What does a computer engineer do?
A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.
Computer engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer engineer resumes:
- Manage electronic files using the PDM system.
- Script VBA to automate the creation of installation documents.
- Manage DNS and Kerberos infrastructure services for the computing center.
- Manage and design UAT tests for new software release, delegate out tasks, and report results back to QA department.
- Manage automation jobs within Jenkins.
- Manage collaborative CSV documentation efforts using Microsoft SharePoint.
- Complete Java applications with database connectivity and GUI front end for distribute use.
- Maintain antivirus server (including desktop/server scans and log monitoring), VMware and hypervisor virtual servers, and SAN.
- Complete training classes in UNIX, HTML and computer hardware, ensuring the use of best practices in troubleshooting client issues.
- Draft and submit DoD SBIR proposals.
- Create smaller scripts using Javascript and AngularJS.
- Ticket management through SLX and JIRA ticketing systems
- Develop graphical user interfaces for DoD SSTR/SBIR projects.
- Provide CSV support and training to CRO personnel.
- Create technical articles on the API software products.
Computer engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Computer Engineers are proficient in Python, Software Development, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Speaking skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 15%
Developed Python HMI for a PLC program control software management system using Eclipse Java IDE, PyDev plug-in and GIT.
- Software Development, 8%
Project leader for software development to computerize and automate gasoline service stations.
- Java, 6%
Designed and implemented a UDP based protocol for streaming transfer of audio data from the server to client using Java.
- Linux, 6%
Tested large-scale classified software application running on multiple operating systems including Microsoft Windows and Red Hat Linux.
- C, 5%
Developed microprocessor control programs in C language.
- C++, 5%
Implemented a conversion of numerous insurance companies' forms into one system while programming in both a Unix & C++ environment.
Most computer engineers use their skills in "python," "software development," and "java" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer engineer responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a computer engineer to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." Computer engineers often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "fixed customers technical issues using tcp/ip fundamentals, linux/unix, scripting - perl, bash, and sql. "
Listening skills. Another essential skill to perform computer engineer duties is listening skills. Computer engineers responsibilities require that "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation." Computer engineers also use listening skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "communicated to students via powerpoint and live demonstrations, how to fix minor computer related issues. "
Speaking skills. This is an important skill for computer engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how computer engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a computer engineer: "responded to two rfps and presented to top nasa management to win $15 million contract. ".
Writing skills. A big part of what computer engineers do relies on "writing skills." You can see how essential it is to computer engineer responsibilities because "strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computer engineer tasks: "helped database admin in monitoring and writing database backup jobs. "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for computer engineer responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of computer engineers all the time, as "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." An excerpt from a real computer engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what a computer engineer does: "design complex software applications perform complex defect correction researches complex issues and develops solutions to the problems. "
The three companies that hire the most computer engineers are:
- Apple22 computer engineers jobs
- Country-Wide Insurance22 computer engineers jobs
- MITRE12 computer engineers jobs
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Compare different computer engineers
Computer engineer vs. Computer support specialist
A Computer Support Specialist is responsible for providing the highest customer service for clients with technical and system issues, resolving network failures, and creating support tickets for IT personnel. Computer Support Specialists utilize various system tools and applications to diagnose end-users network issues and conduct immediate troubleshooting. They also help the IT staff design and improve system features and infrastructures and create instructional manuals for deliverables. A Computer Support Specialist must have excellent technical and communication skills to document customers' requests and identify system solutions.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer engineer are more likely to require skills like "c #," "python," "software development," and "java." On the other hand, a job as a computer support specialist requires skills like "computer support," "customer service," "desk support," and "network printers." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Computer support specialists tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $75,865. In contrast, computer engineers make the biggest average salary, $117,704, in the finance industry.computer support specialists tend to reach lower levels of education than computer engineers. In fact, computer support specialists are 8.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computer engineer vs. Computer systems analyst
A computer systems analyst is responsible for creating and designing computer applications and network solutions to support business functions and requirements. Computer systems analysts evaluate the systems' efficiency and performance to perform configuration and improve infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls. They also assist end-users in resolving network issues, perform troubleshooting, and write resolution reports for reference and failure prevention. A computer systems analyst must have excellent technical and computer skills, especially in installing new upgrades and developing features for existing applications.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that computer engineer responsibilities requires skills like "python," "software development," "c," and "opencv." But a computer systems analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "computer programs," "management system," "vba," and "customer support."
Computer systems analysts may earn a lower salary than computer engineers, but computer systems analysts earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $92,819. On the other hand, computer engineers receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $117,704.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Computer systems analysts tend to reach similar levels of education than computer engineers. In fact, they're 2.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Computer engineer vs. Technical support engineer
A technical support engineer is responsible for responding to customer issues, providing immediate resolutions to their system issues through remote assistance. Technical support engineers must have strong knowledge of software and hardware applications to diagnose system defects and process troubleshooting. They also assist customers with the installation of programs and updates to improve system performance, escalating high-level concerns to appropriate internal technology teams. A technical support engineer must have strong command with technical systems, as well as excellent communication and time-management skills to understand clients' issues while documenting procedures.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer engineer resumes include skills like "c #," "python," "software development," and "c," whereas a technical support engineer is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "customer issues," "customer satisfaction," and "customer support. "
Technical support engineers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $82,316. Comparatively, computer engineers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $117,704.technical support engineers typically earn lower educational levels compared to computer engineers. Specifically, they're 5.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer engineer vs. Technical systems engineer
Technical Systems Engineers are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure or systems network. They build, maintain, and repair all the systems and network infrastructure of the organization. They troubleshoot problems and find the best possible solution to address such problems. They also ensure that those problems will be resolved and would never be encountered again. Technical Systems Engineers also help out in information technology or network infrastructure projects of other departments. They provide expertise on the systems-related aspects of the project. They help guide project teams on the feasibility and the success factors of the project.
Types of computer engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
