Essential Computer Engineering Skills

Computer engineers use computer science and electrical engineering principles to bridge the gap between hardware and software development, create innovative designs, and optimize computer systems. As a computer engineer, you may work on teams that do anything from designing computer architectures to embedding computing systems into devices; meaning this position requires a mix of technical and interpersonal skills to succeed. 

To decide whether this career is right for you, consider what exactly a computer engineer is and the top skills that successful computer engineers use in their daily tasks.

What is computer engineering?

As a computer engineer, you work with a wide range of computer science and engineering concepts, including computer networks, computer architectures, artificial intelligence, computing systems, operating systems, and more. Basically, you understand “all things computer,” including both hardware and software components, and help to design and implement computer systems to run more efficiently. Any field that uses devices with a computer processor involved relies on a computer engineer at some stage of development and management. This means you could work in a variety of industries in this position, including aerospace, power production, defense, health care, video game design, and consumer goods (think telephones, microwaves, and other computer-powered devices), depending on your personal interests.

Because of the technical nature of this career, computer engineers need to have a strong set of technical skills, often revolving around computer science and electrical engineering principles. However, as a computer engineer, you’ll often work in teams to design different types of systems or integrate them with other areas of the organization. This requires people management and collaboration skills to ensure each team member stays on track and motivated to help the project meet its goals on time.

Top technical skills for computer engineers

Successful computer engineers typically have a solid foundation in several technical areas, allowing them to work on a variety of hardware and software-related tasks. While your exact expertise will depend on the industry you work in, several technical areas that you might use skills in are as follows.

Computer hardware design

To design and optimize physical devices, you’ll need to understand the architecture and functionality of hardware components. You might use this knowledge to build new products or reconfigure and upgrade existing architectures. Skills in this area also allow you to test and analyze products, helping to update designs as requirements change.

Computer software development

While you may typically work with hardware, computer software and applications often go hand-in-hand with hardware design. You’ll likely benefit from working skills in creating tools, applications, and databases that integrate with the hardware components. Knowing at least one programming language, such as Python, may help you stand out to employers for this position.

Embedded systems design

As a computer engineer, you might leverage both hardware and software knowledge to design computing systems that don’t look like traditional computers. This involves things like appliances (e.g., refrigerators), automobiles, medical devices (e.g., pacemakers), cameras, robotics, smart devices (e.g., fitness trackers), and more. For these devices, you would be responsible for writing computer code that directly interacts with the hardware components. 

Design testing and troubleshooting

While it would be ideal to have all of your designs work on the first try, this typically isn’t the case. Engineers rely on testing their designs in order to identify flaws and figure out which modifications are needed to fix them. The ability to test and iterate on your design can help you overcome design flaws and perform at a higher level.

Top workplace skills for computer engineers

While you might work on some aspects of your profession alone, other components may involve working on a team or leading a team. Some of the top workplace skills that can help you excel include the following.

Leadership

As projects grow in complexity, it’s important to be able to make strategic goals and work alongside team members with diverse skill sets and backgrounds. You may have to use skills in facilitating team working relationships, delegating tasks, and making decisions throughout each project milestone.

Team motivation

Maintaining motivation in your team and encouraging productivity is a big part of being a team leader. It’s important to recognize each member’s accomplishments, offer mentorship, and take time to ensure each person can contribute meaningfully.

Creativity

Computer engineers often solve complex problems, meaning cultivating creativity can help you design innovative solutions and consider alternative solutions. You can also look at existing solutions to consider creative ways to improve them.

Critical thinking

Similar to creativity, critical thinking helps you think beyond obvious solutions and come up with new ways to look at problems and consider alternative solutions. Critical thinking helps you think about the risks and benefits associated with different options, ask informed questions, and scrutinize the status quo. 

How to gain more computer engineering skills

If you think computer engineering might be right for you but you want to boost your skills in certain areas, you can go about this in several ways. To start, consider the following steps:

• Identify your skills gaps: Identifying areas of improvement that could help you become a more successful computer engineer can help you tailor your plan directly to your end goals.

• Find a mentor in your area of interest: A mentor in computer engineering can help you find a road to improvement that aligns with your professional path. For example, your mentor might have resources or connections that help you develop skills that align with your industry.

• Seek out learning opportunities: Courses, Professional Certificates, and degree programs can provide a structured pathway to building professional skills in computer engineering. Many computer engineers have a formal degree in computer engineering, but you can complete boot camps and online courses to expand your expertise in specific areas.

Learn more about computer engineering on Coursera

Computer engineers use a range of hardware, software, and workplace skills to build and manage computer systems and applications. You can earn a degree on Coursera in several related areas, helping to build strong professional skills that prepare you for the technical work of this position. Consider taking the Bachelor of Information Technology from Illinois Tech, or opt for the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering for a more advanced degree option.