What Do Computer Engineers Do?
This job title can refer to individuals working as computer hardware engineers, computer software applications engineers, computer science engineers, or computer systems engineers. What is computer science engineering? In general, they design elements that help computers operate. A typical computer science engineer job description will include a variety of hardware or software development tasks. The engineer may be hired to develop computer chips, create software programs that help computer systems run, or design software applications. Many of their work hours may be spent sitting at a desk and looking at a computer screen. Computer engineers also work in teams, analyze user requirements, and write functional requirements for hardware and software. Design is only one major aspect of the engineer's work. A computer science engineer may also monitor and evaluate system performance, and recommend improvements.
Here is a summary of what it takes to enter the profession, what computer science engineers do, and what the prospects in the field are:
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree most common; some positions require a master's degree |
| Degree Field | Computer engineering technology, computer science, information systems, or another related field |
| Experience | 2 to 5 years of experience usually required |
| Certification | Voluntary certifications available |
| Key Skills | Critical-thinking, communication skills, computer knowledge, creativity, analytical skills and problem-solving |
| Median Annual Salary (May 2019) | $117,220 per year (for all Computer Hardware Engineers) |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*Net OnLine, Payscale.com
Read on to learn how to be a computer science engineer.
How to Become a Computer Engineer
To become a computer science engineer, an individual needs to complete most of the steps described below. The process described here is similar for both software and hardware engineers.
Step 1: Choose an Area of Focus
It may be helpful for prospective computer science engineers to decide whether they want to focus on hardware or software engineering, as this can determine what degree program or elective courses to choose. For example, classes that deal with microprocessor architecture and electronic circuits may be more beneficial in the hardware engineering discipline, as computer hardware engineers typically create blueprints for new hardware and update existing hardware components. Conversely, software engineers may oversee a company's computer operating systems platform. So a program of study that offers coursework in software applications and operating systems would be more beneficial to software engineers.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field can help prepare students for a career in computer science engineering. In these programs, students learn about the theoretical and practical aspects of computer engineering, the mathematical foundations of computing, and computer hardware and software development techniques. Classes in these programs may cover topics like operating systems concepts, artificial intelligence, database systems, programming languages, electronic circuits, and software engineering.
Success Tips:
What is the work of a computer science engineer like? If you want to know how to become a good computer science engineer, complete an internship. Computer-related bachelor's degree programs commonly offer internship programs, thereby giving students the opportunity to gain additional knowledge and practical experience.
Additionally, you may consider concentrating your studies. Some bachelor's degree programs allow students to concentrate their studies in an area such as software engineering. Students planning to work in a specific area of computer engineering, such as software application engineering, may find that concentrating their studies in that area improves their employment prospects.
Step 3: Continue Education With a Master's Degree
Engineers, particularly those who work with computer hardware, may be required to have a master's degree if they work for a large company or perform specialized tasks, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This may be a degree in a computer or business administration field. Some schools offer joint programs, a Master of Science in Computer Science/Master of Business Administration.
Step 4: Consider a Professional Engineering License
Professional Engineer (PE) certifications exist for both hardware engineers and software engineers. As a computer engineer, the certifications are worth the trouble for a couple of reasons. A professional license is almost always required to work as a consulting engineer, to sign or seal official engineering documents, and to work with the public in an engineering role. The route to professional licensing is not easy. A certified PE must meet these qualifications:
- An appropriate engineering degree.
- At least four years of experience working under the supervision of qualified engineers.
- Pass two exams, one on the Fundamentals of Engineering and one PE exam.
- Keep up with developments in your field through approved continuing education. The requirements will vary by state, but all require some continuing education work to maintain a PE license.
Being certified on specific skills can also prove valuable.
Step 5: Consider Becoming Certified
A professional license demonstrates the engineer's general competence in their discipline, and becoming licensed as a professional engineer is a long-term effort. Certifications are more focused on specific pieces of software or hardware. All engineering work is specialized, so pursuing certification in popular hardware, software, or systems may prove valuable.
Several organizations offer credentials to experienced computer professionals. For example, the Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals offers the Certified Computing Professional credential to individuals with two to four years of work experience, depending on education level. Possessing a professional certification may increase an engineer's opportunity to advance to a more senior-level role, like that of a computer and information systems manager.
The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals offers several professional certifications relevant to software engineers. For example, their Certified Software Engineer certification requires the individual to pass exams on object-oriented design, software engineering, and information systems.
Computer engineers have a variety of professional certifications they can pursue. The main factor in deciding what certification to pursue is software versus hardware. Computer engineers who specialize in software might want to pursue certification in SQL, SAP, or Oracle. Hardware-focused engineers might want to consider CompTIA+, CCNA, or CCMP certifications. Vendor-specific certifications in software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms such as Amazon Web Services may also prove valuable.
Sucess Tip:
You may also want to consider earning a government clearance. Some employers may prefer to hire workers who are able to obtain and maintain a government clearance. Acquiring a government clearance usually includes undergoing a background check. Some opportunities require you to have and maintain a security clearance, so having one will open up opportunities that are simply not available to most job seekers.
Salary and Job Outlook for Computer Science Engineering
With the completion of a bachelor's degree program in computer engineering or science and several years of experience, computer science engineers can earn around $117,000 to develop computer chips, create software programs that help computer systems run, or design software applications. The application of computer science engineering usually calls for advanced degrees plus professional certification or licensing.
Starting salaries will naturally be much lower than this, but computercareers.org cites a range of $61,000 to $76,000 per year in 2020. Most computer science engineer's in entry-level jobs can expect to earn something closer to the bottom of that range. Professional licensing brings many benefits, so it is worth the extra effort for anyone pursuing a career in computer hardware engineering.
Is computer science engineering a hot profession? The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites below-average prospects for computer engineers. They estimate annual growth of 2% per year from 2019 to 2029. This is below their estimate of 4% for all jobs. The BLS also estimates an average of 1,100 new job openings a year from 2019 to 2029.
