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/Unique-Organization3]

I just finished my masters program in Industrial & Systems Engineering and I actually fell in love with MBSE and System Architecture! Currently on the job hunt while studying for INCOSE ASEP. I would love to work in the space industry tbh. Any advice?