An Overview of This Fast-Growing and Lucrative Tech Field
Computer engineering is an expansive discipline at the leading edge of technological innovation. Combining principles from electrical engineering and computer science, computer engineers design and develop computer systems, hardware, and software integrations. This dynamic field powers advancement across industries from aerospace to healthcare to manufacturing and beyond.
The breadth of computer engineering encompasses several major subfields:
Hardware Engineering: Design, testing, and manufacturing of computer components and circuitry, including processors, memory, controllers, sensors, and embedded systems.
Software Engineering: Creation and validation of operating systems, computational platforms, and applications that run on computer hardware.
Computer Architecture & Design: Advanced design work focused on defining new computer processors and systems to power next-generation computing.
Robotics: Development of electromechanical systems and intelligent algorithms to build autonomous robots and devices.
Networking & Communications: Building data networks and optimizing systems and infrastructure for high-speed, secure transmission of digital information.
VLSI and Circuit Design: Silicon-level integration of complex circuits and functionality in compact microchips and semiconductors.
Depending on their role and level of experience, computer engineers may focus intensively on one subfield or work more holistically across areas. For example, an entry level software developer will concentrate mainly on coding and programming languages. In contrast, a senior systems architect may interface broadly across hardware and software to optimize total system performance.
Booming Job Growth and Salaries
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth for computer hardware engineering jobs and 21% growth for software developers from 2020 to 2030—both much faster than the average across all occupations. Rapid expansion of the tech sector continues to drive strong demand for skilled computer engineers.
Salaries reflect this robust outlook, with competitive compensation at all experience levels:
- Entry Level Software Developer: $68,000 average
- Hardware Engineer: $117,000 average
- Senior Firmware Architect: $146,000 average
Total compensation can reach even higher levels through stock options at leading tech firms along with bonuses and profit sharing.
Major Industries Employing Computer Engineers
Cutting-edge innovation makes computer engineering integral across sectors:
Information Technology: Hardware, software, and support companies like Dell, Oracle, Cisco
Consumer Tech: Giants including Apple, Samsung, Sony, GM’s Cruise Automation
Defense: Aerospace/defense contractors Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin
Manufacturing: Automation, industrial machinery, and robotics firms
Telecommunications: Networking/cellular providers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, Qualcomm
Silicon Valley stalwarts like Google, Nvidia, and Intel also continue to hire thousands of world-class computer engineers annually. Government research centers at NASA, NSA and national laboratories offer intriguing work as well.
History and Future Trajectory
The origins of computer engineering trace back to pioneers like John Atanasoff who built the first electronic digital computers in the 1930s and 40s. Computer engineering coalesced into a formal discipline by the 1970s as ultra-large-scale-integration (ULSI) circuit technology enabled complex microprocessors and systems. The personal computing revolution beginning in the 80s further drove intensive hardware and software advances.
As cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, and cloud engineering continue rapid evolution, computer engineering sits firmly at the forefront of global innovation. John B. Peatman, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley, commented on future growth:
“Computer engineering now rides the wave of AI, big data, and cloud services. Autonomous systems depend intimately on hardware and circuit experts working hand-in-hand with software programmers and data scientists to deliver advanced functionality. Exciting engineering challenges ahead!”
In our digitally interconnected world, the creative work of computer engineers will shape technological breakthroughs for decades to come. For those excited to advance next-generation innovations, computer engineering delivers immense opportunities.
){kind=link}