The engineering problems of the future are systems problems. As we compare our world today with the world our grandparents knew, we see a striking increase in the complexity of the human-made systems that pervade our lives. For example, today's automobiles and airplanes are far more complex than those of a generation ago, and are part of a vastly more complex and interconnected regional, national, and international transportation system. As another example, consider the global financial system. Could our grandparents have imagined inserting a small card into a machine in Paris to withdraw cash from a bank account in Virginia? Our quality of life depends on our ability to design, develop and maintain systems that function smoothly and serve our needs. As the systems around us grow more complex, the need grows for engineers who understand not just the pieces, but how they interact to form an organic whole. Systems engineers define, design, develop and integrate, and test systems. Whereas other engineering disciplines concentrate on individual aspects of a system (electronics, ergonomics, software, etc.), systems engineers focus on the system as a whole. They do more than simply analyze technical aspects of how the system performs. Systems engineers work with users and other stakeholders to ensure that the system meets the needs of its users and interacts appropriately with other systems. They analyze cost and performance of systems. They plan for the entire lifecycle of a system, from the time a need is first identified, through system design, development, operation, maintenance, and disposal. They test and evaluate systems. They use the results of evaluation not just to improve individual systems, but to improve their organizations' systems engineering processes.

Systems engineers work with users and other stakeholders to ensure that the system meets the needs of its users and interacts appropriately with other systems. They analyze cost and performance of systems. They plan for the entire lifecycle of a system, from the time a need is first identified, through system design, development, operation, maintenance, and disposal. They test and evaluate systems. They use the results of evaluation not just to improve individual systems, but to improve their organizations' systems engineering processes.