Computer engineering is a dynamic field that bridges the gap between electrical engineering’s hardware focus and computer science’s software expertise. Computer engineers are involved in designing hardware, but their primary focus is on the functionality and purpose of the hardware rather than the intricate details of transistor layout. They are the architects of processors that power a vast array of devices, from conventional computers to sophisticated embedded systems. These systems can be found in familiar devices such as desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets, as well as in less obvious applications like kitchen appliances, automobiles, and even space vehicles. Computer engineers also design specialized processors like GPUs (graphics processing units) and hardware accelerators for artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.
A key area of focus for computer engineers is the connectivity between devices, whether through wired or wireless connections. Their interest lies not in the specific voltages or wireless signals, but rather in the protocols used for data transmission.
Computer Engineering vs. Computer Science: Key Differences
While both fields deal with computers, computer engineering and computer science have distinct focuses. Computer science delves into the theoretical underpinnings of computer systems, including software and programming paradigms. Computer engineers, on the other hand, possess a holistic understanding of computer systems, encompassing both hardware and software aspects.
Unlike most computer scientists, computer engineers are adept at working with both hardware and software. They analyze how hardware and software components interact and evaluate design trade-offs between the two. Computer engineers frequently work on the electronic elements of systems, designing, constructing, and programming complete computer systems from the ground up.
The Role of a Computer Engineer: What Do They Do?
Many computer engineers dedicate more time to writing code than working directly with computer hardware. However, unlike software engineers who create user-facing applications, computer engineers often concentrate on the “invisible” code that facilitates communication with the hardware within a system.
For instance, when a smartphone needs to determine its location, it queries the GPS chip. A computer engineer develops the code that interfaces with the GPS chip, retrieves the data, and presents it to the application. This type of interface is prevalent in home computers, where users install drivers (developed by computer engineers) to support printers or other connected devices. It’s also integral to the functionality of devices that may not immediately appear to be computers, such as kitchen appliances and automobiles. In fact, a modern car can contain anywhere from 10 million to 100 million lines of code.
A significant number of computer engineers specialize in embedded systems, designing both the hardware and software for computing systems that don’t resemble traditional computers. Their comprehensive knowledge of both hardware and software allows them to work effectively across the entire spectrum, from designing and populating printed circuit boards (PCBs) to writing applications for smartphones, desktop computers, and supercomputers. Computer engineers may navigate this spectrum throughout their careers, and some may even work across the entire spectrum on a daily basis.
Career Paths for Computer Engineers: Where Do They Work?
Computer engineers can be found in a wide variety of roles, but they typically specialize in one of three main areas: hardware development, embedded systems, or software development.
Hardware Development
Computer engineers working in hardware development design processors and computing systems for diverse industries. These processors may be implemented on application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Some processors are designed for general-purpose use in devices like desktop computers, smartphones, laptops, automobiles, aerospace vehicles, appliances, and tools. Others are designed for specific functions, such as audio, video, communications, or artificial intelligence acceleration. Computer engineers may also design the electrical systems that surround the processor. Common tools used include the Verilog hardware description language, Intel and AMD FPGAs, electronic design automation software from Cadence and Siemens, and logic analyzers.
Embedded Systems
An “embedded system” is a computing system that isn’t immediately recognizable as a computer. This category encompasses many everyday conveniences:
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers
- Home appliances (e.g., refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines)
- Power tools (e.g., drills, saws, and yard tools)
- Automobiles
- Robotics
- Medical devices (e.g., pacemakers, blood pressure cuffs, and hospital beds)
- Entertainment technology (e.g., cameras and home theatre components)
- Telecommunications
Computer engineers write the code that directly interacts with the hardware to sense the environment and respond accordingly. This often involves low-level programming in assembly language or C, although Python is becoming increasingly prevalent. Common tools for building embedded systems include microcontrollers like Arduinos, Raspberry Pi, products from Texas Instruments, and the Nvidia Jetson.
Software Development
Computer engineers acquire the same programming languages and techniques as computer scientists and software engineers, including Java, C/C++, and Python. They learn how to utilize common data structures and algorithms to implement software. They use version control software like Git and software engineering techniques like unit testing. This knowledge allows them to develop embedded systems and to work on software directly used by consumers. They can create apps for smartphones, laptops, and even supercomputers.
Career Opportunities in Computer Engineering
Computer engineers are employed in virtually every industry, including:
- Automotive
- Consumer electronics
- Computing
- Aerospace
- Fitness
- Healthcare
- Environmental monitoring
- Manufacturing
- Video game platforms
Common job titles for computer engineers include:
- Hardware Engineer
- Hardware Test Engineer
- Design Engineer
- ASIC Architect
- Validation Engineer
- Embedded Software Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Firmware Engineer
Any product containing a processor likely involves the expertise of a computer engineer. The conveniences of modern life, from entertainment to healthcare, rely heavily on their contributions.
Essential Skills for Computer Engineers
Computer engineers must possess strong coding skills in various programming languages and a solid understanding of both electrical devices and computer science fundamentals. While strong math skills are beneficial, the emphasis is on general problem-solving abilities and the ability to break down complex solutions into manageable steps. Creativity and effective communication skills, both written and oral, are also highly valued.
Computer Engineering Salaries: Earning Potential
Computer engineers typically begin their careers with an average starting salary of around $70,000 per year. On average, they earn in the mid-$100,000 annually, with the top 10 percent earning over $200,000.
Computer Engineering Salaries
| Job Title | Mean Entry-Level Salary (Payscale) | Mean Annual Salary (BLS) | Top 10 Percent (BLS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figures from payscale.com, accessed May 2024. Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2023. | |||
| Computer Hardware Engineers | [$76,707](https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Hardware_Engineer/Salary/cf623d09/Entry-Level) | [$147,770](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172061.htm) | [$212,770](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172061.htm#:~:text=75%25-,90,-%25) |
| Software Developers | [$70,115](https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Software_Engineer%2c_Systems_Software/Salary/20f9d94c/Entry-Level) | [$138,110](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151252.htm) | [$208,620](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151252.htm#:~:text=75%25-,90,-%25) |
The Future Landscape of Computer Engineering
Four major trends are shaping the future of computer engineering: artificial intelligence, ubiquitous embedded computing, supercomputing, and quantum computing.
Artificial intelligence is poised to become an integral part of every product and product development process in computer engineering. Machine learning models are already being used to develop power tools by training them on larger computers and then implementing a hard-coded version of the result on the tool. As processing power increases, training will be conducted directly on the devices themselves. AI will be used to assist with code writing and hardware design under human guidance.
Computing devices will continue to evolve towards both very large and very small scales. Technology will become increasingly pervasive and eventually invisible, necessitating both large supercomputers and tiny embedded systems. Wearable technology, medical technology, and similar products will become more powerful, accessible, and affordable. There will be a strong dependence on large supercomputers for advanced simulation, machine learning, and general computation. This will also require high-bandwidth, secure communication channels.
Quantum computing is a transformative technology that will fundamentally change how we design and utilize computers. It will necessitate new methods for manufacturing computing devices, new algorithms, and new programming paradigms.
