Understanding Computer Engineering Roles

Relying on principles from computer science and electrical engineering, computer engineering roles combine knowledge of both hardware and software to design, create, and maintain computer systems. At a glance, here's what you need to know about computer engineering roles:

• The pay is competitive. According to Glassdoor, computer engineering professionals earn a median total annual compensation of $105,000, which includes both base salary and additional benefits [1].

• Examples of job titles for computer engineer roles include hardware engineer, systems engineer, software engineer, and network engineer.

• Positions can be in finance, technology, health care, aerospace, automotive, and other industries.

Below, you'll learn more about computer engineering roles, as well as what you need to do to join them. Afterward, if you want to start building job-relevant skills today, consider enrolling in the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate.

Computer engineering job description

Different computer engineering roles have different responsibilities. For example, while some focus primarily on coding, others spend more time designing hardware. Nonetheless, there are some typical responsibilities you can expect as a professional in the field, such as:

• Researching emerging technologies to learn about how you can use them 

• Working with team members such as project managers, other computer engineers, software designers, developers, and those in more senior roles to establish and execute plans

• Developing and designing hardware and software

• Updating current systems with more modern hardware and software features

• Performing regular testing and troubleshooting to maintain systems and correct any defects

• Overseeing the building and installation of computer components

• Documenting technical information for team members and stakeholders 

Salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, the total median salary for a computer engineer is $105,000, which includes both base salary and additional compensation, such as bonuses [1]. The industry you work in can also impact your salary, with financial services, information technology, and aerospace and defense reporting the highest incomes for computer engineers [1]. 

The job outlook for computer engineering roles is positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer hardware engineering positions will grow 7 percent between 2024 and 2034 [2], while the computer and IT industry as a whole anticipates 317,700 job openings annually within this same period [3].

Types of computer engineering roles

Within computer engineering, you can find many different roles. Explore some of them and what each position entails. 

1. Hardware engineer

As a hardware engineer, you design, create, and test components such as circuit boards, microprocessors, and routers. You often collaborate with software engineers to ensure that all the hardware components you design are compatible with the software. 

2. Systems engineer

Working as a systems engineer means looking for ways to develop or improve new systems to address your organization's specific needs. This position can also include installing computer systems and their components and implementing strategies to keep systems secure.

3. Software engineer

Your primary responsibility as a software engineer is to develop software systems and applications. This task includes the design, testing, and maintenance of software applications. Your expertise in engineering principles and computer programming will be helpful as you develop software.

4. Test engineer

As a test engineer, you will create testing methods and implement them on electrical systems or software to highlight any issues in the software and identify the cause. You will then document and report these problems to developers.

5. Network engineer

As a network engineer, you will focus on designing various types of computer networks and implementing them once they’re ready. To do so effectively, you must consider the organization’s current and future needs and evaluate network security.

How to prepare for computer engineer roles

While there are numerous computer engineer roles, you'll likely have to follow similar steps to qualify for them. Some common steps you'll likely need to take to prepare for a computer engineering role include:

1. Obtain a degree.

Computer engineer roles typically require a bachelor's degree. Popular areas of study include information technology, computer engineering, computer science, and related fields. Earning a master’s degree in computer engineering or a related field can also be a worthwhile investment to qualify for more advanced roles. 

2. Build your skills.

If you're interested in pursuing a computer engineering role, you must first equip yourself with the necessary skills to excel in the job. Skills you should consider building include:

• Computer programming: You’ll need a working knowledge of several programming languages, including popular languages for computer engineers, such as Python, Java, and C ++.

• Software development: In addition to knowing how to develop software programs, it’s important to understand their overall structure and how the software will ultimately integrate with hardware components.

• Operating systems: Operating systems depend on hardware and software components working together. Common operating systems you should know include MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

• Hardware design: As a computer engineer, you should have knowledge of hardware components and tools used to design computing systems, such as electronic design automation (EDA) software. 

• Communication: You’ll likely work as a team, making solid communication skills critical. It’s also important to convey technical information in a way that shareholders and others who may not have a technical background can understand.

• Problem-solving: Your problem-solving skills will be useful when seeking the optimal solution for complex problems and troubleshooting.

3. Consider certification

Obtaining a job-relevant certification can be an effective way to differentiate yourself from other applicants to potential employers. Examples of certifications held by professionals in computer engineering roles include:

• CompTIA A+

• AWS Certified Could Practitioner

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

4. Explore career paths and advancement

Computer engineer roles follow several different career paths, often leading to specialized jobs in areas such as software, hardware, data, networks, blockchain, information security, and machine learning. Early in your career, you can expect to work in a position related to the type of computer engineering you pursue. However, as you progress in your career, you may advance to IT management, project management, or director roles.

Learn more about computer engineering

There's plenty to learn when it comes to computer engineering. Dive further into this fascinating, impactful field with these free resources on Coursera:

• Watch on YouTube: Software Engineering Roadmap for Beginners (With NO Experience)

• Explore Engineering and IT roles: Coursera Career Academies

• Read more: Coursera Articles Computer Science & Engineering Hub Page

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

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