Computer Engineer Overview:
Computer engineers design and test computer hardware and software. Computer engineers are part of a team of workers who develop computer equipment (hardware) and programs (software). They apply their knowledge of math and science to computer design. They help solve technical problems for team members who do the programming or create the equipment. Before starting a project computer engineers talk to clients to find out more about their needs. They also learn about the time line, security needs, and cost limitations. Engineers monitor systems and repair those that are not functioning properly. Hardware and software engineers work together to make sure that the client's computer hardware can handle the demands of new software. Software and hardware engineers have unique duties.
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to computer engineers.
- Analyze information to determine software and hardware needs.
- Confer with clients and project managers to obtain information about projects.
- Determine whether software and hardware can be created in time and within the budget.
- Meet with other computer engineers to make sure the program and the computer will work together.
- Design or modify software system, using scientific analysis and mathematical models.
- Develop and direct software system testing procedures, programming, and documentation.
- Evaluate factors that determine hardware needs.
- Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in areas of system installation.
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
- Coordinate installation of software system.
- Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates properly. Make repairs as needed.
- Train users to use new or modified computer systems and equipment.
- Keep skills up to date through training and reading about the subject.
- Determine system performance standards.
Computer Engineer Common Work Activities:
Computer engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many occupations.
- Use computers.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Update and use job-related knowledge.
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Analyze data or information.
- Process information.
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
- Think creatively.
- Evaluate information against standards.
- Explain the meaning of information to others.
- Establish and maintain relationships.
- Provide advice and consultation to others.
- Document and record information.
- Schedule work and activities.
- Develop goals and strategies.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people.
Computer Engineers Working Conditions:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Almost always work as part of a team of engineers.
- Communicate by e-mail, phone, and in person on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but much less frequently.
- Have a medium level of social contact. They meet with clients and staff, but also spend time alone designing systems.
- Have some responsibility for the work done by others.
Physical Work Conditions
- Always work indoors.
Work Performance
- Must make sure that all details are performed and are completed accurately. Errors could cause computer systems to malfunction.
- Regularly make decisions that impact clients and their company's reputation. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
- Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals without consulting another.
- Must meet strict weekly and monthly deadlines.
- Work in a somewhat competitive atmosphere.
- Repeat the same mental and physical activities, such as using a computer.
Hours/Travel
- Work 40 hours per week.
- May work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or solve a problem for a client.
- Generally work a set schedule.
Computer Engineer Physical Demands:
Computer engineers frequently:
It is important for computer engineers to be able to:
It is not as important, but still necessary, for computer engineers to be able to:
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Repeat the same movements.
- Use hands and fingers to enter data, handle parts, and use tools.
It is important for computer engineers to be able to:
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand the speech of another person.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for computer engineers to be able to:
- Use fingers and hands to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Computer Engineer Skills and Abilities:
Computer engineers need to:
Communicate
- Read and understand technical specifications and manuals.
- Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
- Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing.
Reason and Problem Solve
- Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Determine how a system should work. Study how changes in conditions affect outcomes.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Develop rules or follow guidelines for arranging items.
- Identify ways to measure and improve system performance.
- Think of new ideas and original or creative ways to solve problems.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Use Math and Science
- Use math and science skills to solve problems.
Manage Oneself, People, Time, and Things
- Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Work with People
- Use several methods to teach others how to do something.
- Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them.
- Persuade others to approach things differently.
Work with Things
- Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
- Write computer programs.
- Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.
- Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
- Test and inspect products, services, or processes. Evaluate quality or performance.
- Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Computer Engineer Knowledge:
Computer engineers need knowledge in the following areas:
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
- English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
- Design: Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Telecommunications: Knowledge of the equipment that is used to send messages as electronic impulses. Examples include radio, television, telegraph, and cable.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and instruction.
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.
Computer Engineers Interests:
Computer engineers are people who tend to:
- Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
- Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
- Consider recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others. They usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.
- Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
- Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
- Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
- Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
- Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Computer Engineer Preparation:
To work as a computer engineer, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or GED; and
- have a bachelor's degree.
Education after high schoolComputer engineers usually have at least a bachelor's degree. A master's or doctoral degree (PhD) is good preparation for many jobs.
Many college majors qualify you for this occupation. Computer engineering is an obvious choice, but there are other options. Software engineers often have a degree in computer science or software engineering. Many hardware engineers study computer or electrical engineering. Some computer engineers have a degree in math or physics.
Computer engineers continually update their education by attending seminars and taking additional college courses.
