A Complete Career Resource Guide For A Computer Engineer
As technology advances, we need more engineers and technicians.
These people understand everything you need to know about computers or the Internet.
The future of computer engineering is bright, as over 27,000 people in the U.S. are computer engineers.
The field is competitive.
If you are looking for a career as a computer engineer, you are in the right place.
Here is your complete resource guide to becoming a computer engineer.
Computer Engineer Job Information
| Official Job Title | Computer Engineer |
| Average Salary | $83,633 |
| Stress Level | Average |
| Work/Life | Average |
| Job Satisfaction | Average |
| Career Advancement | High |
Computer Engineer Job Description
Here is a comprehensive job description of a computer engineer to help you understand what their responsibilities entail:
What Is A Computer Engineer?
A computer engineer will test, build, design, and maintain hardware and software.
These include the systems and infrastructures inside any hardware and software.
For example, a computer engineer will design many technological objects such as networks, processors, digital platforms, circuit boards, etc.
A computer engineer can also go into a specialized field.
For example, they can specialize in wireless networks, aircraft design, robotics, and much more.
But, of course, that depends on the goals of the computer engineer.
What Does A Computer Engineer Do On A Daily Basis?
Computer engineers have various tasks they will do every day.
These include researching hardware and software.
Besides that, the engineer will write and test the software on multiple devices.
They will also design and test various components of technology.
The daily tasks include taking input from the team and having them in everything from research to testing.
A computer engineer will work with clients, technology experts, and other engineers.
A computer engineer often sits at a desk and researches for long periods.
Responsibilities, Duties, & Roles Of A Computer Engineer
The top responsibilities, duties, and roles of a computer engineer include the following:
- Responding to all computer issues and offering technical support
- Performing periodic hardware analysis using testing tools and technology
- Overseeing the cloud storage accounts of an organization to ensure security and protection
- Conducting validation testing
- Developing and installing software systems
- Guaranteeing existing systems are up-to-date
- Drafting new computer equipment blueprints
- And much more
Computer Engineer Salary
Here is what you must know about computer engineer salaries, depending on their career path:
Average Salary
The average salary of computer engineers is $83,633 per year.
The average salary also depends on the region you work in.
For example, Hawaii, California, Washington, Delaware, and Massachusetts offer the highest salaries to computer engineers.
That is why location is a crucial factor.
Starting Salary
The entry-level salary of most computer engineers is $59,385 per year.
That is the salary you begin with and then make your way upwards.
Senior Salary
Senior computer engineers make $143,214.
Of course, you have to work hard for a long time before you reach the senior level.
How To Become A Computer Engineer
If you want to become a computer engineer, here is what you must know:
The Entry Level: Certification, Training, & Degree
Almost all organizations require a computer engineer to have a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
Of course, the best undergraduate degree for this job is computer engineering.
Besides a degree, you can also have certifications to enhance your skills.
The top certification any computer engineer can have is the Software Engineering Master Certification.
It offers you all the knowledge you need to do your job well.
The certification is critical to have in 2021 for computer engineers.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
An appropriate skill set is crucial for any job.
However, computer engineers must know coding and programming, SDLC, networking, electrical engineering, cryptography, database, and more.
Such skills will help you execute your job much more effectively.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Computer Engineer?
It does not take too long to become a computer engineer.
First, you must complete your bachelor’s degree.
After that, begin an internship to gain some experience and switch to a full-time job.
Is It Hard To Become A Computer Engineer?
Becoming a computer engineer is challenging, but it’s worth it based on the level of satisfaction and income.
Computer Engineer Career Paths
For those wondering if becoming a computer engineer is a good career path, here is what you must know:
The Computer Engineer Roadmap
The roadmap is straightforward.
You must earn your bachelor’s degree in a relevant field first.
During this time, you can also work as a software engineer intern to improve your resume.
Once your internship is complete, you can work a full-time job.
