From Physics to Systems Engineering

How a Background in Physics Equips You for a Career in Systems Engineering

Recently one of SVGC’s newest recruits Senior Systems Engineer- Space, Ellie Mathews returned to her old university, Royal Holloway Department of Physics, to share insights into employability post studying. It was a chance not only for Ellie to reflect on her own journey from physics to systems engineering, but also to show the next generation of physicists how their academic foundation could be utilised in unique ways within the world of engineering.

The Overlap of Physics and Systems Engineering

Physics and systems engineering may seem like distinct fields, but they share an essential foundation: both disciplines involve understanding complex systems, breaking down problems, and using logical analysis to create solutions. Systems engineers are required to look at the “big picture” of a project, understanding how different elements interact to achieve a specific outcome. A physics education cultivates precisely this perspective—an appreciation for interconnected systems, an aptitude for analytical thinking, and proficiency in mathematical modelling.

Let’s take a closer look at three key systems engineering skills that are honed in a physics program:

1. Big Picture Thinking

Physics trains you to see how individual parts interact within a whole system. Whether studying thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, or relativity, physicists constantly analyse how particles, forces, and fields interrelate to form larger, cohesive structures. This “big picture” thinking is vital in systems engineering, where a high-level view of a project’s requirements is critical.

In systems engineering, big picture thinking is essential to ensure that each component serves the overall objectives of the system. A physicist naturally questions how changes in one part of a system affect the whole. This mindset helps systems engineers maintain a strategic perspective on projects, balancing detailed requirements with overarching goals and client needs.

2. Logical Analysis

Physics is rooted in logic. From solving complex equations to predicting experimental outcomes, physicists are trained to approach problems methodically. Logical analysis involves assessing information objectively, breaking down problems into manageable parts, and applying rigorous methods to find solutions.

This skill is invaluable for systems engineers, who often work on multifaceted projects requiring rigorous testing, analysis, and troubleshooting. The same logical problem-solving skills that guide a physicist through experimental data and theoretical conundrums enable a systems engineer to create reliable systems, optimise designs, and address technical challenges with precision and efficiency.

3. Modelling and Simulation

In physics, modelling and simulation are crucial for predicting and understanding complex systems, whether it’s the behaviour of subatomic particles or the vast dynamics of a galaxy. Physicists use mathematical models to represent reality, simulate scenarios, and test hypotheses—all skills directly transferable to systems engineering.

Systems engineers rely on modelling and simulation to understand system performance, forecast outcomes, and make data-driven decisions. Modelling and simulation are often used to test components and validate system requirements, especially in fields where real-world testing might be impractical or costly. A physics-trained engineer can apply their expertise in computational methods and mathematical modelling to simulate scenarios and drive effective, data-backed decisions.

Additional Skills That Complement the Transition

While these three core skills provide a strong foundation, systems engineering also requires a range of softer skills that are not typically covered in a physics curriculum. During Ellie’s tale, she touched upon these skills, emphasising their importance and offering guidance on how physicists can develop them as they transition into systems engineering:

• Communication: A systems engineer often serves as a bridge between technical teams, project managers, and clients. Clear communication is vital to ensure alignment, convey technical concepts to non-experts, and document system requirements accurately.
• Collaboration: Many physics students work independently on research or projects, but systems engineering is almost always a team effort. Systems engineers work with stakeholders across disciplines, so an ability to collaborate effectively is essential.
• Project Management: Systems engineering is inherently about integrating different components together, testing and adjusting to make the system as a whole work. That is the same in Programme Management – taking a holistic view of the programme, focussing on the outcomes, managing the inter-dependencies. Having a Systems engineering grounding is great for managing programmes. Physicists may have more opportunity than they first thought!

Inspiring the Next Generation of Systems Engineers

Physics graduates may have more options than they realise, and systems engineering could be the ideal field for them to apply their skills in meaningful and innovative ways.

We hope that by sharing Ellie’s experience and journey from physics to systems engineering, we can inspire the next generation to explore how their analytical skills and scientific knowledge can make a real impact in engineering.