Some people working in this occupation have not completed this level of education. One reason is they may have entered the field when requirements were different. The tables below list the level of education attained by a group of workers in this occupation. The workers surveyed were between age 25 and 44.
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* | |
| Less than high school diploma |
0
| |
| High school diploma or equivalent |
3
| |
| Some college, no degree |
9
| |
| Associate degree |
5
| |
| Bachelor's degree |
50
| |
| Master's degree |
29
| |
| Doctoral (PhD) or professional degree |
4
| |
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* | |
| Less than high school diploma |
0
| |
| High school diploma or equivalent |
6
| |
| Some college, no degree |
12
| |
| Associate degree |
11
| |
| Bachelor's degree |
43
| |
| Master's degree |
24
| |
| Doctoral (PhD) or professional degree |
4
| |
Work experience
You should consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.
On-the-job training
Computer engineers often receive on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer. In general, computer engineers receive up to one year of training. Some receive several years of training. As part of your training you work under the guidance of experienced engineers. You receive greater independence and work on more difficult tasks as you gain knowledge and experience.
Because of the fast changing nature of this field, employers often offer training in the newest computer technologies and applications.
Military training
Some branches of the military train people to become computer systems officers or electronics engineers. You need at least a bachelor's degree to enter either military occupation. Some training is provided on the job. The length of training varies by your area.
Computer Engineers: Helpful High School Courses:
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Calculus and science classes through Physics. You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application. Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:- Computer Applications
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Electronics
- Keyboarding
- Network Technology
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking. You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work. Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Computer Engineers Hiring Practices:
Employers require computer engineers to have at least a bachelor's degree. Some employers prefer applicants with several years of experience or a master's degree. Employers usually require a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or math. In general, employers look for engineers who have excellent technical skills. They also look for applicants who can think logically and pay close attention to detail. This occupation requires patience, persistence, and the ability to do analytical work, especially under pressure. Creativity is also important when engineers design solutions. The ability to work with abstract concepts is especially important. Engineers also must be able to communicate well with clients and non-technical staff. Employers may take a criminal record into account in the hiring process. For most jobs, employers look at criminal records on a case-by-case basis.
Computer Engineer Licensing and Certification:
Computer engineers can obtain voluntary certification from the hardware and software manufacturers who offer certification programs on their products. Certification is occasionally required for employment.
Computer Engineer Wages:
Wages for computer engineers vary by field. Wages for computer hardware and software engineers are given below.
Computer hardware engineers (SOC 17-2061)
| Location | Pay Period | |||
| Entry | Median | Top | ||
| Oregon | Wage data for this occupation are not available. | |||
| United States | Hourly | $38.27 | $48.52 | $60.45 |
| Monthly | $6,632 | $8,409 | $10,476 | |
| Yearly | $79,600 | $100,920 | $125,730 | |
Software developers, applications (SOC 15-1132)
| Location | Pay Period | |||
| Entry | Median | Top | ||
| Oregon | Hourly | $32.63 | $41.38 | $51.22 |
| Monthly | $5,655 | $7,171 | $8,876 | |
| Yearly | $67,880 | $86,080 | $106,540 | |
| United States | Hourly | $34.06 | $43.30 | $54.46 |
| Monthly | $5,903 | $7,504 | $9,438 | |
| Yearly | $70,850 | $90,060 | $113,280 | |
Software developers, systems software (SOC 15-1133)
| Location | Pay Period | |||
| Entry | Median | Top | ||
| Oregon | Hourly | $36.65 | $48.23 | $56.62 |
| Monthly | $6,351 | $8,358 | $9,812 | |
| Yearly | $76,220 | $100,310 | $117,770 | |
| United States | Hourly | $37.95 | $47.59 | $59.40 |
| Monthly | $6,577 | $8,247 | $10,294 | |
| Yearly | $78,930 | $99,000 | $123,560 | |
Wages vary by employer and specialty. The engineer's level of experience, training, and responsibility also affect wages.
Computer engineers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan and stock options.
Computer Engineer Employment and Outlook:
The table below provides information about the number of workers in this occupation in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
| Location | 2010 Employment | Growth Rate through 2020 | Annual Openings | |
| This occupation | All occupations | |||
| Oregon | 12,626 Very large | 21.8% | 18.1% | 461 Very high |
| Central Oregon and Columbia Gorge | 269 Large | |||
| Eastern Oregon | 73 Large | |||
| North and South Coast | 33 Medium-sized | |||
| Portland Metro | 10,370 Very large | |||
| Southern Oregon | 180 Large | |||
| Willamette Valley | 1,031 Very large | |||
| United States | 983,100 Very large | 28.2% | 14.3% | 38,880 Very high |
Employment
In Oregon, 12,626 computer engineers work in this very large occupation.
