Computer Engineers

At a Glance

Work with either computer software or hardware
Apply math and computer knowledge to computer design
Interact with clients (including training them)
May work overtime to meet deadlines
Have at least a bachelor's degree

Career summary

Computer engineers design and test computer hardware and software.

#No additions from wois occ 2423

#reviewed 3/21/19 lh

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.

Software engineers

Software engineers develop computer software systems, such as those that control manufacturing processes. Some engineers look at current operating systems and determine how to integrate new software. They supervise workers who do most of the programming. They test completed systems and suggest modifications. They coordinate the installation of finished software on the client's system.

Hardware engineers

Many hardware engineers develop computer chips, circuit boards, or routers. They gather information from clients and determine the best way to upgrade or replace the client's current hardware.

Hardware engineers oversee computer installation, making sure there are controls for dust and temperature in the computer area. Engineers also monitor the systems performance.

They may train clients how to use software or maintain hardware.

Related careers

This career is part of the Information Technology cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of 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.

Common work activities

Computer engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Use computers
Make decisions and solve problems
Update and use job-related knowledge
Get information needed to do the job
Think creatively
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Process information
Analyze data or information
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Identify objects, actions, and events
Evaluate information against standards
Establish and maintain relationships
Develop goals and strategies
Explain the meaning of information to others
Document and record information
Provide advice and consultation to others
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, computer engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

Almost always work as part of a team of engineers.
Communicate by e-mail, phone, and in person on a daily basis.
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.
May share office space with others.

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.

Physical demands

Computer engineers frequently:

Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for computer engineers to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for computer engineers to be able to:

Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

Skills and abilities

Computer engineers need to:

Communicate

Understand written information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand spoken information.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a computer engineer, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Computer 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.

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.

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 career include:

Computer Applications
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Electronics
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.

Things to know

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.

Tips

Rapid changes in technology require workers to keep up with the latest advancements. A class in technical writing is helpful. Participating in a cooperative program or internship provides helpful experience. Problem-solving and computer programming skills are important.

Costs to workers

Some employers require that workers have certification as systems or network engineers. Engineers often take continuing education to learn about new technology. This is often paid for by employers. Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and work experience; and
passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of work experience and education; and
passing a written exam.

Licensing fees for engineers are $350 for the registration examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors and $65 for the initial state exam application. The renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers must be licensed.

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (external link)
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program (external link)
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

#2/28/17. Removed fees for engineers-in-training as couldn't find; rest of info ok 2/19/18 cj. updt ncees url 3/21/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Computer hardware engineers (SOC 17-2061)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$30.68	$42.40	$57.95	$74.83	$91.78
	Monthly	$5,317	$7,348	$10,043	$12,968	$15,905
	Yearly	$63,800	$88,190	$120,540	$155,650	$190,910
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$38.15	$49.08	$63.61	$79.69	$96.51
	Monthly	$6,611	$8,506	$11,024	$13,810	$16,725
	Yearly	$79,349	$102,077	$132,314	$165,761	$200,734
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$17.87	$26.37	$32.56	$48.26	$64.94
	Monthly	$3,097	$4,570	$5,643	$8,363	$11,254
	Yearly	$37,158	$54,847	$67,726	$100,371	$135,075
Vancouver	Hourly	$32.93	$40.74	$53.41	$62.85	$75.16
	Monthly	$5,707	$7,060	$9,256	$10,892	$13,025
	Yearly	$68,501	$84,743	$111,091	$130,711	$156,331
United States	Hourly	$32.07	$41.71	$55.10	$70.20	$83.00
	Monthly	$5,558	$7,228	$9,549	$12,166	$14,384
	Yearly	$66,700	$86,760	$114,600	$146,020	$172,630

Software developers, applications (SOC 15-1132)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$38.87	$50.87	$61.63	$75.58	$91.14
	Monthly	$6,736	$8,816	$10,680	$13,098	$15,795
	Yearly	$80,840	$105,800	$128,200	$157,200	$189,560
Bellingham	Hourly	$25.51	$36.34	$50.89	$62.04	$73.24
	Monthly	$4,421	$6,298	$8,819	$10,752	$12,692
	Yearly	$53,061	$75,593	$105,846	$129,040	$152,336
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$32.17	$38.59	$47.31	$58.70	$71.03
	Monthly	$5,575	$6,688	$8,199	$10,173	$12,309
	Yearly	$66,921	$80,262	$98,396	$122,103	$147,742
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$32.51	$41.75	$48.05	$52.25	$65.60
	Monthly	$5,634	$7,235	$8,327	$9,055	$11,368
	Yearly	$67,609	$86,846	$99,954	$108,697	$136,449
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$33.29	$41.42	$49.45	$62.61	$80.79
	Monthly	$5,769	$7,178	$8,570	$10,850	$14,001
	Yearly	$69,248	$86,155	$102,843	$130,239	$168,051
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$34.03	$39.16	$48.70	$70.71	$77.81
	Monthly	$5,897	$6,786	$8,440	$12,254	$13,484
	Yearly	$70,788	$81,450	$101,298	$147,067	$161,859
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$26.97	$34.69	$48.49	$82.88	$94.65
	Monthly	$4,674	$6,012	$8,403	$14,363	$16,403
	Yearly	$56,108	$72,166	$100,861	$172,383	$196,877
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$41.04	$52.74	$63.37	$77.36	$93.37
	Monthly	$7,112	$9,140	$10,982	$13,406	$16,181
	Yearly	$85,375	$109,695	$131,827	$160,925	$194,204
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$19.33	$27.34	$37.53	$48.62	$59.84
	Monthly	$3,350	$4,738	$6,504	$8,426	$10,370
	Yearly	$40,199	$56,860	$78,065	$101,144	$124,482
Vancouver	Hourly	$32.16	$41.08	$51.46	$62.54	$74.70
	Monthly	$5,573	$7,119	$8,918	$10,838	$12,946
	Yearly	$66,895	$85,459	$107,048	$130,094	$155,383
Walla Walla	Hourly	$20.25	$27.55	$37.58	$54.81	$66.90
	Monthly	$3,509	$4,774	$6,513	$9,499	$11,594
	Yearly	$42,116	$57,318	$78,166	$113,992	$139,167
Wenatchee	Hourly	$27.81	$32.70	$43.43	$50.98	$58.82
	Monthly	$4,819	$5,667	$7,526	$8,835	$10,194
	Yearly	$57,827	$68,014	$90,337	$106,039	$122,329
Yakima	Hourly	$29.06	$35.45	$44.46	$57.99	$72.30
	Monthly	$5,036	$6,143	$7,705	$10,050	$12,530
	Yearly	$60,431	$73,728	$92,470	$120,622	$150,374
United States	Hourly	$29.64	$38.14	$49.82	$62.72	$77.54
	Monthly	$5,137	$6,610	$8,634	$10,869	$13,438
	Yearly	$61,660	$79,340	$103,620	$130,460	$161,290

Software developers, systems software (SOC 15-1133)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$32.61	$45.53	$58.40	$71.74	$81.72
	Monthly	$5,651	$7,890	$10,121	$12,433	$14,162
	Yearly	$67,830	$94,690	$121,470	$149,210	$169,970
Bellingham	Hourly	$22.01	$29.88	$37.32	$53.04	$69.00
	Monthly	$3,814	$5,178	$6,468	$9,192	$11,958
	Yearly	$45,763	$62,149	$77,624	$110,308	$143,519
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$33.47	$38.31	$50.34	$72.01	$92.78
	Monthly	$5,800	$6,639	$8,724	$12,479	$16,079
	Yearly	$69,632	$79,682	$104,707	$149,795	$192,969
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$31.84	$38.10	$48.16	$59.94	$71.68
	Monthly	$5,518	$6,603	$8,346	$10,388	$12,422
	Yearly	$66,242	$79,245	$100,172	$124,677	$149,083
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$17.15	$26.39	$46.40	$60.21	$76.05
	Monthly	$2,972	$4,573	$8,041	$10,434	$13,179
	Yearly	$35,674	$54,887	$96,513	$125,241	$158,190
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$26.60	$30.28	$48.25	$66.06	$79.77
	Monthly	$4,610	$5,248	$8,362	$11,448	$13,824
	Yearly	$55,327	$62,989	$100,360	$137,396	$165,904
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$34.76	$47.72	$60.20	$73.56	$83.55
	Monthly	$6,024	$8,270	$10,433	$12,748	$14,479
	Yearly	$72,307	$99,259	$125,217	$152,999	$173,789
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$27.63	$34.53	$45.39	$58.62	$72.80
	Monthly	$4,788	$5,984	$7,866	$10,159	$12,616
	Yearly	$57,482	$71,824	$94,397	$121,935	$151,415
Vancouver	Hourly	$28.22	$40.09	$52.69	$64.31	$75.44
	Monthly	$4,891	$6,948	$9,131	$11,145	$13,074
	Yearly	$58,706	$83,389	$109,601	$133,759	$156,925
Yakima	Hourly	$32.78	$42.43	$50.77	$64.68	$76.93
	Monthly	$5,681	$7,353	$8,798	$11,209	$13,332
	Yearly	$68,174	$88,251	$105,598	$134,518	$160,016
United States	Hourly	$32.09	$41.16	$52.89	$67.09	$80.27
	Monthly	$5,561	$7,133	$9,166	$11,627	$13,911
	Yearly	$66,740	$85,610	$110,000	$139,550	$166,960

