How to become a systems engineer
Collaborate with IT professionals to design and implement computer systems.
Pathways to this career
- Complete a bachelor's degree in computer systems engineering or related fields such as engineering, information technology or computer science.
- Secure an internship and gain relevant experience in the field. It may open the door to a lasting mentorship from qualified engineers.
- Join relevant industry bodies so you're always on-top of the latest news and opportunities.
What does a systems engineer do?
Duties and tasks
- Plan, develop, deploy and improve computer network and system services.
- Install upgrades to existing software and hardware.
- Research and analyse complex system designs and architecture specifications, data models and diagrams in the development, configuration and integration of computer systems.
- Analyse network infrastructure and systems to ensure they are configured to operate at optimal efficiency.
- Provide ongoing technical support, troubleshooting and fault-finding services for network problems.
- Advise on improvements to network operations and integrated hardware, software, communications and operating systems.
Industry bodies
- The Australian Computer Society
- Information Technology Professionals Association (ITPA)
- Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA)
- Association for Computing Machinery
- Systems Engineering Society of Australia
- Engineers Australia
Related jobs
Discover online IT courses
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
Features IT industry collaboration, certification, and projects
Graduate with industry relevant knowledge and experience—and work across almost any sector. You’ll develop your core IT skills in programming, networking and databases. Sharpen your competitive edge with AI and cloud tech to get you job-ready.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Cloud Analytics,
- Software Engineering
Diploma of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DIP
Build practical IT skills for now and the future
Study alongside bachelor students while building essential IT knowledge. Learn how to develop software, manage systems and respond to cyber threats. With dedicated support you’ll be prepared to continue your studies or begin your career in technology.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateGRF-CYB-DEG
Core IT knowledge + a cyber security specialisation
Get ready to join the IT sector as a cyber security professional. You’ll learn to protect information and systems from cyber threats. Cover IT essentials including programming. Explore AI, network security, data protection, and more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Diploma of Information Technology
UndergraduateTUA-DIT-DIP
Begin your journey into professional IT practice
Build core knowledge in topics covering computer hardware and software. Explore networking, programming, website development and cloud computing. You’ll become proficient in use of programs such as C++, Python and Java.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

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