Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for technical support engineers in the United States
Technical support engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected technical support engineer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 83,100 new jobs for technical support engineers are projected over the next decade.
Technical support engineer salaries have increased 9% for technical support engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 357,360 technical support engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 184,542 active technical support engineer job openings in the US.
The average technical support engineer salary is $85,716.
Are technical support engineer jobs in demand?
Technical support engineer job and salary trends over time
Technical support engineer jobs over time
Technical support engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 357,360 | 0.11% |
| 2020 | 441,761 | 0.13% |
| 2019 | 330,506 | 0.10% |
| 2018 | 435,366 | 0.13% |
| 2017 | 426,661 | 0.13% |
Average technical support engineer salary over time
Technical support engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $85,716 | $41.21 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $82,891 | $39.85 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $81,015 | $38.95 | +1.5% |
| 2022 | $79,791 | $38.36 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $78,488 | $37.73 | +1.6% |
Technical support engineer jobs by state
Most common states for technical support engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 625 | 90% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 280 | 37% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 298 | 34% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 314 | 33% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 243 | 33% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,780 | 32% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 181 | 31% |
| 8 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 613 | 29% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,393 | 28% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 175 | 28% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,529 | 27% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 365 | 27% |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,607 | 26% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 505 | 26% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,824 | 25% |
| 16 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,693 | 25% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,511 | 25% |
| 18 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 736 | 24% |
| 19 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 730 | 24% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 242 | 23% |
Most common cities for technical support engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 8 | 33% | $80,907 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 6 | 15% | $80,726 |
| 3 | Hillsboro | 9 | 9% | $83,098 |
| 4 | Hartford | 6 | 5% | $72,664 |
| 5 | Lansing | 6 | 5% | $73,167 |
| 6 | Beaverton | 5 | 5% | $82,954 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 18 | 4% | $73,614 |
| 8 | Chandler | 9 | 4% | $72,621 |
| 9 | Orlando | 8 | 3% | $64,373 |
| 10 | Austin | 18 | 2% | $74,125 |
| 11 | Boston | 14 | 2% | $81,207 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 12 | 1% | $67,314 |
| 13 | San Francisco | 10 | 1% | $107,612 |
| 14 | Portland | 9 | 1% | $82,901 |
| 15 | Denver | 6 | 1% | $60,050 |
| 16 | Sacramento | 6 | 1% | $107,058 |
| 17 | Chicago | 13 | 0% | $70,020 |
| 18 | New York | 13 | 0% | $80,369 |
| 19 | Houston | 6 | 0% | $73,720 |
| 20 | San Diego | 6 | 0% | $87,947 |
Technical Support Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of technical support engineer experts
Hampton University
University of South Alabama
Governors State University
California State University - East Bay
Stevens Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Northwood University
Palm Beach State College
Texas A&M University San Antonio
University of West Florida
Xavier University
University of Washington
Albertus Magnus College
Arizona State University
American University
SUNY Oswego
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Dr. Yohannes Bekele: By entering the computer engineering profession now, individuals can take advantage of the high skilled-power demand in the field, diverse career paths broadly classified under hardware and software sub-areas, lucrative salaries as compared to other fields, continuous learning opportunities, and the potential for entrepreneurship in changing ideas into startup businesses easily. It is a field that offers long-term growth prospects and the chance to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies.
What Technical Support Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Yohannes Bekele: A computer engineer's daily tasks can be in the hardware or in the software areas. Some common responsibilities in hardware include designing and developing computer hardware components like processors, circuits and memory devices and creating prototypes and testing hardware products to ensure they meet specifications. In addition, analyzing test data and modifying hardware designs as needed is also the responsibility of a computer engineer. For software side, a computer engineer can do writing code and developing software especially focusing on the underlying hardware and interfacing with it such as kernel level programming and debugging existing software programs and ensuring systems run smoothly. Additionally, a computer engineer is responsible for designing and developing electrical systems and components required for computing systems and modification of electrical circuits based on function assessments. For someone entering the field as a junior or new computer engineer, typical daily activities may involve assisting senior engineers, writing code, testing products, attending training sessions focusing on the above mentioned concentration areas, and participating in meetings to learn about ongoing projects.
