What does a senior computer engineer do?
A senior computer engineer's main goal is to conduct research and design different types of computer hardware and software systems. They must know to manage servers and create automation in projects. They should also know how to resolve network issues and troubleshoot problems.
Senior computer engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior computer engineer resumes:
- Design, develop and manage networking software (UNIX, C/C++).
- Lead software design, integration, and system performance analysis for IP switch.
- Manage the relocation of accounts' technical infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations.
- Design and develop automation framework using python and perforce API to automate daily integration work.
- Replace the old legacy CISCO switches and routers, and taclanes, with newer models and/or softwareupgrades.
- Convert IC designs/schematics to meet critical deadline.
- Serve as UNIX and Windows/NT systems administrator.
- Work with voice over IP ShoreTel phone systems.
- Provide front and back-end supports in various IC design areas.
- Tool installation, PDK support and debug, and licensing.
- Create basic guidelines on how to use EPDM and SolidWorks.
- Troubleshoot and monitor network (switches, hubs, firewalls).
- Create SolidWorks part, assembly and drawing templates and maintain in EPDM.
- Develop ARM11-core reference design for evaluating new technology nodes and new EDA tools.
- Institute SLA rapid prototyping as standard for concept development and production intent parts.
Senior computer engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Senior Computer Engineers are proficient in C++, CAD, and Infrastructure. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Computer Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- C++, 19%
Coded on C++ with Perl interface.
- CAD, 12%
Supported North American automotive and medical facilities as a CAD and engineering documentation expert.
- Infrastructure, 6%
Managed the relocation of accounts' technical infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations.
- Perl, 5%
Coded using Perl under Windows environment, GUI development on Perl/Tk.
- Linux, 5%
Designed and implemented a Wi-Fi Display Sink reference application on an embedded Linux multimedia platform from Sigma Designs.
- Java, 5%
Contracted to Western Digital for the development of Java applications to perform drive characterization and Ongoing Reliability Testing.
Most senior computer engineers use their skills in "c++," "cad," and "infrastructure" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior computer engineer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior computer engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "computer hardware engineers use computer programming tools to analyze the digital circuits in hardware to determine the best design." Senior computer engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed a complete tracking system with video cameras, database, and visualization for live broadcasting in atp tennis stadiums. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior computer engineer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers, software developers and programmers, as well as with nontechnical team members." According to a senior computer engineer resume, here's how senior computer engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "contract employee cad: mentor graphics expedition wireless communications"
Problem-solving skills. senior computer engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to senior computer engineer responsibilities, because "computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them." A senior computer engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "instigated standards driven systems for data transfer, knowledge re-use, releasing methodologies, and innovative cad solutions. "
The three companies that hire the most senior computer engineers are:
- Change Healthcare50 senior computer engineers jobs
- Microsoft22 senior computer engineers jobs
- NVIDIA18 senior computer engineers jobs
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Compare different senior computer engineers
Senior computer engineer vs. Hardware manager
When it comes to a hardware engineering internship, an intern's primary responsibility is to perform support tasks while gathering industry insights. Typically following the directives of a manager or senior engineer, an intern may assist in developing and assembling components, participate in the installation and repair of facilities, and conduct maintenance checks and tests while under the supervision of a more experienced engineer. An intern may also perform clerical tasks such as processing documents, maintaining records, managing information databases, organizing supplies and materials, and running other errands.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, senior computer engineer responsibilities require skills like "c++," "c #," "infrastructure," and "perl." Meanwhile a typical hardware manager has skills in areas such as "customer service," "product knowledge," "design reviews," and "direct reports." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Hardware managers earn the highest salaries when working in the retail industry, with an average yearly salary of $118,711. On the other hand, senior computer engineers are paid more in the retail industry with an average salary of $137,685.On average, hardware managers reach lower levels of education than senior computer engineers. Hardware managers are 7.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior computer engineer vs. Hardware engineering internship
A hardware design engineer is an individual who develops, improves, and test components and systems for computers and other devices. Hardware design engineers must develop and design hardware components, such as circuit boards, switches, and networking elements. They are required to examine technological specifications and functional requirements as well as design components and systems that will deliver the expected performance. Hardware design engineers are also involved with manufacturing hardware, and they work closely with software engineers and developers during the development cycle.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior computer engineer resumes. While senior computer engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "infrastructure," "apple," "eda," and "extraction," hardware engineering interns use skills like "python," "cadence," "c," and "signal integrity."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Hardware engineering interns tend to reach similar levels of education than senior computer engineers. In fact, they're 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior computer engineer vs. Hardware design engineer
Hardware engineers or computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and examining computer hardware. They help speed up new computer technology by creating enhancements in computer hardware. The hardware engineers oversee the installation of parts, manufacturing, and production. Also, they examine intricate equipment to identify an effective way to improve it as well as design devices used in manufactured products. Another responsibility is to ensure computer hardware units work with the newest software, which often requires collaboration with other software engineers.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, senior computer engineers are more likely to have skills like "c++," "c #," "infrastructure," and "perl." But a hardware design engineer is more likely to have skills like "analog," "firmware," "cadence," and "circuit design."
Hardware design engineers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $111,139. On the other hand, senior computer engineers are paid the highest salary in the retail industry, with average annual pay of $137,685.When it comes to education, hardware design engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to senior computer engineers. In fact, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior computer engineer vs. Hardware engineer
Types of senior computer engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
