I'm also a Systems Engineer. I have worked for what would be classed as an End Customer (a Whisky Company), a systems integrator and a Systems Manufacturer. Out of all of these positions I have been to some very interesting places and been given access to places that most people couldn't even dream of. If you were to 'jump ship' as it were, although the pay can be lower than else where, a systems integrater would most likely give the most diverse activities. The one I worked for we more or less ran each project from start to end, the best part was commissioning for me as this is where you seen the fruits of your labour.
I now work offshore and its one of the est moves I have made.
I'm glad I have found a web forum where I dont have to
for admitting to being a Control Systems Engineer.