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Sean Walker: Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are going to be incredibly important in Systems Engineering over the next 3-5 years. MBSE has already become quintessential to the practice of Systems Engineering, which is why it has become a staple of our Master's and Doctoral programs. AI, of course, is changing almost every technical field and will be important to Systems Engineers as well. For Systems Engineers, the challenge will be understanding how and when to apply AI to solve systemic problems. Of course, both of these elements must be applied with an understanding of sociotechnical systems concerns. An engineer with the skills to apply MBSE and AI without losing sight of the humans in the system will be highly sought after.
What Technical Support Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sean Walker: To maximize your salary, it is really essential to learn the tools and methods associated with Systems Engineering while also maintaining a sense of creativity. Employers are not only looking for engineers with the ability to apply specific tools but also the ability to think creatively to solve complex systems problems. I often encourage my students to maintain their creative hobbies so that they don't lose those skills. But, more immediately, gaining a graduate education in Systems Engineering can help any engineer increase their earning potential.
What will help Technical Support Engineers increase their earning potential?
Sean Walker: I think the best advice for a new Systems Engineer, or really any engineer, is to be observant. One of the best things you can do when starting to apply the theoretical aspects that you've learned in school to your new career is to watch and listen to how experienced Systems Engineers practice in the field. This doesn't mean that you can't offer ideas or perspectives that are new, but that there will be challenges in your field that - due to the breadth of Systems Engineering - may not have been covered in your education.
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Rich Manprisio MPM, PMP: Soft skills are necessary always but in regard to technical skills I see AI having a more prevalent role in IT. Graduates will need to look for ways both to leverage AI to help deal with cybersecurity related issues in addition on how AI can aid in complete infrastructure tasks
What will help Technical Support Engineers increase their earning potential?
Rich Manprisio MPM, PMP: Certifications help set you apart from other graduates. When just starting out focus on vendor neutral certifications that can show potential employers that you are willing to get the necessary additional certifications that are prevalent in the IT field.
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science and Computer EngineeringCalifornia State University - East Bay
Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *The anxiety of AI is likely to change the landscape of computer networking, is a real threat but in my opinion, it won't eliminate the need for human network engineers. The focus will likely shift towards more strategic tasks, complex problem-solving, and leveraging AI tools to improve network efficiency and security.*
*Here again, I will explain in more detail about the expectation and future of Comp. Network Eng.*
* 1. AI Augments, Not Replaces: While AI can automate some network tasks, like data analysis and basic troubleshooting, it won't replace the need for human network engineers. It will increase the productivity for sure; Complex problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and human judgment are still crucial in network management. AI will likely become a valuable tool that assists network engineers in their tasks, making them more efficient.*
*2. Growing Demand: Our reliance on technology and data is constantly increasing. Businesses and organizations need secure, reliable networks to function. This necessitates a skilled workforce to design, implement, maintain, and secure these networks. The demand for qualified network engineers is expected to grow in the coming years.*
*In our technology horizon, I can see the quantum internet coming and I can see the demand for network engineering accelerate.*
*3. Diverse Skillset: A strong foundation in computer networking equips you with a versatile skillset. You'll understand network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. These skills are valuable across the IT field and can be applied to areas like cloud computing, data center operations, or even cybersecurity. Data Centers for AI are becoming a huge opportunity for Comp Network Eng.*
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Anthony Barrese: Pursue opportunities to broaden your experience across systems engineering, development, integration and test, field sales support and professional services positions. Generalist experience becomes invaluable with career advancement. Running a team is much more feasible for leaders who understand the process behind the work their reports deliver.
What Technical Support Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Anthony Barrese: There are many paths leading to increased salary potential. Rapidly developing a deep understanding of customer environments and needs can be one of those, but is often not sufficient on its own. Cultivating strong communication skills, building relationships across the business and distinguishing yourself as a leader will all position you for career advancement and the compensation increases that go along with that.
What will help Technical Support Engineers increase their earning potential?
Anthony Barrese: The ability to listen to the customer is the most critical skill. Deeply understanding the needs of the end user ensures business success. In addition, digital engineering environments and digital twin technology in particular, will become increasingly important. These tools enable gains in efficiency and promote enhanced quality.
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Dr. Neil Eldin PhD, PE: Things don’t just happen. You must develop a career plan to maximize your salary potential when starting your career. Find the right employer for yourself. For example, if you are mobile and willing to travel, target employers with international projects. After working for a few years, you can request a transfer to an overseas assignment, and this will instantaneously almost double your salary. If you are not mobile and your circumstances do not allow your travel, seek employment with major corporations and seek positions that are done at the home office (e.g., estimating, procurement, and contracting).
