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Hello All,

Very good comments, here is some Q&A that I hope might help demistify Systems Engineering (SE).

Q : Is systems engineering boring ?
A : A key component of systems engineering is to solve problems where people is part of the solution. For me working with people from other areas such as electrical, software and mechanical engineering has always been a humbling experience, I get to learn a lot from other engineering areas, also I get to work with folks from other areas such as marketing, sales, business and logistics. Everyday for me is different.

Q: How come there is so many definitions on what is a systems engineer ?
A : Systems Engineering is not a hard science. Systems Engineers can differ in philosophy the same way doctors can differ on the best way to treat a patient. But something we can all agree is that systems engineering is a inter-disciplinary discipline. Systems Engineers draw knowledge from many disciplines including mathematics, science and even geography. Where should I manufacture a “widget” ?.

Q: Can I consider systems engineering (SE) as a starting point as a career ?
A: YES. The same way not all doctors have thought about becoming specialists such as a Dermatologists, many systems comes from a given area of specialization such myself where I graduated from Electrical Engineering. SE is a new discipline compared to mechanical engineering or other engineering disciplines. There are not many BS degree granting schools but this is changing. In my opinion my generation might be one of the last generations in which a “formal degree in SE” is not required to be a systems engineer.

Here is a questions for everyone :

What kind of domain are you interested ? (medical, aerospace, manufacturing, semiconductors...)