Information storage is difficult when space becomes increasingly limited.
Storage engineers design storage for organizations. They must take the space a particular organization has and utilize it in a way that maximizes the resources that can be stored by a company. In some cases, these storage engineers work with physical storage spaces; in others, they maximize storage space on computer systems.
Function
The storage solutions must be designed so the stored resources can be easily accessed by the company. The storage engineer must determine how clutter can be removed from the storage area so more space can be freed up. For example, the storage engineer might set up companies with information technology systems that allow them to eliminate files that take up space. Many storage engineers are information technology specialists who try to minimize company costs by maximizing their computer system storage capacities. These storage engineers must take into consideration the needs of the company when designing storage.
Conditions
The work environment for a storage engineer can be an office, warehouse or a computer laboratory, which are mostly very safe environments. Computer storage engineers are more susceptible to eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Physical storage engineers tend to work 40 hours a week and on a contract basis. Computer storage engineers usually work 40 hours a week, though they can work longer hours when there is a server crash, malware infection or another issue.
Skills
Storage engineers who are more specialized in designing physical storage spaces have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Storage engineers in the information science world have an educational background in computer science or information sciences. The storage engineer usually is promoted into that position after working many years in information systems. These engineers need good communication skills, since technical information is difficult to explain, especially when technology uses a large number of jargon words. Storage engineers must be up-to-date on the technology that their companies use on a daily basis. They also must keep up-to-date with technology that can potentially benefit their clients, such as software that compresses data or reduces wasted space.
Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, storage engineers who work in the computer field can expect a 20 percent increase in job growth from 2008 to 2018 because of the increasing amounts of data that organizations need to store. The need for civil engineers who design physical space is expected to grow by 24 percent in that time period.
Salary
The median earnings for civil engineers in 2008 were $74,600, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $115,630 and the lowest 10 percent earning less than $48,140, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual earnings for database administrators were $69,740, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $111,950 and the lowest 10 percent earning less than $39,900.
Tags: percent earning, storage engineer, storage engineers, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, civil engineers, Computer storage
