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Evolving roles in systems engineering — insights from Germany's mechanical and plant engineering sector
Publikationstyp
Conference Paper
Date Issued
2024-09-07
Sprache
English
Author(s)
Kaiser, Lydia
Wilke, Daria
Köhler, Ingmarie
Volume
34
Issue
1
Start Page
1413
End Page
1428
Citation
34th Annual INCOSE International Symposium, INCOSE 2024
Contribution to Conference
Publisher DOI
Publisher
Wiley
Systems Engineering is developing differently in each sector and region. In German industry, especially in mechanical and plant engineering, Systems Engineering is of major importance. The introduction of Systems Engineering raises the question of which roles and competencies are required. This article examines the evolution of roles in Systems Engineering from a German perspective. Based on a literature review, the evolution of the identified Systems Engineering roles over time is shown, starting with the seminal publication by Sheard in 1996. It points out that only minimal adjustments and occasional role renaming have occurred. However, the review shows a common understanding of essential areas of responsibility within the SE and changes over time. The next step is to examine the current understanding of Systems Engineering roles in the industry. A quantitative analysis of job postings in Germany reveals a diverse interpretation of the term 'Systems Engineer; more than half of the positions cannot be categorized according to the INCOSE definitions. The job postings are used to determine which tasks are associated with the job, how often they occur, and in what combination. The primary responsibilities of systems engineers include creating and managing requirements, architecture processes, validation, and verification processes, and coordinating with customers and stakeholders. Finally, three representative companies from the mechanical and plant engineering sector were selected to analyze existing roles and tasks. From this, a common understanding of tasks and responsibilities is combined and organized into clusters. These are used by the companies to locate and thus derive their roles. The result is in an integrative approach that enables companies, especially in the midsize and medium sectors, to design the introduction in line with stakeholder demands. In summary, the industry's ongoing adaptation necessitates the evolution of Systems Engineering roles and competencies for successful and sustainable development and implementation of systems.
Subjects
Competencies
German Industry
Job postings
Literature Review
Role Evolution
Systems Engineering Roles
DDC Class
620: Engineering
670: Manufacturing