What Does a Systems Engineer Actually Do?

The Invisible Heroes of Technology What Does a Systems Engineer Actually Do?

2025-02-11 A guest post by Manuela Kohlas from PTC | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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The role of a systems engineer is crucial for the successful development of complex technical systems.

Manuela Kohlhas from PTC is an experienced marketing expert with over a decade of experience, specialising in B2B technology companies. She has held senior positions in various organisations, driving strategic marketing initiatives. (Image: PTC) — Manuela Kohlhas from PTC is an experienced marketing expert with over a decade of experience, specialising in B2B technology companies. She has held senior positions in various organisations, driving strategic marketing initiatives.
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In industries such as aerospace, automotive, and information technology, systems engineering is an integral part of the development process, enabling the coordination and integration of various technical disciplines. But what specific tasks does a systems engineer perform, and why are they indispensable in modern development projects?

Systems Engineering: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Systems engineering is a multidisciplinary methodology that encompasses the entire lifecycle of a system, from concept development and production to operation and maintenance. They are responsible for integrating stakeholder requirements, developing a comprehensive system architecture, and ensuring that the developed system functions reliably and efficiently.

Requirements Analysis: The First Step

A core responsibility of a systems engineer is the precise analysis of requirements, translating customer and stakeholder needs into technical specifications. In a project developing an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) for electric vehicles, for example, systems engineers must ensure that the system meets all safety standards and regulatory requirements. This phase serves as the foundation for subsequent development and is crucial to the project's success.

Workshops and meetings are conducted with various stakeholders to accurately document their requirements. These are systematically translated into a requirements specification and a functional specification. The requirements specification details the specific needs and expectations of stakeholders, while the functional specification defines the technical parameters that serve as the basis for system development. These documents are essential to ensuring that all functional and non-functional requirements are consistently integrated into the development process and that they form the foundation for the rest of the project.

During this phase, the systems engineer also evaluates available resources and develops strategies for their optimal utilisation. This resource allocation is continuously monitored and adjusted throughout the project to ensure adherence to both timeline and budget constraints.

Developing a System Architecture

The development of complex systems requires managing numerous individual components. An ADAS, for instance, consists of various elements such as sensors, cameras, and control units, all of which must work together seamlessly. The systems engineer is responsible for designing a detailed system architecture that defines all components and their respective interfaces.

To analyse and predict system behaviour, modelling, and simulation tools such as SysML and MATLAB/Simulink are employed. SysML is used to create block diagrams that visualise the physical and logical relationships between components, as well as sequence diagrams that illustrate the timing and interactions of system elements. MATLAB/Simulink enables systems engineers to create mathematical models of system components and evaluate their behaviour through simulations. This approach allows engineers to detect potential issues early, implement optimisations, and develop a robust and reliable system architecture.

Bridging Disciplines: The Key to Success

Close collaboration between different technical disciplines is essential for the successful development of complex systems. Systems engineers act as facilitators, ensuring seamless coordination between mechanical engineers, electronics specialists, software developers, and control engineers. Regular meetings and structured communication prevent conflicts and ensure that all aspects of the system are fully integrated.

A crucial collaboration exists between the systems engineer and the design engineer. In ADAS development, for example, the design engineer is responsible for the mechanical design of components and their integration into the vehicle. The systems engineer works closely with the design team to ensure that mechanical requirements align with electrical and electronic components.

A common challenge is the optimal positioning of sensors. They must be mechanically stable while also ensuring functional efficiency. Systems engineers and designers have to work together to find solutions that meet both technical requirements and practical constraints within the vehicle. Sensor placement must also allow for easy accessibility during maintenance while fulfilling safety requirements. This continuous interdisciplinary coordination ensures that mechanical, electrical, and electronic components interact seamlessly, resulting in an efficient and reliable overall system.

Ensuring Reliability Through Comprehensive Testing

Testing is a critical phase in systems engineering. While test engineers and validation teams perform the actual tests, systems engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that these tests comprehensively evaluate all relevant system aspects. This includes using test environments such as Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) to simulate realistic conditions and validate system performance.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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Test results are jointly assessed by test engineers and systems engineers. Test engineers analyse data to identify potential weaknesses or areas requiring optimisation. The systems engineer then interprets these findings in the context of the entire system and develops strategies to resolve issues and improve overall performance.

For example, if tests indicate that an ADAS does not perform optimally in specific driving scenarios, the systems engineer can modify the system architecture or adjust algorithms to enhance reliability and efficiency. Additionally, Product Line Engineering (PLE) helps systems engineers manage and adapt product variants more efficiently, ensuring flexibility in system development.

Systems Engineers: The Architects of Innovation

Systems engineers are indispensable for modern development projects. Unlike specialists focusing on specific disciplines, systems engineers oversee the entire system. They coordinate collaboration between mechanical engineers, electronics experts, software developers, and control engineers, ensuring that all components integrate seamlessly.

Their ability to capture precise technical requirements, develop robust system architectures, and ensure system reliability through careful validation and testing is critical to project success. Though they often work behind the scenes, their contributions are vital. Systems engineers are, in every sense, the invisible heroes of technology.