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Mark Whalen P.E.: A system engineer designs, develops, and manages complex technical systems across a large variety of industries. This can include defining solutions to system-level problems, plus allocating requirements, technologies and team member tasking at a project level, as well as communicating complex ideas and systems to key stakeholders.
An entry-level system engineer will typically apply advanced mathematical techniques to solve system-level technical problems, as well as installing, testing, and troubleshooting complex operating systems
What Technical Support Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Whalen P.E.: Many system engineers enjoy working across all technologies at a higher organizational level, and interacting with all types of technologists to manage and implement complex technical systems.
Many system engineers can feel challenged by their lack of depth of understanding of particular technologies compared to technical specialists.
What will help Technical Support Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mark Whalen P.E.: There are many complex systems in existence or being developed that require knowledge and experience across many different technologies. Also, system engineering careers can often lead to managerial positions like becoming a project manager, operations manager or chief engineer.
What will help Technical Support Engineers increase their earning potential?
Todd Allen: -work hard to develop professional networks
- get the details right
- the way you present is as important as your technical knowledge
What Technical Support Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Todd Allen: - analyzing systems, including technical and social implications, of engineering solutions
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: Systems Engineering is a contact sport. As a systems engineer you are expected to be a leader.
Successful systems engineers are those who get out of their office and engage with other
engineers and technicians who work on complex systems. On any given day, systems engineers
could be working on a team, possibly leading that team, in one of the several phases of the
design and development effort. They may be working with stakeholders to determine their
requirements for the complex system or they may be working with validation test engineers to
determine if the complex system will satisfy the stakeholders needs.
While it would be expected that you are very knowledgeable in a few discipline areas, such as
electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering, you are not expected to be an expert in all
areas. However, you would be expected to know the experts in those fields and others and
how they should be involved in the overall development process. You would be expected to
understand the many processes of systems engineering and how each process contributes to
the success of the complex system.
You would also be expected to thoroughly understand any other systems and the operational
environment that will interface and interact with your system. As a systems engineer, you
would be expected to understand the big picture of the complex system.
What Technical Support Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: Being a systems engineer provides you with many opportunities to learn and grow. Systems engineers
have the opportunity to learn all they can about a specific engineering discipline field of choice (i.e.,
electrical, mechanical, chemical, power, etc.). Systems engineers are also expected to learn in general
what engineers and technicians in other disciplines do on a daily basis. Systems engineers should talk to
other systems engineers about their daily activities as much as possible. Systems engineers should learn
how to lead people and manage resources; they should learn how to both lead and serve on teams.
Systems engineers should prepare themselves through education, training, and experience for
opportunities to grow and take on new responsibilities.
One dislike may be the long hours in dealing with the challenges of developing complex systems.
However, if you enjoy this type of work, the rewards of leading and managing the creation of successful
systems will be worth the effort it takes.
What will help Technical Support Engineers increase their earning potential?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: There is a great demand for those who can understand the big picture as well as knowing the
smallest detail in the development and delivery of complex systems. It is very important that
everyone involved in the engineering of complex systems works from the same requirements
and understands the intended operational environment. Systems engineers facilitate this
common understanding of the target system, interconnected systems and the operational
environment.
Today's advanced technology and systems that utilize that technology are increasingly
becoming more complex and more challenging to develop and deliver. This requires a different
type of engineer, one who has both in-depth technical knowledge and leadership skills.
Systems engineers who understand these requirements and can deliver successful complex
systems will always be in demand.
Laura Kier
Network Design and Administration InstructorWhat general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Laura Kier: Students graduating from the Computer Network Design and Administration program will enter the job market with a solid foundation in networking technologies. Above that they should also be able to develop and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Networking has a strong emphasis on teamwork and being able to communicate well with customers, co-workers and teammates is vital. Attaining certifications in Cisco, Linux, Windows, and security will also help the student stand out within the industry (classes in the program help to learn the knowledge needed to attain certifications). Students should participate in any local or online communities and groups to enhance skills and knowledge and find networking opportunities.
What Technical Support Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laura Kier: Computer Networking is a dynamic field with a wide variety of opportunities in many different industries. Some skills that will be more important in general are skills in software defined networking and automation. Skills in the DevOps field will be necessary, as well as skills leveraging AI tools. Cybersecurity is always important and using AI tools to enhance security and monitoring is necessary.
