System Engineer

Also known as: BI Systems Administrator, Business Intelligence Operations Engineer, BI Infrastructure Specialist

See 100 live System Engineer jobs

Role Overview

The System Engineer BI (Betrieb & Administration) is a critical role responsible for the seamless operation, maintenance, and optimization of an organization's Business Intelligence (BI) infrastructure. This involves ensuring the availability, performance, and security of BI platforms, data warehouses, and related systems, enabling data-driven decision-making across the company. In today's data-centric world, the demand for skilled BI System Engineers is exceptionally high, as businesses increasingly rely on accurate and timely insights to gain a competitive edge.

This position bridges the gap between technical infrastructure and business needs, requiring a deep understanding of BI tools, databases, operating systems, and network environments. The System Engineer BI plays a pivotal role in troubleshooting complex issues, implementing upgrades, managing user access, and contributing to the overall architecture and scalability of the BI landscape. Their work directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of reporting, analytics, and data visualization efforts, making them indispensable to the success of any data-focused organization.

The job market outlook for System Engineers specializing in BI operations is robust and projected to grow. As companies continue to invest in big data analytics and AI, the need for professionals who can manage and maintain the underlying BI systems will only intensify. This career offers excellent opportunities for advancement and specialization within the rapidly evolving field of data management and business intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Install, configure, and maintain Business Intelligence (BI) platforms and related software (e.g., Tableau Server, Power BI Gateway, Qlik Sense Enterprise).
  • Administer and optimize data warehouse environments, including SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, or similar database systems.
  • Monitor system performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to ensure optimal uptime and responsiveness of BI services.
  • Manage user accounts, permissions, and security settings for BI tools and data sources, adhering to company policies and compliance regulations.
  • Perform regular system backups, disaster recovery planning, and execute restoration procedures as needed.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to BI software, hardware, network connectivity, and data integration processes.
  • Plan and execute system upgrades, patches, and new deployments for BI infrastructure with minimal disruption to end-users.
  • Collaborate with data engineers, data analysts, and business stakeholders to understand their requirements and provide technical support for BI solutions.
  • Develop and maintain documentation for system configurations, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Implement and manage monitoring tools and alerts to proactively identify and address potential issues.
  • Contribute to capacity planning and infrastructure scaling initiatives to support future business growth.
  • Ensure the security of BI environments by implementing best practices and staying updated on emerging threats.

Required Skills

Technical Skills

SQL (Advanced proficiency) Operating Systems (Windows Server, Linux) Database Administration (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Snowflake) BI Platform Administration (Tableau Server, Power BI Gateway, Qlik Sense Enterprise) Scripting Languages (PowerShell, Python, Bash) Networking Fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, Firewalls) Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP - for BI services) Virtualization Technologies (VMware, Hyper-V) Data Warehousing Concepts Security Best Practices for IT Systems

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking Communication (Verbal and Written) Teamwork and Collaboration Time Management and Organization Attention to Detail Customer Service Orientation

Tools & Technologies

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Tableau Server Power BI Gateway Qlik Sense Enterprise Nagios / Zabbix / SolarWinds (Monitoring Tools) Jira / Confluence (Project Management/Documentation) Active Directory / Azure AD Git / Version Control Systems

Seniority Levels

A Junior System Engineer BI (Betrieb & Administration) typically possesses 1-3 years of experience in IT operations or a related field, with a foundational understanding of BI concepts. Responsibilities at this level often include assisting senior engineers with installations, configurations, and basic troubleshooting of BI tools and underlying infrastructure. They will be involved in monitoring system health, managing user access under supervision, and executing routine maintenance tasks such as backups and patch application.

Key skills for a junior role include solid SQL knowledge, familiarity with at least one major operating system (Windows Server or Linux), and a basic grasp of networking principles. Proficiency in scripting languages like PowerShell or Python is a plus. Soft skills such as eagerness to learn, strong problem-solving aptitude, and good communication are highly valued as they will be mentored and guided by experienced professionals.

Junior System Engineers can expect an entry-level to mid-range salary, typically between $50,000 and $75,000 USD annually. This range can fluctuate based on geographic location, specific company benefits, and the candidate's educational background and certifications. The primary focus for a junior role is on gaining practical experience and developing technical expertise within the BI operational domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of a System Engineer BI (Betrieb & Administration)?
The primary focus is on ensuring the operational stability, performance, security, and availability of an organization's Business Intelligence (BI) platforms and related infrastructure. This includes installation, configuration, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of BI software, databases, and servers to support data analysis and reporting needs.
What are the typical BI platforms this role manages?
Common BI platforms include Tableau Server, Microsoft Power BI (specifically the Gateway and related services for enterprise deployments), Qlik Sense Enterprise, and sometimes older systems like BusinessObjects or Cognos. The specific platforms depend on the organization's technology stack.
Is experience with cloud platforms important for this role?
Yes, increasingly so. Many organizations are migrating their BI infrastructure to cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP. Experience with managing BI services within these cloud environments, understanding their networking, security, and cost optimization aspects, is highly beneficial.
What is the difference between a BI System Engineer and a Data Engineer?
A Data Engineer focuses on building and maintaining data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and data models to make data available for analysis. A BI System Engineer, on the other hand, focuses on the infrastructure and software that hosts and delivers the BI tools and reports to end-users, ensuring their smooth operation and accessibility.
What kind of certifications are valuable for this role?
Valuable certifications include those related to specific BI platforms (e.g., Tableau Server Certified Professional), cloud providers (e.g., AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, Azure Administrator Associate), database administration (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate), and general IT infrastructure management (e.g., CompTIA Server+).
How does this role contribute to business success?
By ensuring that BI systems are reliable and performant, this role empowers business users to access accurate and timely data for decision-making. This leads to better strategic planning, improved operational efficiency, identification of new market opportunities, and a stronger competitive advantage.

Salary Range

$50k - $150k /year

Based on global market data. Salaries vary significantly by location, experience, and company size.

Career Path

1
BI Architect
2
Lead BI Engineer
3
BI Operations Manager
4
IT Infrastructure Manager

Ready to apply?

We have 100 System Engineer positions open right now.

Find System Engineer Jobs