Computer engineering drives innovation across every industry. These talented professionals research, design, and optimize the technology powering our modern world – everything from smartphones to satellites relies on computer engineering expertise. This comprehensive guide will unpack exactly what computer engineers do, examples of specializations, and earning potential in this dynamic field.
Defining the Field of Computer Engineering
Computer engineering integrates multiple technical specialties, including[^1]:
- Computer science
- Electrical engineering
- Software and hardware development
- Systems integration and architecture
Computer engineers develop, design, and test computer components, equipment, and full systems. Unlike computer scientists focused exclusively on software, computer engineers work across both hardware and software disciplines.
They apply their expertise to build novel computing devices and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Computer engineers also bridge the gap between electronic hardware and software systems during development.
Day-to-day responsibilities range considerably based on specialization and seniority. However, core focuses include[^2]:
- Researching computing methods and recommending system improvements
- Building and testing prototypes of computer hardware and embedded systems
- Designing and optimizing computer components like processors and memory systems
- Developing low-level software and firmware to control computing devices
- Overseeing integrated circuit manufacturing and computer equipment production
- Creating robots, aerospace electronics, medical devices, and automotive systems
- Technical writing to document development and procedures
Computer engineers work closely with electrical engineers, software developers, project managers, and manufacturers during research & development cycles. troubleshooting complex problems through a calculated, creative approach. Top employers include major technology companies such as Apple, Intel, HP, Samsung, and Cisco hiring computer engineers across hardware and software disciplines.
[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Hardware Engineers, accessed January 2023 [^2]: Indeed Editorial Team, Indeed Career Guide, Computer Hardware Engineer Job Description, accessed January 2023Education and Training Requirements
Earning a computer engineering degree requires aptitude and perseverance. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in technical coursework – especially mathematics, programming, systems design, and physics.
While some secure jobs after earning a bachelor’s degree, studying towards a master‘s degree provides greater specialization. Exploring different focus areas also allows students to align studies with professional goals.
Bachelor’s Degree
A 4-year bachelor’s degree in computer engineering (or electrical engineering) from an accredited program lays the initial foundation. Core curriculum topics include[^3]:
- Digital logic and circuit design
- Advanced mathematics (discrete math, differential equations, linear algebra)
- Data structures and algorithms
- Programming languages like C++, Python, and Java
- Microcontrollers and embedded systems
- Electronic devices and transistors
- Computer networks
- Operating systems and computer architecture
- Signals processing and communications
- Integrated circuit design
Students gain hands-on experience through labs and projects. For example, wiring a simple 8-bit computer from basic parts demonstrates core concepts.
Developing good collaboration and documentation skills is also critical before entering industry. Prospective students should ensure accredited programs provide sufficient practical application of textbook concepts.
Master’s Degree
Graduate studies enable further technical specialization while working alongside professors on cutting-edge research. An advanced degree may also accelerate leadership opportunities.
For example, the University of Michigan Master of Science in Computer Engineering explores topics like[^4]:
- Advanced processor architecture
- Quantum computing
- Nanoelectronics
- Image processing and computer vision
- Embedded machine learning
- Data mining
- Robotics
- Formal verification of hardware
Research projects directly prepare students for computing innovations of tomorrow across industries like aerospace, computing, healthcare, and more. Top candidates also pursue summer internships at leading tech companies to build their resume.
Importance of Specialization and Portfolios
Given endless applications for technology, deciding on a focus area maximizes future potential. For example, specializing in designing avionics equipment, manufacturing automation systems, or medical devices tailors skillsets towards major hiring industries.
Engineers should highlight specific domain experience when applying for roles. Developing a portfolio with work samples from past projects and internships is highly effective during interviews.
Exciting Career Paths and Opportunities
Let‘s explore some of the most common and growing computer engineering specialties sought after by tech employers:
Hardware Engineering
Hardware engineers specifically work on developing computing equipment like circuit boards, routers, processors, and data storage technology. Daily responsibilities combine electrical engineering concepts with integration troubleshooting to build novel products.
Hardware experts keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in electronic components to solve creative problems. For example, designing smaller, more powerful microprocessors for mobile devices. Or optimizing a computer network server to support more simultaneous users.
Entry-level hardware engineers may start around $70,000 per year, with senior architects earning $130,000 or more. Major companies hiring significant hardware engineering talent include[^5]:
- Intel
- Qualcomm
- NVIDIA
- Samsung
- IBM
- Dell
- Hewlett Packard
And hardware engineering job growth remains strong at 6% projected over the next decade[^1].
Software Engineering
While some use “computer engineer” and “software engineer” interchangeably, they actually represent very distinct roles. Software engineers strictly work on software: designing, running, and maintaining applications, networks, operating systems, and databases.
However, software engineering overlaps significantly with computer engineering specifically when working on low-level code. For example, developing specialized medical systems or flight control systems requires direct hardware manipulation only possible through firmware and real-time operating systems.
Top software engineering employers include major tech consulting firms, financial institutions, cybersecurity vendors, and cloud-service providers. For example:
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Boeing
- Lockheed Martin Cyber
- Capital One
- Epic Systems
- Salesforce
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an enormous 22% growth for software engineering roles over the next 10 years due to surging demand across every economic sector[^1]. Compensation also trends high, with senior software architects earning $150,000 or more per year at top companies.
Advanced Processor Design
Pushing computing capabilities relies on processors: the ultra-complex “brains” powering every laptop, smartphone, and data center on the planet. Gifted engineers in this specialty focus exclusively on designing novel processors and integrated circuits to solve emerging performance bottlenecks.
