Basic Purpose:
Positions in the Systems Software Engineerjob family are responsible for evaluating, selecting, installing, andmaintaining enterprise operating systems and technical applications forassigned platforms including enterprise servers and networks and for serving asa technical resource on enterprise hardware issues. Incumbents interact with technical andbusiness customers to provide training and expertise in the design of specificapplications to ensure the optimization of the platforms or technologies involved. The focus of work is on the efficientoperation of enterprise operating platforms to support customer applicationsand the effective use of hardware and operating software in new or enhancedapplications.
Essential Functions:
The functions within the job family willvary by level and specific assignment but will include the following:
Evaluate, install, customize, configure, and maintain enterprise operating systems including installing and testing new releases;
Evaluate operating efficiency, analyze performance and tuning, and assist in capacity planning and DASD management;
Analyze and troubleshoot operating problems to find problem areas and make fixes or work with the vendor for correction;
Advise technical staff in complex applications development to assist in avoiding problems of incompatibility with software capabilities;
Document changes to system functions and/or configurations for technical and customer reference; and
Review and evaluate new or upgraded systems software packages and related hardware and make recommendations based on established standards.
Level Descriptions:
The Systems Software Engineer family hasfour levels:
Systems Software Engineer I
This is the proficiency level where incumbents apply their basic skills andexpertise, typically with a
specific operating system andplatform. They perform routineassignments to complete system change and modification requests and assisthigher level staff in all aspects of maintaining, updating, documenting, and monitoringthe operating systems. Incumbents alsoprovide continuing support for their assigned operating system,trouble-shooting and resolving common immediate problems. Work is assigned to provide a broaderknowledge of the technology supported and to develop a high level of creativeproblem-solving in preparation for qualification at the next level of thefamily.
Systems Software Engineer II
This is the career level where incumbents are fully knowledgeable in theoperating system and platform- supported and work as a part of a team todevelop or install new systems software or supporting applications. The emphasis at this level is the incumbent'sability to identify and resolve all but the most unusual operating systemsproblems quickly and with dispatch. While at this level, incumbents are increasing their knowledge andexpertise in a complex operating system and platform or are expanding theircapabilities in a second technology. They may also have specific assignments in areas such as performancetuning, security, disaster recovery, and the like to broaden their overallknowledge of their assigned technology.
Senior Systems Software Engineer
This is the specialist level where incumbents have full and specializedknowledge in their assigned operating system(s). This may be a single, highly complex systemor multiple, less complex systems. Incumbents have primary accountability for the installation,maintenance, and operating efficiency of their assigned systems. They work with a high degree of independence,providing technical leadership and work review for less experienced staff. Individuals at this level are able toidentify and resolve the most complex system-related problems and deal directlywith key vendor service representatives. Their work is characterized by the rapid application of technicalknowledge to increase the efficiency and operation of the platform(s)supported. Incumbents may also be aSubject Matter Expert for their assigned system serving as third-tier supportfor operating problems and technical consultant on complex applicationsdevelopment projects. They are keymembers of project teams for enterprise applications involving their assignedsystem.
Lead Systems Software Engineer
This is the leadership level where incumbents are recognized experts in acomplex operating system and related areas such as network or databaseapplications. Incumbents lead projectsfor major upgrades or installations,providing technical guidance and work direction to technical staff and ensuringthat projects are completed smoothly and on time. Incumbents may also be a Subject MatterExpert for an enterprise-wide system, assisting in technology planning andserving as a technical consultant on enterprise applications developmentproject teams. They may also have formalleadership responsibilities for enterprise-wide functions such as security,disaster recovery, and the like.