They may not be a core requirement for most positions, but certifications are invaluable assets to have in your resume. They help validate your professional knowledge and give you a significant edge over other candidates. Industry certifications are also an effective way of updating your technical skill set. Some of the international organizations that offer professional certifications linked to systems engineering include:

• International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
• North American Transportation Management Institute
• Association for Facilities Engineering
• International Ground Source Heat Pump Association

INCOSE certifications are an especially popular option within the industry. It’s designed with a three a tiered-system so you can begin from the associate level and work your way to the top. Each level has a minimum requirement for education and experience.

• ASEP: Associate systems engineer
• CSEP: Certified Systems Engineer Professional (5-year experience, 3 professional references and a degree)
• ESEP: Expert Systems engineer professional (25-years experience, degree, references). Will require panel review

Business Systems Engineer Job Description

We’ve done the research for you. After evaluating numerous job descriptions, we’ve written our own representative job description for a mid-level business systems engineer job description with between 2 and 5 years of relevant experience.

As a Business Systems Engineer, you’ll help develop, maintain and troubleshoot our expanding infrastructure. You’ll be responsible for resolving service issues, mentoring other engineers and implementing complex projects. You’ll oversee and interface with a team of engineers and professionals while displaying good leadership qualities. Our engineers are versatile and self-motivated, can work in a self-directed manner or in a collaborative setting as needed.

What We Need Your Help With

• Installing, testing, configuring and maintaining operation systems
• Maintaining security and overseeing backup strategies
• Determining issues with VPN configuration, WAN technologies, internet connectivity and remote access
• Working with diagnostic tools
• Detecting and solving bottlenecks in existing systems
• Identify possible system degradation
• Create appropriate history logs and documentation
• Managing installed systems, system management tools and application software
• Liaising with team and vendors of problem resolution

We Look For

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with monitoring systems
• 2+ years of experience with application stacks (NGINX, JBoss, Ruby, Tomcat etc)
• Experience with automation applications (Chef, cfengine, puppet)
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Good architecture modeling skills
• Good knowledge of complex system development methods
• Firm understanding of system testing practices
• Extensive knowledge of networking and networking protocols
• Experience with Windows, Linux or AIX virtualization
• Extensive experience in configuring, tuning or troubleshooting Linux/UNIX environments
• Ability to manage time and quickly diagnose issues with offered solutions
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field

These Would Be Nice

• Experience with MCSE Server Infrastructure
• Experience with OSX troubleshooting
• Experience with security software such as Anti-Span, Anti-virus Anti-Spyware and more
• Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certification
• MBA, Business Administration
• INCOSE certification: ASEP or CSEP
• Security clearance for working on government contracts

Senior Business Systems Engineer Career Paths: Where To Go From Here

One of the benefits of pursuing a career in systems engineering is how versatile the field is. With more than 10 years of experience, you’ll be able to apply your technical skills to different areas—anything from building systems to improve logistics to contributing to major military defense programs. Identify where your interests are and study the requirements. For instance, if you’re looking to work for the government, the position may require getting a security clearance. Be on the lookout for job opportunities, within your company and beyond. Many senior business systems engineers go on to become Chief Scientist or Chief Scientific Officer (C.S.O), tasked with overseeing the company’s research operations.

Your career may also lead to a management position where you’ll oversee teams on a variety of projects. Engineering managers coordinate the development of new designs and are closely involved in project budgets, hiring and quality assurance. If you’re interested in becoming an Engineering Manager, then a Master’s degree in technology management (MSTM), business administration (MBA) or engineering management (MEM), will come in handy, when you’re negotiating for a pay increase. You could also take classes on management to expand your knowledge.

If you’re interested in the manufacturing process, you could consider becoming a manufacturing engineer, where you’ll design systems used to optimize the delivery or use or materials, networks and even robots. A job in this field may require a certification or license depending on the company or organization. Develop your soft skills. In addition to your academic qualifications, you’ll need to have good leadership and communication skills. Effective time management skills will make it easier for you to meet deadlines while ingenuity will help you in reaching creative design solutions.

Regardless of what path you choose to pursue, your career stands the best chance of success if you stay current with the emerging trends and advancements in your preferred industry. Sign up for seminars, attend conferences and take any professional development opportunities that come your way.