Job Opportunities In Computer Engineering
Computer engineering is at the heart of the information, robotics, and digital electronics that underpins pretty much every piece of technology that supports business, manufacturing, household appliances, and computer gadgets.
It’s common to think of computer engineers as having superhuman powers of geekiness. Some do fit this stereotype but this is still just engineering, like any other branch of the profession.
The first computer engineers are generally recognized as Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace way back in 1842. Babbage created a mechanical “analytical engine” and Lovelace created the first program. The world would have to wait until 1939 for John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry to develop the first electronic digital computer by combining their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and electrical engineering.
During the second world war Alan Turing, famous for cracking Germany’s Enigma encryption, also developed the concept of a computer that can solve any problem given the right program with his “universal Turing machine”. This stands as the basis of all modern computing and current research into Artificial Intelligence.
Another notable example is Steve Wosniak of Apple who worked out how to create the first truly personal computer and launched one of the world’s richest companies.
Computer engineering combines mathematics, physics, and electronics to create both the physical design of microprocessor chips and the logic that controls them at every level including their connections to the outside world.
What Does A Computer Engineer Do?
Computer engineers need to understand both the software and hardware branches of computer science, electronics, and mathematics. This is not just writing games or apps.
As a computer engineer, you may work in a wide variety of specializations such as:
- Chip & Computer Design
- Internet Infrastructure
- Internet of Things and Embedded systems.
- Wearables and VR/AR devices.
- Distributed Computing
- Robotics and Cybernetics
- Medical Imaging
- Computer and Network Security
These days computer engineers don’t just work in university laboratories, they can be found in industrial settings and startup companies alike. They use their deep understanding of computer science to solve real-world problems with the creative use of technology.
How Do You Qualify?
Whilst math and physics skills are essential it’s also important to understand how computers work at a substantial level of detail.
A typical bachelor’s degree in computer engineering will include math and physics with an introduction to computer science, electronics, and electrical engineering. In your senior year you may also cover several of the following:
- Computer Organization
- Microcomputer Architecture
- Software Engineering
- Applied Algorithms for Engineering
- Probability Theory in Computer and Electrical Engineering
- Systems Programming
- Control Systems
- Operating Systems
A bachelor’s degree will gain you entry to many industrial work opportunities and from here a master’s degree in a more focused area may be appropriate. These may include subjects like:
- Systems Engineering
- Solid State Devices
- Computer System Security Foundations
- Electronic Design
- Operating Systems
- Digital Communication
- Cybersecurity
- Advanced-Data Structures
- Modern Active Circuit Design
There are also many computer industry programs that specialize in proprietary product areas, particularly in software engineering specializations.
What Are The Prospects And Salary Expectations?
There is no doubt that computer engineers are much sought after. The digital world is becoming embedded in every aspect of life and there’s a bright future for anyone who really understands how this works and can push forward the frontiers.
A median salary for a qualified computer engineer is around $120,000 per annum and considerably more for those like Steve Wosniak who can create the next big thing.
A constant concern is network security and experts in cybersecurity and communications are in high demand from the government, military, and corporate worlds.
How To Find The Right Opening
Here at Step Up Recruiting, we specialize in finding the right jobs for computer engineers so you’re in the right place. Drop us a line and we will help you find your perfect match.
