I am a systems engineer. In my opinion, the two most important aspects of systems engineering are process and connections. Process is fundamental, because you

I am a systems engineer. In my opinion, the two most important aspects of systems engineering are process and connections. Process is fundamental, because you can’t be an expert at everything. Process keeps everyone in sync from a technical point of view. Likewise, because you will sometimes need an expert, your connections can help to bring in a consultant when you need them. It doesn’t really matter whether you are building a nuclear reactor or a large software system—these basic aspects of the trade are the same. The systems engineer helps to define what needs to be done and to what degree, while the project manager tracks how it is done. Systems engineers identify requirements, focus on technology challenges with prototypes and simulations, conduct technical reviews, ferret out problems, set goals and objectives, and document everything. It takes a lot of experience and a mind for detail.