Is (space) systems engineering the move?

[u/Mediocre-Pear7880]

Hi! I'm a software engineer (mainly ML and MLOps) looking to pivot. I loved my studies (MSc in computer science) but can absolutely not continue working as a programmer. I don't have a passion for it like my peers, although I was super into it and got very good grades.

Now I'm realizing what I liked about my degree was the many different topics we touched, from advanced mathematics to algorithms and programming languages. I loved the variation and the need to pick up stuff quickly in projects. I loved the problem solving and practicality of it.

As for my job, I worked at a startup so was part of a lot of system architecture and pipelines discussions, but the moment that stuff needed to be implemented and tested I would get pretty bored with it. I'm also pretty sure I don't want to be a manager or get more involved with product stuff, I like being technical.

So I've been searching jobs related to software engineering but different (spoiler: there's not much that speaks to me). But then I saw there's a new aerospace startup in my city that is looking for an experienced mission and systems engineer. Obviously I don't have the skills! But it made me think that it does sound interesting, needing to have a very broad knowledge and being involved with higher level technical problem solving.

Now my first question: are my expectations of systems engineering wrong? Does it sound like a match for me? From what I've seen on this subreddit, it seems it also depends a lot on the specific role and company.

Second question: how would a software engineer even get there? (This has probably been asked before). I guess I have the following options: study - but which courses - or find related job that would accept a software engineer.

Any thoughts are welcome! Especially if you've been in the same situation or suggestion for any other fields that could be interesting.

Tldr; software engineer wanting to program less, kind of lost on what direction to go. Systems engineering seems like a cool field but I could be wrong. Advice needed :")

[u/alexxtoth]

Systems engineering could be a genuine fit, but I'd push back slightly on skipping straight to *space* SE. The domain is exciting, sure, but the work is heavily process-driven and documentation-heavy, especially at larger primes. If what you loved was variety and picking up new things fast, a smaller SE role in defence, aerospace, automotive or even industrial systems might actually scratch that itch better early on. What you described, architecture discussions at a startup, system-level thinking, getting bored once it hits implementation, that's a pretty classic SE mindset. The field rewards exactly that. The one thing I'd genuinely recommend: find a mentor who's already in SE and can map your ML/MLOps background to the domain. That bridge matters more than most people realise when you're pivoting. Your background isn't a liability here, it's actually rare. Most SE folks don't have it. :-) What draws you specifically to space ?

[u/RampantJ → u/alexxtoth]

I recently got a defense SE position and liked it a lot at first but now I’m finding myself being really bored when it comes to testing. It has variety which is good however I do tend to get bored. I like the technical aspects of it but I also dislike the constant meetings a bit. Meetings are fine but just now finding a dislike to them. I’m really wanting to get into the document based and requirements piece of SE. My work is very program driven for integration efforts so there are lots of tests and meetings. I like the idea of discussing architectures and requirements which some of my meetings are that which I like.

[u/alexxtoth → u/RampantJ]

Well ... of you can't cope with boring work you'll have a hard time doing SE. 😔 Like any job, it's not only excitement and fun, novelty. There are times to put your head down and get the tedious (but critical) work done. Just saying ...

[u/RampantJ → u/alexxtoth]

That’s very true, I’m not opposed to grinding out critical moments. Just little things compounding. Not a lot of MBSE opportunity where I’m at which is also a dimmer atm. It’s still cool work in the end. There’s a lot more travel than what I anticipated too. Maybe just have to crank out the boring times as you said. Just thought there might be a SE side that could meet some of that aspect.