SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • 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

What do Computer Systems Engineers/Architects do?

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects are professionals who specialize in designing, implementing, and managing complex computer systems and infrastructures. They work at the intersection of hardware and software, ensuring that they integrate efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of organizations. These engineers focus on system architecture, which includes the overall layout and organization of the computer system, as well as the specifications for individual components such as servers, storage devices, and networks.

Their role often involves analyzing system requirements and translating them into detailed specifications that guide the development and implementation of hardware and software solutions. They may be responsible for evaluating existing systems, troubleshooting issues, and proposing enhancements or upgrades to improve performance and security. They utilize their knowledge of various programming languages, operating systems, and network protocols to create robust systems that can scale with evolving organizational needs.

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects are also involved in project management activities, collaborating with other engineers, IT professionals, and stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. They must stay updated on the latest technological advancements and industry trends in order to recommend the best tools and practices for their organizations.

Overall, the career of a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect is dynamic and requires a strong combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Systems Analysis Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Abilities

  • Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Knowledge

  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Telecommunications Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Engineering and Technology Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree

A normal week

  • Working with Computers
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Getting Information
  • Processing Information
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Tools used on the job

Technology

Tools

  • Computer servers Blade servers · Web servers
  • Graphics or video accelerator cards Graphics display cards
  • Mobile phones Smartphones
  • Notebook computers Laptop computers
  • High capacity removable media drives Mass storage devices

Who it suits

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

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Questions people ask

How much do Computer Systems Engineers/Architects earn in South Africa?

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Computer Systems Engineers/Architects do?

Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements, Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use and Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.