Systems Engineer vs. Cybersecurity Specialist: Which Role is Right for You?

If you are passionate about technology and are considering a career change to IT, you have probably come across various job titles and descriptions, each more interesting than the last. Among these, systems engineer and cybersecurity specialist are two essential roles for any company with significant IT infrastructure, whether it is a network of office computers or massive data centers. This infrastructure requires maintenance and security, which is why these two positions are essential.

Both roles require a solid understanding of technology, but they involve distinct responsibilities and require different skill sets. Choosing one or the other does not have to be mutually exclusive. In this article, we provide a detailed description of each role so that you can decide which angle you want to approach these extremely interesting and well-paid professional fields from.

Sysadmin vs Cybersecurity Specialist: What Does Each Role Entail?

A systems engineer is broadly responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization’s IT infrastructure. They configure and manage servers (physical, virtual, or cloud), operating systems used on terminals (Windows Server or various Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat), network services (DNS, DHCP, Active Directory/LDAP), storage solutions (SAN, NAS), and virtualization environments (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM). Think of them as the “architect” and “builder” of the digital environment in which a company operates, ensuring that these systems function efficiently, reliably, and scalably. 

The cybersecurity specialist, on the other hand, is responsible for protecting this complex infrastructure and the critical data that flows through it against a wide range of cyber threats. They are the “guardian” who proactively identifies vulnerabilities through scans (using specific tools), penetration tests (simulating real attacks), and risk analyses. They also take technical measures to defend the IT system: configuring firewalls, IDS/IPS systems, implementing advanced anti-malware solutions, and monitoring security events. He also manages identities and access levels (see also the Zero Trust principle) and, when necessary, responds technically to security incidents (forensic analysis, eradication, recovery) to prevent financial losses, data theft, or irreparable damage to systems.

Core Responsibilities

For a systems engineer, professional responsibilities revolve around ensuring the functionality and reliability of IT infrastructure. These include:

• Configuring and administering servers (physical and virtual)
• Managing operating systems (e.g., Windows Server, various Linux distributions)
• Database administration (at the infrastructure and performance level, not necessarily data analysis)
• Configuring and maintaining network equipment (routers, switches, firewalls—partially, in collaboration with security specialists)
• Implementing and testing backup and disaster recovery solutions
• Monitoring system performance and optimizing resources
• Diagnosing and solving complex technical problems.

On the other hand, the cybersecurity specialist focuses on protecting the organization’s digital assets. Their basic tasks involve:

• Assessing security risks and developing mitigation strategies
• Performing penetration tests and vulnerability scans
• Developing, implementing, and enforcing security policies and procedures
• Monitoring network activity and logs for threat detection (using SIEM systems)
• Investigating security incidents and coordinating responses
• Educating and raising employee awareness about security risks and best practices
• Keeping up to date with the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity technologies.

Specific Skills

To excel in the role of systems engineer, a solid set of technical and analytical skills is essential. Among the most important are:

• In-depth understanding of operating systems (Windows, Linux)
• Extensive knowledge of computer networks (protocols, topologies)
• Experience with virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
• Scripting and automation skills (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python)
• Analytical thinking and the ability to solve complex problems
• Attention to detail and focus on system reliability.

On the other hand, cybersecurity specialists need, in addition to a similar solid technical foundation, specific skills focused on identifying and combating threats. 

Key skills include:

• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and cryptography
• Understanding of attack methods and techniques used by attackers
• Familiarity with various security tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, vulnerability scanning tools)
• Risk analysis and vulnerability assessment skills
• Ability to investigate security incidents and provide rapid response
• Technical curiosity and a constant desire to learn about new threats
• Communication skills to educate non-technical people about security risks.

Learn more about the skills required for each role through the curriculum for CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certifications, two of the most popular forms of qualification recognition in these fields.

Job Titles

If you want to evaluate the job market by searching job platforms, the most common keywords associated with the two professional roles are listed below.

In the category of system engineers, you will find titles such as:

• System administrator
• Sysadmin
• Network Administrator
• Cloud Engineer
• DevOps Engineer (with a focus on infrastructure).

For cybersecurity specialists, examples of titles include:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Security Engineer
• IT Security Consultant
• Security Architect
• Penetration Tester
• SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst.

Training and Certification

Today, the high demand for professionals in these fields has led to the creation of dedicated university programs, especially outside the country. However, this is not the case in the Romanian academic environment, which still offers generalist curricula, sometimes including individual courses dedicated to these two specializations. 

Although a university degree in computer science or a related field is often a solid starting point for both careers, self-obtained certifications also play an important role. For system engineers, internationally recognized certifications are highly sought after, such as:

• MCSA/MCSE (Microsoft)
• Network+ (CompTIA)
• CCNA/CCNP (Cisco)
• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
• Azure Administrator Associate

In the field of cybersecurity, certifications such as those listed below attest to professional competence and can open many doors:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) 
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

Salaries

Salaries in both fields vary considerably depending on experience, certifications, level of responsibility, company size, and location. In Romania, in April 2025, an entry-level systems engineer can earn approximately between RON 4,050 and RON 6,000 net, while a specialist with extensive experience can exceed RON 12,000–15,000 net or even more (according to Paylab).

For cybersecurity specialists, starting salaries may be similar to those of systems engineers, but the growth potential is often faster, and specialized roles (e.g., penetration testers, security architects) can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting high demand and niche expertise. Salaries in this field can exceed RON 15,000–19,000 net (source: Paylab), depending on certifications and the complexity of the role.

From Systems Engineer to Cybersecurity Specialist

For many IT professionals, a fairly common career path is to transition from systems engineer to cybersecurity specialist. The solid foundation in IT infrastructure that a systems engineer acquires is an excellent basis for understanding how systems work and, implicitly, how they can be attacked and defended.

This transition often involves acquiring specific knowledge in the field of security through courses, certifications, and practical experience. A systems engineer interested in cybersecurity could start by focusing on securing the systems they manage, then explore areas such as vulnerability analysis, incident response, or network security, paving the way for a career dedicated to cyber protection. At NewTech Academy, we offer an IT technician and cybersecurity course tailored specifically to the learning needs of those starting their careers in these promising fields. During the course, you will acquire skills in both areas of specialization, so that you can later choose to work as either a systems engineer or a cybersecurity specialist, depending on your professional goals. Request a free consultation, and our specialists will provide you with all the information you need to get your career off to a good start!