Advanced chipsets combine processing, memory, I/O channels, and other components into a unified architecture. Cutting-edge fabrication like 3nm transistors contains billions of microscopic gates. And quantum computing introduces radical techniques like quantum bits (qubits) for previously impossible calculations.
Leading design firms and semiconductor foundries dominate this space:
- Intel
- Qualcomm
- NVIDIA
- AMD
- IBM
- Samsung
However, processor design teams across aerospace, automotive, and computing giants also develop specialized chips tailored for unique applications. For example, NASA relies on radiation-hardened processors purpose-built for spacecraft by Honeywell Aerospace.
Compensation for hardware architects and advanced chip designers trends over $200,000 per year with proven expertise. And opportunities in leading-edge computing show no signs of slowing.
[^1]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Hardware Engineering (Occupational Outlook Handbook), accessed January 2023Coding and Programming
Nearly all computer engineering paths involve coding using languages like C++, Python, JavaScript, Go, Rust, or Java. Development skills prove useful when building firmware, designing hardware interfaces, or creating tools to automate workflows.
Some engineers pursue full-time programming and development roles. Responsibilities center on collaborating with teams and stakeholders to build desktop, mobile, and web-based applications.
For example, major financial institutions hire coders specifically to develop high frequency trading systems. By optimizing order execution and reducing latency, computer engineers generate major revenue through rapid transactions.
Top coding employers include both large software shops and non-tech companies hiring dedicated programming talent:
- Amazon
- Spotify
- Adobe
- Goldman Sachs
- Tesla
- Target
- Boeing
The national average coding salary exceeds $100,000 per year for engineers with specialized languages like Rust, Go, or Scala experience[^6]. Candidates with security clearance for defense contractors or financial services earn even higher compensation.
[^6]: Glassdoor Economic Research, 50 Best Jobs in America 2023, January 2023Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Another fast-growing role blends cutting-edge hardware and software to build robots. Robotics engineers develop drones, autonomous vehicles, automated warehouse systems, advanced prosthetics, and even surgical bots.
Projects combine skills across mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering specialties. Underlying these complex machines are embedded systems running advanced algorithms, computer vision, sensor data fusion, and other automation techniques.
Major companies pushing innovation in commercial and industrial robots include[^7]:
- Boston Dynamics
- NVBOTS
- Locomation
- Embark Trucks
- Siemens
- Panasonic
- Amazon Robotics
- John Deere
And business demand for qualified robotics engineers continues rising over 15% annually on average[^8]. Given increasing investment and adoption across sectors like defense, aerospace, surgery, manufacturing, and more – robotics engineers should expect high salaries paired with stimulating work.
[^7]: Robotic Industries Association, North American Robot Company Database, accessed January 2023 [^8]: Engineering.com, 5 Robotics Industry Trends To Watch in 2024, November 2022Embedded Systems and IoT Devices
Nearly every modern “smart” product relies on embedded systems engineered by computer hardware experts. These miniaturized computers manage device functionality using real-time operating systems and code.
For example, a cutting-edge fitness tracker contains an embedded processor, memory modules, radio for Bluetooth connectivity, battery charger, and sensors. Engineers sculpt elegantly integrated and efficient systems optimized for extended battery life and reliability.
The booming Internet of Things (IoT) industry means skyrocketing demand for engineers familiar with connected embedded devices. Example applications include:
- Autonomous vehicle systems
- Smart home assistants
- Industrial sensors
- Wearable medical trackers
- Infrastructure management
Major players developing innovative embedded IoT products include:
- Texas Instruments
- Analog Devices
- Cypress Semiconductor
- Microchip Technology
- Renesas Electronics
- STMicroelectronics
- Infineon Technologies
And over 125 billion IoT devices will depend on embedded firmware and hardware by 2030 according to projections[^9]. Startups through mature organizations alike seek computer engineers comfortable spanning hardware, software, and cloud integration layers.
[^9]: Business Insider, IoT Report, November 2022Earning Potential and Job Outlook
The median pay for computer hardware engineers reaches $117,220 per year as of 2020 – with specialized niches and professionals commanding higher salaries[^1].
For example, the average base pay for a software engineer at Facebook ranges from $108,000 to $295,000 per year depending on seniority and location[^10]. High frequency trading firms hire expert coders specifically to optimize automatic stock trading systems – with total comp exceeding $500,000 per year.
And newly graduated computer engineers secure healthy starting salaries between $67,000-$82,000 according to recent reports[^11]. Then extensive opportunities for growth and specialization accelerates earnings over an entire career.
The job outlook also appears quite positive overall. The number of computer hardware engineering jobs is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030[^1]. Software engineering roles anticipate a red-hot 22% explosion in demand over the same period thanks to software eating the world.
Computer engineering remains one of the most future-proof careers given nearly every emerging capability relies heavily on improved computing. Specialists who master coveted skills around quantum, AI, robotics, or cloud systems can practically pick where they want to work and name the price.
The world already relies on technology in unprecedented ways. And computer engineers play the lead role pushing what‘s possible – driving innovations that elevate business, healthcare, communication, entertainment and beyond. For skilled candidates, a fulfilling career awaits full of challenge and impact.
[^10]: Levels.FYI, Software Engineer Salary at Facebook, accessed January 2023 [^11]: CollegeFactual, 2022 Computer Engineering Graduate Salary Statistics, accessed January 2023){kind=link}