
Active Learning
Monitoring
Programming

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (40.91% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

79,370–157,500 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 15-1299.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (40.91% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects