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OVERVIEW Computer engineers may specialize in either software—the programs used to run computers—or hardware—the physical parts of a computer, or work in both specialties. Software engineers are responsible for customizing existing software programs to meet the needs and desires of a particular business or industry. Hardware engineers design, build, and test computer hardware and computer systems. Most computer engineers have a degree in computer science, engineering, or equivalent computer back ground and knowledge. There are about 936,000 computer engineers employed in the United States. Fewer than 35,000 computer engineers are employed in the telecommunications industry. HISTORY What started as a specialty of electrical engineering has developed into a career field of its own. Today, many individuals interested in a career in one of the computer industry’s most promising sectors turn to computer engineering. Computer engineers improve, repair, and implement changes needed to keep up with the demand for faster and stronger computers and complex soft ware programs. Some specialize in the design of the hardware: computer or peripheral parts such as memory chips, motherboards, or microprocessors. Others specialize in creating and organizing information systems for businesses and the government. Computer engineers play a key role in the telecommunications industry—helping to design, build, and troubleshoot a wide variety of equipment, devices, and products. The Society of Cable Tele communications Engineers was founded in 1969 to represent the professional interests of engineers (including those who specialize in computer engineering). THE JOB There are two main types of computer engineers: software engineers and hardware engineers. Software engineers define and analyze specific problems, and help develop computer software applications that effectively solve them. They fall into two basic categories: systems software engineers and applications software engineers. Systems software engineers build and maintain entire computer systems for a telecommunications company. For example, a company may need a new order processing system that tracks customer requests, the movements and work of technicians, and fulfills other specifications. Systems software engineers suggest ways to coordinate all these utilities and design the computer systems that will allow this information to be gathered and be seamlessly displayed to customer service representatives. Applications software engineers design, create, and modify general computer applications software and specialized utility pro grams. They might help create installation software that will be used by customers when they purchase a new cell phone or sign up for broadband Internet service. Some applications software engineers might develop the software that provides ringtones, games, and other applications on cell phones or other handheld devices. Others might develop a software security program that protects customers’ credit card and other private information in company databases. Computer hardware engineers work with the physical parts of computers, such as CPUs (computer processing units), motherboards, chipsets, video cards, cooling units, disk drives, storage devices, processors, network cards, and all the components that connect them, down to wires, nuts, and bolts. They are also responsible for all peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, keyboards, modems, and monitors, digital cameras, external storage, and speaker systems, among other devices. They also help design and build cell phones, wired telephones, cable box technology, high-definition receivers, and large computer and electronic infrastructure and systems used by the telecommunications industry. Hardware engineers also design parts and create prototypes using CAD/CAM technology. For example, a hardware engineer employed by Verizon could use this technology to help re-engineer video cards for a new cell phone model to improve picture quality and speed. Both software and hardware engineers must be extremely detail oriented. Software engineers must account for every bit of information accrued by a programming command. Hardware components must often be designed or revised to certain specifications, and may change as the project proceeds. Computer engineers often work with other engineers, scientists, and company executives in order to complete a project. Computer engineers are usually responsible for a significant amount of technical writing, including project proposals, progress reports, and user manuals. They are required to meet regularly with clients and managers to keep project goals clear and learn about any changes as quickly as possible. REQUIREMENTS High School A bachelor’s or advanced degree in computer science or engineering is required for most computer engineers. Thus, to prepare for college studies while in high school, take as many computer, math, and science courses as possible; they provide fundamental math and computer knowledge and teach analytical thinking skills. Classes that rely on schematic drawing and flowcharts are also very valuable. English and speech courses will help you improve your communication skills, which are very important for computer engineers. Postsecondary Training Computer engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, hardware engineering, software engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering. Employment in research laboratories or academic institutions might require a master’s or Ph.D. in computer science or engineering. For a list of accredited four-year computer engineering programs, contact the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (http://www.abet.org). The intense and diverse course study and the significant time required to obtain a postsecondary degree in computer engineering requires a variety of skills and abilities. In addition to natural ability, you should be hard working and determined to succeed. If you plan to work in a specific field, such as telecommunications, you should receive some formal training in that particular discipline. Certification or Licensing Not all computer professionals are certified. The deciding factor seems to be whether certification is required by their employer. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement, or incentives, to those who earn certification. Certification is available in a variety of specialties. The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals offers the associate computing professional designation for those new to the field and the certified computing professional designation for those with at least 48 months of full-time professional level work in computer-based information systems. Additionally, the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and the International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics offer certification for engineers employed in the telecommunications industry. Certification is considered by many to be a measure of industry knowledge as well as leverage when negotiating salary. Other Requirements Computer engineers need a broad knowledge of and experience with computer systems, software, and. technologies. You need strong problem-solving and analysis skills and good interpersonal skills. You must also be detail oriented and work well under pressure. Patience, self-motivation, and flexibility are important. Often, a number of projects are worked on simultaneously, so the ability to multitask is important. Because of rapid technological advances in the computer field, continuing education is a necessity. EXPLORING Try to spend a day with a working computer engineer or technician in order to experience first-hand what their job is like. School guidance counselors can help you arrange such a visit. You can also talk to your high school computer teacher for more information. In general, you should be intent on learning as much as possible about computers and computer software and hardware. You should learn about new developments by reading trade magazines and