Nationally, 983,100 computer engineers work in this very large occupation.
Major employers:
- Computer systems design companies
- Computer software publishers
- Business management companies
- Scientific research and development companies
- Computer and parts manufacturing companies
Outlook
In Oregon, the number of jobs for computer engineers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2020. However, excellent job opportunities are expected. Nationally, the number of jobs for computer engineers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2020. In fact, this is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States.
The demand for computer engineers is expected to rise as companies improve their computer systems. Many businesses have already created a web presence. However, many others still need to do so. These companies need software engineers who can develop Internet, intranet, and World Wide Web programs. In addition, there is a demand for engineers who can develop programs to process data.
New growth will come from rapidly evolving technology. In particular, "mobile" technology such as the wireless Internet has created a demand for new products. Engineers will be needed to create ways current computer systems can work with mobile technology. Also, concerns about security have created new software needs. Businesses and government agencies are likely to invest heavily in security software that protects their computers from attack.
Growth in this occupation will be slowed somewhat by the fact that some software is sent to other countries to be written. Despite the outsourcing, many job openings will occur every year. This will result from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions or leave this occupation for other reasons.
Computer Engineer Advancement:
Beginning computer engineers usually test computer systems. As they gain experience, they may advance to designing hardware and software. Those who have good people and organizational skills may become project managers. Project managers supervise computer engineers and technicians. Some computer engineers start their own computer-consulting firms.
Sources:
Geforce Titan 3 Way SLI Bridge: http://www.technationnews.com/2013/02/19/nvidia-geforce-gtx-titan-launch-video-released-super-sleek-design-plus-a-sexy-sli-bridge/
Geforce Experience: http://www.technationnews.com/2013/01/25/nvidia-geforce-experience-now-available-heres-how-to-use-it-and-what-it-does/
Performance Graph: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-titan/performance
4 Monitor Working: http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-tech-job-interview-2010-8?op=1
Razer BlackWidow Keyboard: http://www.hitechreview.com/pictures/razer-blackwidow-ultimate/razer-blackwidow-ultimate_2.html
Nvidia Driver Update: http://www.howtogeek.com/171816/htg-explains-do-you-need-to-use-a-driver-cleaner-when-upgrading-hardware-drivers/
Nvidia Driver Update Failure: https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/516060/geforce-300-200-100-series/296-10-driver-installer-failure/
Gaming Computer: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/technology/sli/rig-browser
Office: http://www.backpocketcoo.com/blog/culture/clean-up-your-act/
Lake: http://www.biologydude.com/2010/06/14/why-is-the-lake-green/
Degree: http://www.diploma-degree.com/1222-Masters-in-computer-engineering
Calculus Textbook: http://news.whitworth.edu/2011/01/whitworth-professor-of-mathematics-new.html
Resume: http://www.freecvtemplate.net/basic-1-page-sample-cv-templates-examples
All tables and information on each subject (it will require a log-in so some people will be unable to see the information): http://oregoncis.uoregon.edu/info2.aspx?FileID=Occ&FileNum=100044&TopicNum=0
Razer BlackWidow Keyboard: http://www.hitechreview.com/pictures/razer-blackwidow-ultimate/razer-blackwidow-ultimate_2.html
Nvidia Driver Update: http://www.howtogeek.com/171816/htg-explains-do-you-need-to-use-a-driver-cleaner-when-upgrading-hardware-drivers/
Nvidia Driver Update Failure: https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/516060/geforce-300-200-100-series/296-10-driver-installer-failure/
Gaming Computer: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/technology/sli/rig-browser
Office: http://www.backpocketcoo.com/blog/culture/clean-up-your-act/
Lake: http://www.biologydude.com/2010/06/14/why-is-the-lake-green/
Degree: http://www.diploma-degree.com/1222-Masters-in-computer-engineering
Calculus Textbook: http://news.whitworth.edu/2011/01/whitworth-professor-of-mathematics-new.html
Resume: http://www.freecvtemplate.net/basic-1-page-sample-cv-templates-examples
All tables and information on each subject (it will require a log-in so some people will be unable to see the information): http://oregoncis.uoregon.edu/info2.aspx?FileID=Occ&FileNum=100044&TopicNum=0
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