Computer Software Engineer Job Description

A personal computer is worthwhile only when you can use software to help with everything from planning the household budget, maintaining customer databases and playing entertaining games. While a hardware engineer creates your main PC and its associated equipment, a computer software engineer develops the programs that run on it.

1. Description

   • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer software engineers or programmers create and test applications and systems such as business applications, operating systems, network controls and computer games. They must be familiar enough with the underlying hardware as well as the operating system so that their creations work well with pre-existing systems. But they can also develop new programs for products that have yet to be released on the market.

   Environment

   • Most software engineers work a 40-hour work week in comfortable, air-conditioned offices. However, working time may significantly increase just before a product is released. Though most professionals work on site at a software development company, a few telecommute from remote locations. Injuries usually consist of repetitive motion strains such as carpal tunnel syndrome or eyestrain caused by staring too long at a monitor.

   Training

   • A bachelor's degree is the typical minimum required for most engineering jobs with a master's degree preferred for more complex positions. Lower-level positions can make do with a two-year programming certificate. Useful courses include programming, mathematics, engineering or physical sciences for those interested in creating scientific or engineering applications. Many large companies train new employees about in-house technology and procedures.

   Salary

   • According to PayScale.com, the salaries of engineers vary according to experience. As of March 2010, those with less than one year of experience average $45,456 to $65,686 per year. Those with one to four years' experience earned $49,964 to $69,749, while those with five to nine years' experience are paid $59,909 to $81,276. Finally, those with 10 to 19 years' experience earned $66,827 to 92,008 $118 and those with 20 or more years' experience get $69,710 to $97,361.

   Outlook

   • According to the BLS, the job prospects for computer software engineers were expected to grow 32 percent from 2008 to 2018, which was much faster than average for all positions. The demand will come from increased computer networking, Internet use, applications used in mobile phones and information processing. Cyber security is also an important field, as software and Internet providers try to combat intrusions developed by malicious hackers.

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How to Become a Computer Engineer

Given the increased influence of technology in our daily lives, the demand for qualified computer engineers is projected to grow exponentially in coming years. If you are passionate about technology and would like to develop a career in the tech industry, becoming a computer engineer might be the right step for you.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Obtain your bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science. Some jobs may not require a degree but given the stiff competition in the industry, a B.A. or B.S. degree will only improve your chance of being noticed by a hiring manager. It will also give you a solid foundation for your career.
   • 2
     Brush up on your math and programming skills. Many people who want to become computer engineers do not realize how much math is involved in the job. Attend advanced level classes at your local community college and learn as much about math and computer languages as you can-it will take time, but the payoff is worth it.
   • 3
     Narrow down an area of expertise while at your first entry-level job. These positions can be basic and monotonous, but are also good learning experiences for aspiring engineers who are unsure of what direction they want their careers to take. Seek out a mentor that can provide you with some guidance.
   • 4
     Keep your eyes peeled for new positions with cutting edge companies by networking with other engineers in your area. Such opportunities will allow you to develop new skills and quickly move up the hiring chain.
   • 5
     Attend informational seminars regularly. Technology can change in an instant and computer engineers need to stay ahead of the curve. Even if you haven't worked as a computer engineer before, being knowledgeable about trends in the engineering world will make you a more desirable candidate for jobs.
   • 6
     Move to a technology hot spot. For example, certain parts of California are home to large tech companies and provide many job opportunities for people looking to become computer engineers. Salaries and benefits will vary, however, so research your options thoroughly.

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What Education Is Required To Be a Computer Engineer Read more: What Education Is Required To Be a Computer Engineer

A computer engineer is educated about the core principles, theories and applications of computer science and engineering. He is generally trained in an engineering college or engineering school affiliated to a university. A computer engineer can specialize in software, hardware, network or systems engineering. Apart from the specific educational qualifications and coursework, a computer engineer needs to gain certain additional attributes and skills to succeed in today's challenging and diverse job settings.

1. Computer Science Principles

   • A computer engineer is taught about the principles, techniques and methodologies of computer science and the related field of electrical engineering. He learns about the hardware and software aspects of computer architecture and communication networks. He gains understanding about electronic circuits and circuit theory. He learns about the varied applications of computers in diverse fields and the co-relation between many applied sciences of computer science.

   Analytical Rigor and Logic Skills

   • A computer engineer has to apply technical knowledge and learning gained in diverse work settings and job environments. He is taught to analyze computing issues and problems in the real world and accordingly devise software solutions and application programs, diagnose hardware problems and develop other customized applications centered around client needs. He needs to posses good logic and sound mathematical skills as he is frequently involved with network and information architecture, programming languages, software concepts, new-generation technologies, web-based systems and data structures.

   Rigorous Course Curricula

   • The study of computer science engineering is quite rigorous and is considered a difficult major. It requires discipline, commitment and motivation to complete the major successfully. The coursework encompasses regular lab work, workshops, field trips, experiments and attending off-campus technology-oriented seminars and exhibitions. Numerous assignments and projects need to be completed each semester apart from exhaustive study of journals, books and related technical literature.

   Other Skills, Attributes Needed

   • Courses are becoming more inter-disciplinary, and electives such as artificial intelligence, machine intelligence, wireless technologies, telecommunication and digital infrastructure and robotics also are taught. Education in computer engineering equips students to prepare for business school, law school and medical school. Computer engineers are expected to work in teams in large workforce environments and are taught the importance of gaining good communication skills and possessing a teamwork ethic.

   Top Universities/Colleges

   • Computer engineering degrees are offered by many universities and colleges across America. But computer engineering courses offered by Princeton University, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley and Virginia Tech are highly sought after. As computer engineering curricula can be vast and varied, certain specialized electives can differ from university to university. Depending on specific university rules and guidelines, students admitted to these engineering schools stay in dorms on campus or seek off-campus apartments and boarding. Students attend regular classes and engage and interact with other students, mentors, professors and administrators on campus.

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What Is Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering represents the blend of principles, theories and techniques of computer science (hardware and software aspects of computers) and electrical engineering. With varied new applications and derived sciences influencing computer engineering, the field is now vast and encompasses robotics, artificial intelligence, networking, systems development, machine intelligence, wireless technologies and more. Engineers with computer science or software engineering degrees are among the most sought after professionals and work across a wide range of domains, sectors and businesses.

1. Discipline Curricula

   • Computer engineering discipline curricula is vast and varied, with specialized electives differing from university to university. However, all computer engineers learn about the hardware and software aspects of computer science generally blended with principles of electronic circuits and circuit theory.

   Top Computer Science Universities/Colleges

   • While computer science engineering degrees are offered by many universities and colleges across America, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, University of California, Berkeley and Virginia Tech are rated the top institutions.

   Occupations

   • Computer engineering-related occupations include software analysts, hardware technicians, programmers, Web developers, network architects, telecommunication specialists, database developers and computer scientists.

   Job Settings

   • Depending on specific requirements, domain skills and job roles, computer engineers work in large corporations, or for technology enterprises, federal government agencies, consulting firms, defense contractors and multi-lateral institutions.

   Compensation Packages

   • Computer engineers can generally expect to begin with a median $55,000 starting salary, with experienced engineers commanding an $100,000 annual compensation package.

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