What a Computer Engineer Does

A computer engineer's key duties include designing hardware or software, testing designs, and
researching new tools.
Computer engineers fall into three broad categories: hardware engineers, network engineers, and
software engineers. All three kinds of computer engineers design, build, and test new technology
solutions.
Hardware engineers create and maintain physical products. Network engineers design and
maintain systems, while software engineers create and upgrade new programs and applications.

Primary Duties

Designing Computer Hardware: After using engineering tools to design new computer

hardware, engineers test and analyze the product. Then, they update the design to improve
usability concerns. Once manufactured, these products need continuous upgrading. Sometimes
engineers reconfigure current hardware rather than building a new product.
Writing Computer Software: Although many computer engineers design physical products,
building computer software and applications forms the core of a software developer's job. Using
programming languages such as C++ or JavaScript, engineers can develop packaged
applications. Often, though, they create customized tools or databases for their employers or
customers.
Creating and Testing Robots: Computer engineers may work as part of a team to develop,
create, test, and manage intelligent machines or robotic systems. In this role, professionals may
conduct research on robotics and robot development and work with CAD or CAM tools to build
the machines.
Researching New Tools in Computer Engineering: Computer engineers need to stay up to
date on new tools emerging in technology. Research is ongoing in areas such as data science,
machine learning, computer security, distributed computing, and human-robot interaction.
Companies use this research to develop new tools. Engineers who stay informed of new
developments provide meaningful value to their companies.
Managing Teams of Engineers: Some computer engineers move from tool development to
management and leadership roles. As team leaders, engineers must understand the project's
details, keep an eye on overall goals, and ensure that their team stays motivated and well
resourced.

Nonstandard Duties

Drone Software Engineering: Companies use drones for aerial surveillance or to take pictures
for marketing and advertising. Engineers help develop the software and hardware that advances
drone technology. They can serve in the commercial, consumer, or military markets.
AI Consulting: AI consultants help companies leverage artificial intelligence tools to improve
business outcomes. This work might involve programming computer applications that use
machine learning. However, not all AI consulting focuses on program development. Some
professionals help corporate leaders understand the value of machine learning solutions and
select appropriate AI-powered tools for their companies.
Video Game Development: Computer engineers can design software programs for video
games. In this role, engineers work with artists, writers, and animators, providing the coding that
brings their creative vision to life. Though most video games function as entertainment, some
games serve as educational tools, therapeutic interventions, or even as experimental tools in
blockchain finance and business.
Virtual Reality Design: Engineers use new technologies such as visualization, mapping, and
3D modeling to form immersive digital worlds. Beyond daily use in games and shopping, virtual
reality plays an important role in national security, education, sports, mental health, and medical
training. Companies such as Microsoft, Samsung, and Facebook invest in hiring engineers who
can create new hardware to support virtual reality.
Blockchain Development: Responsible for researching, analyzing, developing, and executing
blockchain applications, computer engineering professionals use programming languages to
design blockchain architecture and infrastructure. Companies that see value in decentralized
applications often hire engineers and programmers who can work with blockchain technology.
Outside of cryptocurrency, blockchain functions in the supply chains, internet of things, and data
application sectors

Computer Hardware - It includes the physical, tangible parts or components of a computer, such
as the cabinet, central processing unit, monitor,keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card,
sound card, speakers and motherboard*

Computer engineering has traditionally been viewed as a combination of both computer science
(CS) and electrical engineering (EE)*

1939- Computer Engineering began.*

Computer Engineering - The discipline that embodies the science and technology of design,
construction, implementation, and maintenance of software and hardware components of modern
computing systems and computer-controlled equipment.*

Computer Engineers are involved in many hardware and software aspects of computing, from the
design of individual micro controllers,
microprocessors, personal computers, super computers, to circuit design.

