When I told people that I was getting my Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering (2021-2023), their response was along the lines of “Oh. Computers…”

Being a systems engineer isn’t all about writing requirements, analyzing alternatives, estimating cost and risk, and testing & evaluating systems throughout all stages of their lifecycle. Creative problem-solving and clear communication are equally important!

Here’s a list of essential tools to add a dash of creativity to your engineering toolkit, all free and open-source.

Graphics Manipulation

For editing photos, creating mockups, or designing visual aids, look no further than GIMP. Think of it as the open-source cousin of Photoshop, offering a powerful and versatile suite of image editing tools.

Video Editing

Transform raw footage into polished presentations or explainer videos with Shotcut. This user-friendly editor supports a wide range of formats and allows you to add effects, transitions, and text for a professional touch.

Audio Editing

Need to edit sound effects, create voice overs, or analyze audio data? Audacity is your one-stop shop. This intuitive software lets you record, edit, and export audio files in various formats, making it perfect for adding sound to your projects.

Embrace Your Inner Artist

If traditional image editing feels limiting, unleash your artistic side with Krita. This digital painting program boasts a wide brush library, customizable settings, and a canvas that can handle even the most ambitious projects.

Vector Power

For crafting technical diagrams, flowcharts, or scalable icons, Inkscape is your power-up. This vector graphics editor lets you create professional-looking illustrations that can be resized without losing quality, perfect for presentations or documentation.

These open-source tools offer a powerful and cost-effective way to add creativity and clarity to your work as a systems engineer.

Why not explore them and see what hidden talents you might discover?