Army MOS · IT & Cyber

51R Systems Automation Acquisition and Engineering

Overview

A Systems Automation Acquisition and Engineering officer manages Army automation systems from requirements and research through development, acquisition, and disposal. The officer evaluates technologies, develops testing plans and engineering specifications, and advises contracting officers on computer, software, hardware, and systems engineering matters.

Core Skills

  • systems acquisition management
  • requirements analysis
  • systems engineering
  • technology evaluation
  • R&D planning
  • lifecycle management
  • vendor and contract management
  • risk management
  • enterprise architecture awareness
  • project and program management

Civilian Software & Tools

  • C
  • C++
  • Linux
  • Perl
  • Python
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Apache Subversion SVN
  • Autodesk AutoCAD

Civilian Career Paths

  • Project Management
  • IT Management
  • Systems Administration
  • Software Development

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • CompTIA A+ · Funded
  • CompTIA Network+ · Funded
  • CompTIA Security+ · Funded
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP)

Career Growth

  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) · Funded
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) · Funded
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) · Funded
  • Certified in Governance Risk and Compliance (CGRC)
  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
  • CyberSec First Responder (CFR)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • INCOSE CSEP

Also Common

  • FAC-C Professional
  • Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)

What the Work Involves

  • Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
  • Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
  • Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
  • Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
  • Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.

Related Occupations

  • Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Microsystems Engineers
  • Software Developers

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.

Defense contractor jobs for 51R

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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