Software engineering is part of the professional trends for 2021. Companies are looking for these professionals to design, manufacture and manage software, systems, and devices. The spread of electronic systems and computers gave birth to computer engineering, which is also known as Computer science or IT engineering. It is a branch of electronic engineering specializing in computer design. This article is exclusively highlighting computer engineering with the main top courses, careers, and estimated salaries. Let's get started!

The Field of Computer Engineering in the USA:

Having a Bachelor's Degree in computer engineering can be the first step towards various hardware and software engineering careers. Computer engineers are also proficient in the area of ??integration between hardware and software. For example, this means having to modify the hardware components for a software to function or updating the software to make it suitable for the available hardware.

Two main branches can be identified in computer engineering:

-Software engineering

-Hardware engineer

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Software Engineer Vs. a Hardware Engineer:

Although both are different but reaching this path requires taking this educational fulfillment:

First, a study of two years that culminates in an Associate degree

A four-year research ends in a Bachelor's degree in computer engineering with a selected discipline in the second year to study software engineering or hardware engineering.

The software engineer designs and develops computer programs of different software types for embedded systems, firmware, software solutions for management systems, industrial automation, websites, mobile applications, video games, software specialized in business intelligence. These roles are also similar to those of a software developer. The software design and development activities are based on analyzing the users' requirements and studying the functional and technical requirements that the program must-have. According to these indications, the computer engineer moves on to programming and writing code. After that, a software tester tests the program's functions and identifies any errors in a debugging process. A software engineer later oversees the drafting of the technical documentation for the software.

A Hardware engineer works on designing and developing computers such as circuits, electronic boards, chips, and microprocessors. This job identifies the services that the hardware component must provide, where the engineer makes prototypes and performs product validation tests using laboratory instruments. In other words, a Hardware engineer supervises the production of the manual components of intelligent devices.

How to Become a Hardware Engineer?

Having a Bachelor's degree in computer engineering is not enough. Training and internship are required before applying for this job. Adding to this qualification, The training course includes physics, mathematics, data structures, information systems, electronics, programming, database management, artificial intelligence (AI), and telecommunications systems. The expertise gained through this training course can prepare the applicant for the hardware engineering field.

 Skills of a Hardware Engineer:

To become a hardware engineer, you need a set of specific hard skills, which can be acquired by adding to your computer engineering

• Technical skills: Knowledge of programming languages, operating systems like Linux and web servers are among the primary skills companies look for when hiring computer engineers.
• Organizational skills: this job requires a strategy to organize the different software within a device.
• Communication skills: This job requires an average of communication to exchange ideas and information.
• Constructive skills: this job builds upon previous work and interrelates with other functions.

Personal Traits Needed in a Hardware Engineer:

Sometimes personality matters in some careers. A hardware engineer should have some personal attitude that matches the requirements of this job:

• Analytical thinking: a hardware engineer should think about developing devices and analyse the possible uses designed in that device.
• A scientific mind: there is no doubt that an engineer is a scientist. But, there are some requirements pushing applicants to have a scientific background, for example, a hardware engineer working to develop medical tools such as a digital watch that measures blood pressure, heartbeat, glycemic rate, etc.…
• Goal-oriented: many companies ask applicants where they see themselves in five years. That's why a hardware engineer should have some potential goals that meet the company's targets.
• Ability to solve problems: every tool tends to meet technical issues. That's why a hardware engineer should solve these problems and consider the user's complaints.
• Attention to detail and precision: hardware engineering is a field that requires deep concentration and attention to update and develop various servers and tools.

Hardware Engineers Requirements

Job description continually changes from one company to another. Despite the various demands, here is a list of the requirements.

Knowledge of the hardware design principles

Knowledge of electronics, telecommunications systems

Having technical skills in programming languages

Knowledge of SQL and database administration

Knowledge of network protocols and systems

Knowledge of web applications

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Computer Engineer Salary

A graduate computer engineer usually starts working in junior positions, and after a few years of experience, he can move on to senior positions. The possibilities for career development as a computer engineer are vast, and they vary according to the branch of specialization. Professional profiles are related to the development and programming of software for graduates who can work as a front end or back end developer, full-stack developer, embedded software engineer, software tester, web developer, mobile applications, and software architect.

Professional development can also turn to hardware design, such as a hardware engineer who earns up to 7500$ per month.

These were the necessary information to reach a hardware computer engineering job. You can visit Fratres for more professional advice.