Computer engineers research, design, develop, construct, and test computer systems and components, including processors, circuit boards, microchips, memory devices, networks, and routers
. They combine principles from computer science and electrical engineering to create both hardware (physical components) and firmware (software that optimizes hardware function)
. Their work spans several areas:
- Hardware Development: Designing processors and computing systems for devices like smartphones, laptops, automobiles, and aerospace vehicles. This includes creating application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and designing the surrounding electrical systems
- Embedded Systems: Developing computing systems that are integrated into everyday devices not typically considered computers, such as smartwatches, home appliances, medical devices, and automobiles. This involves writing low-level code that interfaces directly with hardware components
- Software Development: Writing software that interacts with hardware, including drivers and applications for consumer devices. Computer engineers use programming languages like Java, C/C++, Python, and employ software engineering practices such as version control and testing
Typical responsibilities include designing and developing hardware and software, integrating components, testing and troubleshooting, optimizing system performance, collaborating with teams, researching new technologies, implementing cybersecurity measures, and documenting technical processes
. Computer engineers work in diverse industries such as healthcare, robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, and government agencies
. In summary, computer engineers bridge hardware and software to develop and maintain the computing systems and devices that power modern technology, often working on both the visible and "invisible" layers of computing systems
