At what level do programs typically operate regarding Systems Engineering (SE)?

Programs in Systems Engineering (SE) typically operate at a level of effort that is commonly recognized to be around 7%. This percentage reflects the amount of resources, time, and emphasis that is generally allocated to systems engineering throughout the lifecycle of a project, from conception through development and into maintenance.

The 7% figure is based on empirical data that has been collected from various engineering programs and projects across different industries. This allocation is designed to balance the critical need for thorough systems engineering practices—such as requirements definition, system architecture, integration, and validation—with the other important aspects of project execution, including design, testing, and operations.

Investing this percentage of effort in systems engineering is essential for ensuring that the end product meets user needs and performs as intended, thereby minimizing risks and reducing the likelihood of expensive changes later in the project lifecycle. It also reflects an understanding among practitioners that while systems engineering is integral to successful project outcomes, it needs to be proportionate to the overall project scale and scope.