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Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

SOC 15-1299.08Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the design, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of enterprise computer systems and architectures, from entry-level supervised tasks through executive-level strategic leadership in technology-intensive professional services and IT environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. System requirements documentation — gather and record under direct supervision by interviewing staff or clients in a structured workplace setting.
  2. Hardware and software components — identify basic options suitable for specified user needs using provided checklists and reference guides.
  3. Operating system installation procedures — follow step-by-step protocols to install or upgrade software under the guidance of a senior engineer.
  4. System operation logs — monitor routine outputs and flag potential anomalies to a supervising engineer during standard shift operations.
  5. Secure system guidelines — distribute and explain pre-approved implementation checklists to installation teams or customers as directed.
  6. Word processing and document management software — draft basic technical reports summarizing system configurations in an office environment.
  7. Component suitability criteria — review vendor specifications and apply established evaluation criteria under close supervision on assigned projects.
  8. Network or application software — assist with installation tasks following documented procedures on supervised enterprise deployments.
  9. Active listening techniques — capture and restate client requirements accurately during intake meetings to confirm mutual understanding.
  10. Hardware maintenance tasks — perform routine scheduled maintenance activities such as component replacement under direct technician oversight.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Client system requirements — analyze and translate into preliminary technical specifications with reduced oversight in a professional services environment.
  2. Hardware and software component recommendations — evaluate suitability for defined purposes and present options to project stakeholders using structured comparison frameworks.
  3. Secure system implementation guidelines — prepare and communicate tailored security configuration instructions to installation teams for mid-scale deployments.
  4. Operating systems and network software — coordinate and execute installation or upgrade projects across multiple workstations or servers with minimal supervision.
  5. System operation monitoring — apply monitoring tools to detect performance degradation or failure indicators and initiate standard corrective responses.
  6. User need assessments — identify required system data, hardware, and software components by conducting structured needs-analysis sessions with end users.
  7. Object-oriented or web platform development software — configure and adapt development environments to support application deployment on assigned systems.
  8. Technical documentation — produce clear written procedures and configuration guides using document management software for internal or client audiences.
  9. Routine hardware and software maintenance — plan and execute scheduled maintenance cycles including upgrades to minimize operational downtime.
  10. Systems evaluation — apply analytical methods to assess existing infrastructure performance against defined benchmarks in familiar organizational contexts.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complete computer system design — direct the analysis, development, and operation of end-to-end solutions autonomously across diverse enterprise environments.
  2. Complex stakeholder requirements — elicit, reconcile, and translate conflicting client and staff needs into coherent technical architectures without supervisory input.
  3. Component suitability investigations — conduct independent technical evaluations across hardware and software options and deliver justified recommendations to decision-makers.
  4. Non-routine system failures — diagnose root causes using critical thinking and systems analysis methods and implement corrective actions under operational pressure.
  5. Secure system architectures — design and communicate comprehensive security frameworks and implementation guidelines for high-stakes enterprise or multi-site deployments.
  6. Installation and integration oversight — direct cross-functional teams executing operating system, network, application, and hardware deployments on complex infrastructure.
  7. System monitoring strategies — design proactive monitoring configurations using specialized tools to detect potential problems before service impact occurs.
  8. Data, hardware, and software requirement specifications — produce detailed bill-of-materials and architecture documents that fully address identified user needs.
  9. Ongoing maintenance programs — engineer and manage systematic maintenance schedules covering hardware replacement, software patching, and capacity upgrades across production environments.
  10. Technical writing and oral presentation — communicate architectural decisions, risk assessments, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational systems strategy — set the long-term technical direction for enterprise architecture programs, aligning infrastructure investments with business objectives at executive level.
  2. Engineering team development — mentor and evaluate junior and mid-level systems engineers, building organizational capability through structured coaching and performance feedback.
  3. Enterprise-wide security posture — lead the development and governance of organization-wide secure system policies, standards, and implementation frameworks adopted across all divisions.
  4. Cross-functional system programs — direct multi-team analysis, development, and operational initiatives for mission-critical computer systems spanning organizational boundaries.
  5. Technology evaluation governance — establish formal processes for investigating and approving component and platform selections, ensuring rigorous standards are applied organization-wide.
  6. Client and stakeholder relationships — lead executive-level engagements to shape system requirements and negotiate technical scope for large-scale or multi-year engagements.
  7. Innovation culture — champion adoption of emerging technologies, development environments, and architectural patterns by sponsoring proof-of-concept initiatives across engineering teams.
  8. Quality assurance frameworks — design and institutionalize quality control analysis programs that govern system performance, reliability, and compliance across the organization.
  9. Resource and personnel management — allocate engineering personnel, tools, and budgets strategically across competing system projects to optimize delivery outcomes.
  10. Organizational risk and decision governance — lead judgment-based decisions on system modernization, major infrastructure changes, and risk trade-offs with enterprise-wide impact.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Application Systems Architect · Cloud Architect · Cloud Engineer · Cloud Infrastructure Engineer · Cloud Platform Engineer · Cloud Software Engineer · Cloud Solution Architect · Computer Systems Architect · Data Platform Engineer · Enterprise Architect · Firmware Engineer · Information Architect
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSystems EvaluationWritingSpeakingSystems AnalysisComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisActive LearningProgrammingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingQuality Control AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Personnel ResourcesMathematicsScienceLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationInstructingService OrientationOperations Monitoring
Knowledge domains
Computers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageTelecommunicationsCustomer and Personal ServiceEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and Management
Abilities
Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInformation OrderingOriginalityNear Vision
Work styles
DependabilityAttention to DetailInnovationIntellectual CuriosityAdaptabilityCautiousness
Technology
Word processing softwareDocument management softwareDevelopment environment softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareWeb platform development softwareDesktop publishing softwareObject or component oriented development softwareGraphical user interface development softwareData base management system software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
  2. Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
  3. Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
  4. Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
  5. Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
  6. Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
  7. Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
  8. Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
CIP education codes
11.010111.030111.040111.070111.100526.110326.110430.080130.160130.300130.310140.051243.040351.2706

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.