Attanasof-Berry Computer - Also known as the ABC which took 5 years to complete*
Computer engineers are also suited for Robotics research.*
Software Engineering - A person who applies the principles of software engineering to the
design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of computer software.*

Verification - Manufacturing Production Test.*

Computer systems: architecture, parallel processing, and dependability – In this area the
Engineers working in computer systems work on research projects that allow for reliable, secure,
and high-performance computer systems.
Computational Science and Engineering - is a relatively new discipline. According to the Sloan
Career Cornerstone Center, individuals working in this area, "computational methods are applied
to formulate and solve complex mathematical problems in engineering and
the physical and the social sciences.*

Today, computer hardware is somehow equal to electronic and computer engineering (ECE) and
has been divided into many
subcategories; the most significant is embedded system design (True)*

Computer engineering has traditionally been viewed as a combination of both Computer Science
and Computer Engineering.*

Computer engineering is solidly grounded in the theories and principles of computing,

mathematics, science, and engineering and it
applies these theories and principles to solve technical problems through the design of computing
hardware, software, networks, and processes. (True)*

Computer Software Engineering - A field of computer engineering that is expert at the theory of
computing systems and designs and maintains software.*

1970s - The modern personal computer emerged, after several breakthroughs in semiconductor
technology*

Computer Engineers - This field of engineering not only focuses on how computer system
themselves work but also how they integrate into larger picture.*
how
computer systems themselves work but also how they integrate into the larger
Electronics and Robotics - are the two major specialties in Computer Engineering*

The computer engineer must perform research regarding the computer operating systems.
(True)*

Robotics - research relies heavily on using digital system to control and monitor electrical system
like motors, communication, and sensors. *
Computer Software - It is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.*

engineered system - Can be defined as a combination of components that work in synergy to

collectively perform a useful function.*

Embedded Systems design - It is embedded as part of a complete device often including

hardware and mechanical parts.*

Communications and wireless networks are those focusing on communications and wireless
networks, work advancements in telecommunications System and Networks (Especially wireless
networks) modulation and error control coding, and information theory.

Computer applications Software Engineer - Typically a computer software engineer will work on
a host of projects, including manufacturing, industry, government, and educational institutions.*

Computer Engineering - it is a branch of engineering that integrates electronic engineering with

computer sciences.*
Good analytical skills - The first trait which computer engineers should have.*
Computer engineering has evolved over the past three decades as a separate, although intimately
related, discipline. (True)*

Writing software and firmware for embedded microcontrollers – are the usual task of Computer
Engineers.*

Power engineering - It is also called power systems engineering, is a subfield of electrical

engineering that deals with the generation, transmission, distribution and utilization of electric
power, and the electrical apparatus connected to such systems.*

Computer networks, mobile computing, and distributed systems are engineers who build
integrated environments for computing, communications ad information access. (true)
communications, and information access.
Software Engineer - is a person who applies the principles of software engineering to the design,
development, maintenance, testing,
and evaluation of computer software

Engineering process design - A common series of steps that engineers use in creating functional
products and processes.*
Computer hardware engineers’ research, design, develop, and test computer systems and
components. (True)*

Signal processing - It is an electrical engineering subfield that focuses on analyzing, modifying

and synthesizing signals such as sound, images and biological measurements.*

Computer System Software Engineers - It make sure that the computer systems within an
organization are functional and meet all the needs of users.*

Computer engineers work in coding, cryptography, and information protection to develop new
methods for protecting various
information, such as digital images and music, fragmentation, copyright infringement and other
forms of tampering.*

Operating system – Manage all of the software and hardware on the computer. Performs the
basic task such as file, memory process management, handling input and output, and controlling
peripheral devices such as disk drive and printers.*

Resource – is an object that could link in any part of the operating systems asset*

The software computer engineers create can be used on a desktop and laptop computers, cell
phones, vehicle GPS systems, and even onboard computers in your car..*
System configuration is normally used to configure a windows installation. *

Computer Software creates computer interfaces, operating systems, new programs and
applications such as desktops, smartphones, tablets. (True)*
Engineering is a male-dominated profession. (False)*
(True)
Today, computer hardware is somehow equal to electronic and computer engineering (ECE) and
has been divided into many subcategories; the most significant is embedded system design
(true).*
telecommunications systems and networks (especially wireless networks), modulation and error-
control coding, and information
theory