What will help Technical Support Engineers increase their earning potential?
Laura Kier: Learn to present your skills well from the interview and into your career. Those communication skills count! Industry certifications like CCNA matter. They help you demonstrate a willingness to grow and learn beyond what was required for your degree. Be willing to take on new challenges with your new job and keep learning new skills. It is really important for graduates to understand that talented IT professionals can move up quickly in a company, but they often must start at the bottom to showcase their technical and soft skills. Because of that, they should not shy away from entry level jobs if there is potential for growth.
Professor David Sanford
Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB)Northwood University
Computer And Information Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Professor David Sanford: Workers like that they are challenged to solve problems and lead technological innovations.
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like
Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.
In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.
Dwight Elliot
Professor: Information Management, Cybersecurity & LawPalm Beach State College
Homeland Security
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Dwight Elliot: In addition to the following 10 best practices from the article below, I would like to share the
following approach to career and job success that leads to maximization of salary during a
career:
a) Employers' Vision and Mission: Focus on understanding the vision and mission of the
organization you work for and what is important to them. If the idea, concept, or project
is important to them then it is important to you. Understand the history and background
of the company, the current project, financial and financial growth goals of the company,
who their competitors are, and what competitive edge the company have or some that you
can suggest. Do not just concentrate on what you want from the job (such as a good
salary, everyone says this). Make sure you are providing the employer with value, what
they want and need from you and in return you are laying the foundation and a strong
case for what you want and need from the job. This is an essential component of making
yourself valuable and marketable for salary increases and promotions based on your
performance and your measurable growth contribution to the organization.
b) Environmental Awareness and Communication with Stakeholders: Be sure you take
the time to learn the different internal and external stakeholders within the organization.
Understanding and respecting organizational structures as well as hierarchies and
following processes and communication protocols matter in an organization. You must
know who to speak to about what, when , where and how. Know your job well and how it
is related to the job of other people on your team. Understand and respect the role of all
individuals within the organization, especially those who are above you. If you do not yet
know their role within the organization begin to ask questions nicely of someone who
does know the players well and the history behind certain key positions. Get to learn the
written and unwritten rules. Saying the wrong thing to the wrong person could cost you a
job or be detrimental to your career in the long term. In the alternative, making a good
impression by communicating properly with the right person could open doors for you
now and in the future. This is an essential component of making yourself valuable and
marketable for salary increases and promotions based on your performance and your
measurable growth contribution to the organization.
c) Employer's View: Are You An Asset or Liability? Try your best to understand the
employer's point of view versus your own. Engage in micro level vs. macro level
comparative analysis as best you can. This means you make a concerted effort to think
about what is important to your employers or clients and how you can be instrumental in
meeting their needs at the highest level of performance, then think of how you can benefit
based on your valuable contribution. Ask yourself each day whether you are an asset to
the company or liability?, and be truly honest with yourself. What unique value do you
bring to the team, such as advanced data analytics skills, advanced accounting skills,
advanced technological skills, etc. Is there anything that you are doing that detracts from
this value that can make this valuable asset that you bring non-useful or non-impactful?
This is an essential component of making yourself valuable and marketable for salary
increases and promotions based on your performance and your measurable growth
contribution to the organization.
d) Be Present Physically, Mentally and with Positive Energy: Please be sure that you are
showing up to work ahead of time or at least on time.
a. Physically Present: Many individuals lose job opportunities just based on their
inability to be present and accountable for work on time. High level employees
actually show up to work 30 minutes to an hour early on a consistent basis.
b. Mentally Present: While you are at work you need to be fully engaged in work
related activity. This means that you do not spend an inordinate amount of time on
your cellphone looking at non work related messages, such as social media and
non-work related text. This is not fair to the employer and you will not allow you
to maximize your contribution to the organization or put in the work necessary to
make yourself a valuable asset to the company. What you do with your time is
what you become.
c. Energy, Communication and Positive Presence: Be sure that your energy level
is monitored and you positive in your communications, since this ultimately
affects profits and losses if a customer does not return to do business with you or
an employer because of how they were treated. Your outlook and energy affect
your overall job performance, business and career growth and ultimately your
profits. All your roles within an organization require good communication and
customer service skills. Be sure that your energy level is uplifting, positive and
creates an atmosphere where customers and colleagues feel welcome to do
business with you. This is a "little" thing that can make a big difference.
e) E) Respectful: Ensure that you are respecting others in the same way and even more than
you want them to respect you. Give as much or more than you receive, and your career
will be even more fulfilling. Ultimately a person's attitude determines their altitude in
life.
