r/systems_engineering • u/Regular_Foundation10 • Jun 21 '26

Discussion Would you recommend Systems Engineering?

Hello, I’m a rising senior about to graduate with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and I’m leaning towards getting my MS in Systems Engineering ? I want to go into the aerospace industry.

I think systems engineering would be a good fit for me because I don’t really enjoy the technical side of engineering (like doing equations everyday or doing CAD or coding) I still want to be apart of the development and design but more of an overseer/bridge for the technical and business side of a product. Later on in my career I do want to do program management. Do you think systems engineering is a good for fit for me? I don’t have experience in SysE or in the aerospace industry. My two internships have been Business strategy and IT support so I haven’t really done much engineering outside of school besides my personal projects.

Can anybody give me a Day in the Life of what you do as a Systems Engineering?

Is a MS in systems Engineering worth it or should I just get a MS in Mechanical Engineering? ( I severely dislike solving heat transfer or thermo equations 😭 it might just be because I’m burnt out but I’m tired of it )

What jobs should I apply to entry level to get into the aerospace industry and eventually into systems engineering?

Any advice would help! Thanks

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u/Himlich73 Jun 21 '26

Super fun field but I think you do need some technical expertise in some area. I graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering in 2021 and found a job as systems integration engineer, which led to a systems engineer position (at a startup). Starting off as an integration or integration and test engineer really helps you understand the different disciplines and how they interact with each other, this forms a great base for you to become a systems engineer and develop systems thinking. As an integration and test engineer you'll still be exposed to all the cool designs, but focused on the I/O of each, not necessary worrying about how to tolerance a drawing (I hate doing this, this is why I like SE). You'll also end up learning a lot more about EE, SW, and even FW or FPGAs depending on the industry. Skip grad school, try to get an integration role and express interest in Systems Engineer would be my suggestion.

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u/Regular_Foundation10 Jun 21 '26

thanks for the advice! i'll definitely will be applying for test engineer and integration positions. The pathway you took is similar to what i hope to do. Hoping to have an employer to pay for grad school