What Kind of Job Can You Get With a BS in Computer Engineering?
Bachelor of Science degrees in computer engineering prepare students for careers as computer software engineers, applications engineers, test engineers and computer hardware engineers. You should explore your industry and technology interests before selecting a specific engineering path because job growth in manufacturing-based engineering positions such as hardware engineers and test engineers is estimated to be slow through 2018. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs in the software engineering fields, such as applications engineers, will grow by 21 percent during the same period.
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Computer Software Engineer
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Computer software engineers design and develop software applications. They apply computer science theories and mathematical analysis to design, develop and test software applications. Computer software engineers create many types of software applications, including business software, entertainment, computer operating systems and network control systems. Federal 2008 wage statistics indicate the median salary for a computer software engineer was $92,430. People seeking a career as a computer software engineer must be highly adaptable and open to regularly learning new technologies.
Applications Engineer
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Applications engineers work with preexisting software programs. They analyze the needs and demands of end users and design, construct and deploy programming changes to improve software application performance. Applications engineers also maintain computer application performance by using utility programs designed to improve how the software operates. Applications engineers must understand and program in such computer languages as C++, Java and Python. Some applications engineers also work with the databases attached to the application they support. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage estimates for an applications engineer indicate a median salary of $85,430 per year.
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Test Engineer
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Test engineers use standard testing equipment and software to measure electronic component performance. Wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a 2008 median salary of $53,240 per year. Test engineers primarily work in the manufacturing industry, overseeing equipment modifications and optimizing computerized equipment performance. These engineers perform preventive diagnostic testing and manufacturing equipment calibrations. A test engineer's career in manufacturing encompasses not only computer science but also the practical, hands-on application of electronic principals to assure the performance, maintenance and repair of manufacturing equipment.
Computer Hardware Engineer
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Computer hardware engineers design, develop and oversee the manufacturing of computer hardware components such as computer chips, circuit boards, routers, keyboards and printers. People seeking to become computer hardware engineers must be innovators because their research, development and design efforts advance computer technologies. Salaries for computer hardware engineers vary based upon company location and industry. The BLS' 2010 employment statistics indicate that computer hardware engineers earn a median wage of $98,810 per year.
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References
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.: Your Career in the Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering Fields
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook- Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers; 2010-11 Edition
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook- Engineers; 2010-11 Edition
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Employment and Wages - Computer Hardware Engineers; May 2010
- IBM: Appendix A. Invoking Utility Programs from an Application Program
- DeVry University: Turn your interests into a career
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook - Engineering Technicians; 2010-11 Edition
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