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Computer engineer
As a computer engineer, you will work with either hardware or software, depending on your speciality. Computer hardware engineers research, develop, design and test computer equipment. Software engineers develop, design and test software, which can be used in any number of areas of life.
Also known as:
- Hardware engineer
- Software engineer
Work activities
As a computer engineer, you will either be working with hardware or software:
If you become a hardware engineer then you will be responsible for making computers faster, smaller, cheaper and smarter. You will be researching, developing, designing and, importantly, testing computer equipment. This might mean working on existing, older systems, or maybe working with the very latest up-to-date hardware.
Your day-to-day role could include:
- Designing new computer hardware and creating blueprints (technical plans and instructions).
- Testing the completed models of the computer hardware you have designed.
- Analysing the test results and modifying the design, if needed.
- Updating existing computer equipment so that it will work with the latest, new software.
- Overseeing the manufacturing process (how it is built).
Computer software engineers develop, design and test software and systems. You will be working with a client, developing and designing the software according to their needs. The software you design could be used in any area of life, including:
- Car sat nav systems.
- Video game characters.
- Assembly line machines.
- Phone apps.
- School whiteboards.
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- Working with programming (coding) languages.
- Writing new software programs, according to your client’s needs.
- Testing your software.
- Investigating new technologies.
- Writing technical specifications (instructions) and plans.
- Working as part of a project team with people such as project managers, graphic designers and marketing and sales teams.
Personal qualities and skills
As a computer engineer you will need:
- To have great IT and technical skills.
- Analytical skills.
- To be able to focus on many different tasks.
- To be interested in learning about new technology.
- Great teamworking skills.
- To be able to explain technical computer processes, in a simple easy-to understand manner.
- To enjoy solving problems.
- To work well under pressure, as sometimes important deadlines must be met.
Pay and opportunities
According to job site Indeed, computer engineers earn an average of £29,000 per year (based on 94 salaries, January 2024).
Your salary might include performance-related pay, profit share or company bonuses.
Entry routes and training
You'll probably need an IT qualification or work experience to get a job in this industry. You could study a relevant degree at university, such as computer science.
Experienced developers might become team leaders and then programming or product managers.
Qualifications
The usual entry requirements for a relevant degree are:
- Two to three A-levels. Maths, science or IT subjects may be required for some courses.
- GCSEs in your A-level subjects at grades 9-4.
- GCSEs in English and maths at grades 9-4.
Other qualifications, such as a relevant Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma are often accepted.
Adult opportunities
Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.
If you are a graduate with a non-relevant degree, taking a one-year IT postgraduate conversion course will improve your chances. If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course, for example, Access to IT/ Computing, could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.
Another option would be an HNC in computing on a part-time basis, either evening and/or daytime. Alternatively, taking short intensive courses in specific computing languages with private accredited IT training providers can help you to develop the portfolio of technical skills needed by employers. Such courses can be taken on a flexible, evening, weekend or day part-time basis.
Many educational institutions offer specific qualifications on a distance/online learning basis.
