They evaluate the technical capabilities of the customer's staff to determine the training required, then prepare and conduct classes and seminars. They are also responsible for following up on established accounts, making regularly scheduled visits to monitor the system, and to provide additional guidance. They remain available for problem solving or to handle special projects, such as helping customers design and implement their own programs. Some systems engineers work for data processing consulting firms or for management consulting firms specializing in selecting, modifying, and setting up computer systems for a variety of clients. In many respects, the work of consulting systems engineers is similar to that of systems engineers who represent one computer company.
Some systems engineers work in large organizations with separate data processing departments.
Sometimes known as Computer Applications Engineers or Project Engineers, they help design and install computer-based information systems to support other departments, such as Payroll. They also prepare hardware and software specifications for outside vendors and consultants, code and test software for special purposes, and handle on-going system maintenance. However, those employed by computer vendors and consulting firms spend much of their time in the field, meeting with customers. Driving their own or a company car, they call on customers at a variety of locations, ranging from manufacturing plants to research labs and banks. The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.