talking to other computer users. You also can join computer clubs and surf the Internet for information about working in this field. If you are interested in working in telecommunications, you should learn as much as you can about the industry as possible. Read industry publications such as IEEE Wireless Communication Magazine (http://www.comsoc.org/pubs/pcm) and Communications Technology (http://www.cable360.net/ct) and visit the Web sites of professional associations (see For More Information). EMPLOYERS Approximately 936,000 computer engineers are employed in the United States. About 857,000 computer engineers work with computer software; an additional 79,000 work with computer hard ware. Fewer than 35,000 computer engineers are employed in the telecommunications industry. Computer engineers are employed by wired and wireless telecommunications carriers, cable and other program distributors, and manufacturing companies that serve the telecommunications industry. Major telecommunications companies include Qualcomm, AT&T, Verizon, Motorola, Nokia, Sony, Comcast Cable Communications, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, and Dish Network Services. STARTING OUT As a technical, vocational, or university student of computer engineering, you should work closely with your school’s career services office, as many professionals find their first position through on- campus recruiting. Career service office staff are well trained to provide tips on resume writing, interviewing techniques, and locating job leads. Individuals not working with a school career services office can check the classified ads for job openings. They also can work with a local employment agency that places computer professionals in appropriate jobs. Many openings in the computer industry are publicized by word of mouth, so you should stay in touch with working computer professionals to learn who is hiring. In addition, these people may be willing to refer you directly to the person in charge of recruiting. Computer engineers who are interested in working for telecommunications companies should contact these companies directly for information on employment opportunities. Professional associations—such as the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and the International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics—also offer job listings at their Web sites. ADVANCEMENT Computer engineers who demonstrate leadership qualities and thorough technical know-how may become project team leaders who are responsible for full-scale software and hardware development projects. Project team leaders oversee the work of technicians and engineers. They determine the overall parameters of a project, calculate time schedules and financial budgets, divide the project into smaller tasks, and assign these tasks to engineers. Overall, they do both managerial and technical work. Computer engineers with experience as project team leaders may be promoted to a position as computer manager, running a large research and development department. Managers oversee software projects with a more encompassing perspective; they help choose projects to be undertaken, select project team leaders and engineering teams, and assign individual projects. In some cases, they may be required to travel, solicit new business, and contribute to the general marketing strategy of the company. Many computer professionals find that their interests change over time. As long as individuals are well qualified and keep up to date with the latest technology, they are usually able to find positions in other areas of the computer industry. EARNINGS Starting salary offers in 2007 for bachelor’s degree candidates in computer engineering averaged $56,201, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Those with a master’s degree averaged $60,000, and new graduates with a Ph.D. averaged $92,500. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that computer engineers employed in the telecommunications industry earned the following mean salary by specialty in 2006: software-applications, $82,450; software-systems software, $84,170; and hardware, $83,250. Salaries for all computer software engineers ranged from less than $49,000 to $125,000 or more. Hardware engineers employed in all industries earned salaries that ranged from less than $53,000 to more than $135,000. When computer engineers are promoted to project team leader or computer manager, they can earn even more. Computer engineers generally earn more in geographical areas where there are clusters of computer companies, such as the Silicon Valley in northern California. Most computer engineers work for companies that offer extensive benefits, including health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation. In some smaller computer companies, however, benefits may be limited. WORK ENVIRONMENT Computer engineers usually work in comfortable office environments. Overall, they usually work 40-hour weeks, but this depends on the nature of the employer and expertise of the engineer. In consulting firms, for example, it is typical for engineers to work long hours and frequently travel to out-of-town assignments. Computer engineers generally receive an assignment and a time frame within which to accomplish it; daily work details are often left up to the individuals. Some engineers work relatively lightly at the beginning of a project, but work a lot of overtime at the end in order to catch up. Most engineers are not compensated for overtime. Computer engineering can be stressful, especially when engineers must work to meet deadlines. Working with programming languages and intense details, for example, is often frustrating. Therefore, computer engineers should be patient, enjoy problem-solving challenges, and work well under pressure. OUTLOOK Employment for computer software engineers employed in telecommunications is expected to grow by 9 percent through 2016—or about as fast as the average for all occupations. Telecommunications companies will continue to implement new and innovative technology to remain competitive, and they will need software engineers to do this. Software engineers will also be needed to handle the ever-growing capabilities of computer networks, e-commerce, and wireless technologies, as well as the security features needed to protect such systems from outside attacks. Overall, the field of software engineering is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations through 2016. Demands made on computers increase every day and from all industries. Rapid growth in the computer systems design and related industries will account for much of this growth. Employment in hardware engineering will grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Foreign competition and increased productivity at U.S. companies will limit opportunities for hardware engineers. Opportunities will be best for hardware engineers who are employed in computer systems design and related services. FOR MORE INFORMATION For information on internships, student membership, and the student magazine Crossroads, contact Association for Computing Machinery 2 Penn Plaza Suite 701 New York, NY 10121-0701 Tel: 212-869-7440 For certification information, contact Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals 2350 East Devon Avenue, Suite 115 Des Plaines, IL 60018-4610 Tel: 800-843-8227 Email: office@iccp.org For information on scholarships, student membership, and the student newsletter, looking forward, contact IEEE Computer Society 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 1202 Washington, DC 20036-5104 Tel: 202-371-0101 For information on certification, contact International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics 840 Queen Street New Bern, NC 28560-4856 Tel: 800-896-2783 For information on careers, educational programs, educational seminars, distance learning, and certification, contact Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers 140 Philips Road Exton, PA 19341-1318 Tel: 800-542-5040 Email: scte@scte.org PREV: Communication
Equipment Technicians Also see: Electronics Engineering Technicians |