These are essential components of making yourself valuable and marketable for salary
increases and promotions based on your performance and your measurable growth
contribution to the organization..
f) Documentation of Biography, Website, Linkedin Portfolio and GitHub: Please be
sure that your are consistently updating you BIO, resume, LinkedIn, website or any other
form of professional documentation that ensures your accomplishments, achievements
and status is current and up to date. As you engage in professional development trainings,
gain certifications or additional degrees, and add additional experiences be sure to update
your profile so that you are maximizing your value.
Implementing these best practices consistently will help position you for salary increases and
promotions based on your performance and measurable growth contribution to the organization.
What Technical Support Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dwight Elliot: Core Skills Areas: data security, networking, software development, cybersecurity, systems
engineering, AI, data analytics, financial and risk analysis, security intelligence, GDPR
Certifications (some important ones):
1) CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
2) Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
3) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
4) Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
5) Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
6) Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
7) Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Soft Skills: honesty, integrity and trust, compliance, communication (in-person and live) then
virtual, patience, accountability and dependability, transparency, trainable and coachable,
teamwork, discipline, commitment, dedication, humility, time management, project management
Robert Vinaja Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Computer Information SystemsTexas A&M University San Antonio
Computer Information Systems Department
What skills will help Technical Support Engineers earn the most?
Robert Vinaja Ph.D.: My personal view is that instead of following the skills that command higher salaries, one should focus on a field that you like and feel at ease with. Instead of following the money, one should follow your heart, and money will eventually follow.
Dr. Thomas Gilbar Ph.D.
Chair and LecturerUniversity of West Florida
Electrical and Computer Engineering
What soft skills should all Technical Support Engineers possess?
Dr. Thomas Gilbar Ph.D.: Communication skills, as I mentioned before, are absolutely vital. Note this means not only written but also verbal skills. I have had some excellent students struggle to find a job because their interview and communication skills are lacking. If you are given an opportunity to do a mock interview with the career services department at your University, take it.
Besides that, the soft skills mentioned most often by employers are time and project management. Plan to enthusiastically discuss any projects you worked on from start to finish. If you have no experience, those capstone projects required in just about every engineering program become absolutely vital. Don't skimp just to get it done. Choose a project that you can be proud of and that showcases your abilities. Emphasize any leadership roles you have had and your experience with working on a team.
Don't forget to show that you are willing and able to learn. Computer Engineers work in a very large variety of companies. The chances of your BSCE program covering everything you need are slim to none. Be ready to discuss things that you picked up on your own and emphasize your openness and excitement to learn more.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Technical Support Engineers?
Dr. Thomas Gilbar Ph.D.: There are quite a few hard/technical skills that are important for Computer Engineers. We've found a lot of managers are looking for comfort in a variety of programming languages, including C++, C#, Java, Python, etc. Also, try to have a background in a variety of operating systems (certainly windows and mac, but also having experience on Apple iOS, Android, and even Linux will give you a leg up on the competition). Having at least some experience in data/cyber security is also important these days. On the hardware side, programming and applying microcontrollers and VHDL/Verilog programming are extremely important. VLSI design is also a nice addition to skill sets, though in most cases, not a deal-breaker. Circuit and electronic design are also very important skills to supplement your microcontroller skills.
What skills will help Technical Support Engineers earn the most?
Dr. Thomas Gilbar Ph.D.: Selling yourself is absolutely vital. Technical skills are certainly critical to success as a computer engineer, but the employers we work with are also looking for students who are a good "fit" with their organization. Fit differs by organization, so do your research, so you know what they do and what they're looking for before submitting that resume/cover letter and going into an interview. Show that you don't just want any job, but you want this job and what you can bring to their organization and its goals. Most often, your fit will be determined by showcasing soft skills like communication, leadership, critical thinking, professionalism, teamwork, and other related skills. UWF's Office of Career Development & Community Engagement has developed the Argo2Pro Career Readiness Program, which is designed to provide students with vital career readiness skills and assist them in providing evidence to employers that they are both academically prepared and career-ready. Take advantage of these types of programs. They, like most other Universities, also offer mock interviews, resume reviews and even help students review job offers.
