Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Software & Systems Engineering

Level 5588 of 1200 points

Job description

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Job purpose

To design, integrate and manage complete computer systems, resolving complex applications, administration and network concerns and verifying architecture for stability, interoperability, security and scalability, so that the systems the organisation depends on meet user requirements and work together as a whole.

Skills

Broad command of computer hardware and software, server configuration, operating systems, network and application software, and integration architectures for distributed systems, with telecommunications knowledge and the engineering discipline to model system performance under different operating conditions. Includes security analysis of software components, evaluation of emerging technologies for cost, compatibility and usability, and the written English needed for design specifications and technical reports. A post-secondary certificate is the most common qualification, followed by an associate's degree and then a bachelor's degree, with previous related experience and one or two years of on-the-job training.
Works with staff and clients to establish system requirements, and provides technical guidance and support for the development and troubleshooting of systems. Collaborates with engineers and software developers on design solutions and component compatibility, trains system users, coaches less experienced colleagues, and communicates project information through presentations and technical reports. Dealings extend to external customers.
Designs solutions to complex applications, administration and network problems: defining the objectives, scope and organisational impact of information systems, judging the suitability of components, evaluating existing systems and proposing change, and running models and simulations to predict performance. Verifies architecture for stability, portability, security and scalability. Precedent is limited and the criteria compete, so the choice must be justified; decisions are taken frequently and carry consequences for co-workers and company results.
Establishes the functional and system standards that address operational, quality and design constraints, and develops or approves project plans, schedules and budgets. Organises and prioritises own work under time pressure.
Desk-based design and configuration work at a workstation, with prolonged sitting and repeated hand movements. No manual handling or lifting demands.

Responsibilities

No general line management, but directs the analysis, development and operation of complete computer systems and the installation work of others, and trains and coaches system users and colleagues. The work of others depends on the standards and architecture set.
Approves project plans, schedules and budgets, advises on project costs, and monitors and controls resources; commitments beyond the approved project envelope rest above the role.
Responsible for servers and system hardware and software in service: configures servers to functional specifications, performs ongoing maintenance and upgrade, designs and conducts tests, and monitors system operation to detect potential problems.
Owns design specifications, installation instructions, functional and system standards, and related documentation. Performs security analyses of software components and issues the guidelines by which secure systems are implemented, so what is documented and approved bears directly on the security of the systems built from it.

Effort required

Sustained analytical concentration where exactness is central: architecture must be verified against several competing properties and component suitability judged on incomplete information. Decisions are frequent and consequential, and the work is done under time pressure.
Accountability for systems that colleagues, users and external customers rely on, and conflict situations that must be handled with composure. Technical currency must be maintained in a competitive field, and a proportion of the work is repetitive in character.
Predominantly seated work with repeated hand movements at a keyboard. No lifting or exertion demands appear in the data.

Working conditions

Indoor, environmentally controlled premises, with no exposure to weather, contaminants or hazardous conditions; noise at a level that can be distracting is a feature of the working space. A large volume of contact by e-mail, telephone and face-to-face discussion with colleagues and external customers, and conflict situations arise from time to time.
Four-fifths of incumbents work a regular established schedule and the remainder an irregular one varying with production or contract demands; the working week is forty hours for the majority. No shift, rota, on-call or out-of-hours obligation appears in the data. Freedom to make decisions and to determine own tasks, priorities and goals is considerable, exercised within approved project plans and agreed system standards and under time pressure.

Skills

40% · 268 points▾

KnowledgeLevel 5 of 8
90 of 144 points
Specialised and theoretical knowledge within a field of work and an awareness of the limits of that knowledge. The job requires a comprehensive range of cognitive and practical knowledge to develop creative solutions to abstract problems.
Interpersonal and communication skillsLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Effective communication and interpersonal relationships. The job holder is required to adapt communication to different audiences and foster trust, cooperation and positive working relationships.
Problem-solving skillsLevel 4 of 5
77 of 96 points
Non-standard problems. The job involves solving complex, non-standard problems involving multiple factors to consider. Solutions often require careful analysis and the adaptation of current methods.
Planning and organisational skillsLevel 3 of 5
43 of 72 points
Moderate organisational skills required. The job requires the organising and prioritising of multiple tasks, with some level of adjustment to plans on the basis of changing circumstances or deadlines.
Physical skillsLevel 0 of 5
0 of 72 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any particular physical skills (although there is likely to be some physical activity).

Responsibility

35% · 188 points▾

PeopleLevel 2 of 5
58 of 144 points
Basic responsibility for people. Provides support, guidance or advice to individuals or small teams. This could include assisting with personal development, providing informal mentoring or guiding others through tasks with minimal decision-making power. It may involve contributing to others' sense of safety and comfort, but with limited decision-making authority or accountability for outcomes.
Goods and equipmentLevel 2 of 5
34 of 84 points
Some responsibility for goods or equipment. The job involves the use and maintenance of equipment or stock, and the job holder is responsible for ensuring resources are used appropriately and safely.
InformationLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Moderate responsibility for information. The job involves managing information to ensure it is accurate, of high quality and secure. The job holder may make decisions about the handling of sensitive data.
Financial resourcesLevel 2 of 5
38 of 96 points
Limited responsibility for financial resources. The job involves handling limited financial resources, such as managing small budgets, processing invoices or participating in financial planning discussions.

Effort

15% · 91 points▾

Mental effortLevel 4 of 5
48 of 60 points
Very high level of mental effort. The job requires continuous high-level mental concentration, with few or no breaks, involving intellectually demanding tasks that require continuous focus.
Psychosocial and emotional effortLevel 3 of 5
43 of 72 points
Moderate psychosocial and emotional effort. The job requires the regular management of emotional responses, such as dealing with sensitive or challenging individuals or situations.
Physical effortLevel 0 of 5
0 of 48 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any physical effort.

Working Conditions

10% · 41 points▾

Environment (physical, psychological or emotional)Level 2 of 5
34 of 84 points
Occasional exposure to hazards or stress. The job involves occasional exposure to mild physical risks (e.g. working with light machinery, occasional noise) or psychosocial risks (e.g. occasional interpersonal conflict or minor repetitive tasks). Exposure occurs two to three times a year.
Organisational environmentLevel 1 of 5
7 of 36 points
Minimal organisational demands. The job requires standard working hours with no night shifts or irregular schedules. There is little or no need for travel or digital connectivity beyond typical working hours.