Most people start as software engineers, make their way to systems engineers, and finally, senior positions.
That is the most common roadmap, but many opt for different paths.
While you are working, it is also best to obtain certifications.
It will help you stand out from your competitors.
Projections For Growth In Computer Engineer Jobs
The job growth rate of computer engineers is 5%, as fast as the average.
You will advance over a few years in this career.
After a few years, you can opt for a senior position.
Of course, obtaining certifications and more training is vital as you go along.
In Summary: Is Computer Engineer A Good Career?
Yes, becoming a computer engineer is a promising career.
The stress level is average, but you must have technical knowledge.
That is what sets a great computer engineer apart from a good one.
Working Conditions
Here is everything you need to know about the working conditions of computer engineers:
Can A Computer Engineer Work Remotely From Home?
Yes, computer engineers can work remotely from home.
That is because computer engineers can easily do most of their work online.
Many companies hire remote computer engineers in the U.S.
How Many Hours Does A Computer Engineer Work?
Computer engineers will work at least forty hours a week.
However, they may sometimes have to work weekends or evenings to meet essential deadlines.
So, the working hours can always go up.
Can A Computer Engineer Work Part-Time?
You will find that most computer engineers work full-time.
However, some work part-time on a freelance basis.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Computer Engineer?
On average, computer engineers get three weeks off from work.
That is the official vacation time when they can travel somewhere and relax.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Computer Engineer
- Product Manager
- UX Designer
- Sound Engineer
- Product Engineer
- Video Game Writer
- Application Developer
- Computer Engineer
- Technical Program Manager
- AI Engineer
- Cloud Architect
Computer Engineer Resume Tips
Are you looking to create the best computer engineer resume? Here are some top tips:
- Include relevant skills such as coding, programming, software development, technical writing, etc
- Include keywords from the job description in the resume
- Add a section for your certifications
- Attach a cover letter with the resume
- Ensure that the resume is ATS-friendly
Computer Engineer Interview Questions
Here are some key questions to ask computer engineers as an employer:
Q1: What programming languages do you prefer to work with?
Why it works: The question offers a chance for the candidate to talk about the programming languages they use.
The candidate will also tell you what they like or dislike about a specific programming language.
Finally, it will give you an insight into what they will use for your organization.
Q2: What is the most important factor when checking your colleague’s coding work?
Why it works: You can ask this to gain insight into how the candidate works.
For example, when double-checking codes, do they check for factors such as security and functionality?
Q3: How do you ensure your skills stay relevant in the competitive technological field?
Why it works: Every computer engineer must stay on top of their game with new certifications and training.
Asking this question will help you understand if the candidate keeps their skills fresh.
Jobs Related To Computer Engineer
Some other jobs related to computer engineer include:
- Systems engineer
- Software developer
- Project manager
- Software consultant
For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Computer Engineer
As an HR Manager, here are the top tips when hiring a computer engineer:
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Computer Engineer
Here are some critical skills you must look for in a computer engineer:
- Innovation and creativity
- Problem-solving skills
- Effective communication skills
- Leadership abilities
- Coding and programming
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
A computer engineer’s minimum level of education is a bachelor’s degree.
Besides that, the candidate must have a few years of experience in the relevant field.
Various relevant certifications are also crucial to have.
Reference Links
- https://www.apollotechnical.com/interview-questions-to-ask-software-engineer/
- https://www.indeed.com/hire/interview-questions/computer-engineer
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/e/What-Does-a-Work-From-Home-Software-Engineer-Do
- https://zety.com/blog/computer-engineering-resume-example
- https://www.careeraddict.com/top-10-skills-needed-for-a-job-in-computer-engineering
- https://www.betterteam.com/computer-engineer-job-description
- https://work.chron.com/duties-computer-engineer-13713.html
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-a-computer-engineer-do
- https://ira.asee.org/national-benchmark-reports/workforce2019/
- https://www.zippia.com/computer-engineer-jobs/