Individuals who work as configuration engineers ensure that their company’s technology systems or products perform well and consistently throughout their lives. A four-year bachelor’s degree in a major field such as computer science or engineering is required for someone who wants to work as a configuration engineer. These engineers are responsible for developing accurate product plans and overseeing design projects. They are also in charge of leading other members of the team and keeping their industry knowledge up to date.
Configuration engineers create product designs for their companies to sell. They can work for a variety of companies, from aircraft manufacturers to software developers. A configuration engineer creates drafts of how his or her company’s goods should look and operate using manual drawing tools or computer-aided design programs. These drawings must be detailed and meet product specification standards, and the products must be well-designed to meet customer needs. Engineers in this field should also have strong computer programming skills, especially when dealing with software development, where their primary focus is on tracking and controlling changes in software products.
Another important duty of a professional in this field is to oversee project management from start to finish. A configuration engineer, for example, must attend initial team meetings in order to assist company officials in establishing product goals, which he or she can then incorporate into his or her design plans. He or she must also be able to troubleshoot technical issues and maintain and review project documents for accuracy. This person must be capable of writing reports, creating procedure manuals, and, if necessary, fielding questions from company executives and even the general public. As a result, excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for this job.
In this industry, strong leadership skills are also necessary. Configuration engineers are frequently called upon to act as supervisors, developing procedures and techniques for new projects in this field. In addition, a configuration engineer educates and coaches personnel on project standards.
Employers expect professionals in this field to be well-versed in a variety of technologies. For example, in order to develop innovative software products, a configuration engineer must be familiar with computer and website languages. To stay current on new developments in the constantly changing field, he or she must attend continuing education college classes and conference seminars hosted by professional industry associations.