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer
Professor and ChairXavier University
Department Of Physics
What skills stand out on Technical Support Engineer resumes?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Programming languages, numerical design and simulation tools, knowledge of various measurement equipment.
What soft skills should all Technical Support Engineers possess?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Communication, teamwork.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Technical Support Engineers?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Depends on the engineering career, but in general, an ability to know how to use design software, measurement/testing, and analysis equipment, in addition to prototyping and fabrication tools
What skills will help Technical Support Engineers earn the most?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Problem-solving, troubleshooting, independent learner.
Rania Hussein Ph.D.
Associate Teaching ProfessorUniversity of Washington
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
What soft skills should all Technical Support Engineers possess?
Rania Hussein Ph.D.: Being coachable, know how to learn and figure things out, effective communication skills, continuous self-development.
David Garaventa
Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CISAlbertus Magnus College
Business Administration and Management Department
What skills stand out on Technical Support Engineer resumes?
David Garaventa: The skills/attributes required across a variety of jobs in the IT fields.
Robert Rucker
LecturerArizona State University
School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering
What skills stand out on Technical Support Engineer resumes?
Robert Rucker: Being articulate/communicative is a real positive - being able to write up a coherent report is a big plus.
What soft skills should all Technical Support Engineers possess?
Robert Rucker: Being able to learn a new technology very quickly is critical since that is what my students encounter.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Technical Support Engineers?
Robert Rucker: From step 2, knowing a particular technology very well may not match the employer's needs, so there is a real need to articulate principles (the hard part of education). For example:
1. Need to know how to design and implement ( or contribute to) a 'principled' information base (this is a skill my students encounter routinely)
a. Designing an information system requires knowing multiple levels of analysis and synthesis
- I teach the undergrad and graduate levels of database
( I have been teaching' conceptual level modeling --- using Object role modeling ( this is a layer above ER and relational, and has been underappreciated IMO
b. relational level analysis using SQL
implementational level using T-SQL
c. NoSQL using Couchbase and SQL++ and hence the key-value mode of storage
implementation ( SQL + NoSQL seem essential in this world of federated databases !)
d. Of course, there is the underlying substrate of approaching an info task in the first place!
2. For what it's worth, I also teach big data. Again, finding (understanding) and exemplifying the principles underlying the algorithms and data development is crucial.
Anthony Baron
Teaching Assistant, Associate Software EngineerAmerican University
What soft skills should all Technical Support Engineers possess?
Anthony Baron: The main soft skills I would say are needed for Computer Science software engineering are patience, perseverance, creativity, respect, teamwork, and openness to learning and teaching. Programming involves a lot of trial and error, researching, and learning better techniques for solving a problem. Due to this, patience and perseverance to reach the final goal in mind are crucial. When it comes to the learning aspect, there are many languages, frameworks, and libraries, and working with them involves a steeper learning curve than others. On top of this, there are often more elegant ways to program a solution, and many new frameworks and libraries are released throughout the industry. This is where patience and perseverance is also a virtue. Lastly, programming and creating a product are often done in teams, where working together and learning from each other is important.
What skills will help Technical Support Engineers earn the most?
Anthony Baron: By earning, do you mean financially, career-wise, or most growth? Career-wise, it really depends on what the final goal is. For web developers, learning the programming languages and frameworks for web development would be the way to go. In general, any experience with programming and knowing a little about a lot will be helpful. Having top-level theory knowledge (some but not in-depth) is also very helpful. It will help you better understand what is happening under the hood and determine which methods are more efficient than others. Financially, it really depends on what skills are most in-demand today. Also, getting a Masters opens doors to more job opportunities, and in some companies, allows for a pay increase. However, this is not the case everywhere.
How do you envision technology impacting Technical Support Engineers in the next 5 years?
Mario Bkassiny Ph.D.: There has been recently a great focus on certain engineering technologies that enable smart systems with fast communications abilities. This has led to a revolution in several technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, wireless communications and cloud computing. Innovation in these fields will be essential in the upcoming years in order to keep up with the social and economic needs of modern life. The benefits of these innovations will have a long-lasting effect on our society.
What general advice would you give to a Technical Support Engineer?
Mario Bkassiny Ph.D.: Young graduates should continuously seek every learning opportunity to enhance their professional skills. With the fast growth of engineering technology, it is important for engineers to remain up to date with the most recent innovations in their fields. The learning process does not stop at graduation, but instead, it extends beyond college to the workplace where engineers can gain expert knowledge in their fields.