Wages for computer engineers vary by field. Wages also 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.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Computer Hardware Engineers (SOC 17-2061)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,806	22.9%	16.1%	207
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	38	0.0%	11.9%	2
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	139	2.9%	15.2%	10
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	15	20.0%	14.6%	1
King County	1,307	30.4%	19.6%	173
Pierce County	13	0.0%	15.2%	1
Snohomish County	105	3.8%	12.4%	7
Spokane County	87	18.4%	13.9%	9
United States	64,400	6.2%	5.2%	5,200

Software developers, applications (SOC 15-1132)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	63,029	45.7%	16.1%	10,630
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	135	103.7%	13.4%	42
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	140	22.9%	8.6%	16
Benton and Franklin Counties	247	30.0%	15.0%	33
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	306	37.6%	11.9%	46
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	648	36.4%	15.2%	95
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	362	51.4%	14.1%	66
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	431	32.3%	14.6%	59
King County	56,517	49.5%	19.6%	10,036
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	86	23.3%	13.8%	10
Pierce County	997	-12.1%	15.2%	44
Snohomish County	944	21.8%	12.4%	107
Spokane County	739	31.5%	13.9%	100
United States	944,200	25.6%	5.2%	99,200

Software developers, systems software (SOC 15-1133)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	17,003	27.2%	16.1%	2,141
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	40	47.5%	13.4%	7
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	22	22.7%	8.6%	2
Benton and Franklin Counties	78	21.8%	15.0%	9
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	85	10.6%	11.9%	7
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	291	19.6%	15.2%	32
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	246	25.2%	14.1%	30
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	140	17.1%	14.6%	14
King County	12,875	32.1%	19.6%	1,770
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	74	13.5%	13.8%	7
Pierce County	275	14.9%	15.2%	26
Snohomish County	2,125	12.2%	12.4%	194
Spokane County	414	23.4%	13.9%	48
United States	421,300	10.1%	5.2%	35,400

National employment

Major employers:

Computer systems design companies
Computer software publishers
Business management companies
Scientific research and development companies
Computer and parts manufacturing companies

National outlook

Demand for computer engineers is expected to be very strong. Software developers will have the strongest job growth due to the increased need for applications used by cell phones and other mobile devices. Health care computing needs and business security needs will also create more jobs for developers.

Demand will not be as strong for computer hardware engineers. The newest computer technology relies less on computer hardware and more on wireless connections. Job prospects are best for computer hardware engineers who are experienced and have certifications.

Job openings will occur as people move into managerial positions or leave this occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

American Association for the Advancement of Science
1200 New York Ave, NW
Washington,DC20005

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

Association for Computing Machinery
1601 Broadway, 10th Floor1
New York, NY 10019-7434
800.342.6626
212.626.0500

Association for Computing Machinery SIGGRAPH

Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence

Association for Women in Computing - Puget Sound Chapter
3743 S. 170th Street
Sea-Tac, WA 98188

Careers in Space: A Universe of Options

Computing Research Association
1828 L Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036-4632

Computing Technology Industry Association
3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630.678.8300

Discover Engineering

eGFI - Dream Up the Future

Engineer Girl!
National Academy of Engineering

Engineering Your Future

IEEE Computer Society
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

Information Technology Industry Council
1101 K Street NW, Suite 610
Washington, DC 20005
202.737.8888

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212.419.7900

International Association for Computer Information Systems
405.744.8632

Mathematical Sciences Career Information

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
3600 Market Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.382.9800

Society of Women Engineers
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

The Advanced Computing Systems Association

Washington Interactive Network

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair

Washington Technology Industry Association
2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 390
Seattle, WA 98121
206.448.3033

Women in Technology International

References

Career cluster

Information Technology

Career path

Investigative (Science)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

Strong Interest Inventory

Computer Scientists
Engineer
Software Developer

Holland occupational clusters

Investigative/Conventional/Realistic
Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

Technology Professional