Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software - 15-1032.00    
No Occupational Forecast Data for the Sacramento region is available for this occupation
 
Description
Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
 
Providers Compare
American River College
California State University, Sacramento
ITT Technical Institute
National University
New Horizons Computer Learning Centers

Career & Technical Education Providers (Secondary Schools)

 

Occupation Details
 The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Tasks
  • Knowledge and Skills
  • Job Zone
  • Work Styles and Values
Tasks
  • Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
  • Design and develop software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
  • Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements and resolve customer problems.
  • Analyze information to determine, recommend and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
  • Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures.
  • Direct software programming and development of documentation.
  • Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals and technical issues such as software system design and maintenance.
  • Advise customer about, or perform, maintenance of software system.
  • Coordinate installation of software system.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
  • Confer with data processing and project managers to obtain information on limitations and capabilities for data processing projects.
  • Prepare reports and correspondence concerning project specifications, activities and status.
  • Train users to use new or modified equipment.
Knowledge
  Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  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.
  English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  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.
  Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Skills
  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.
  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.
  Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Abilities
  Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  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 there is a problem.
  Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  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).
  Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
  Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
  Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
  Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

Work Activities
  Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
  Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Job Zone  
Title Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Overall Experience A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and special agents.
Education Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Interests
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi
 
Work Styles
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
 
Work Values
Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.