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Computer Engineer job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$92,045per year, about $44 an hour
Range$29,500 to $155,000 a year
Hourly$15 to $75 an hour
Also calledProgrammer, IT Administrator, Software Developer
DepartmentInformation Technology
The role

What is a Computer Engineer?

A Computer Engineer, or Software Engineer, is a professional responsible for developing, creating, and designing software and hardware systems and programs for computer companies and corporations.

They often collaborate with other engineers, designers, and developers to maximize productivity, maintain databases, resolve errors and bugs, and implement new technology and solutions.

Computer Engineers also make sure cloud storage accounts are protected and provide technical support and assistance to staff members if needed.

What to screen for

The top Computer Engineer skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
Technical SkillsComputer Engineers must have an in-depth knowledge of programming languages. Some programming languages they should be familiar with are JavaScript, Java, Python, HTML, etc. Knowing the difference between operating systems and databases is also essential for this role. This knowledge will help Computer Engineers understand their clients’ needs better.
CommunicationCommunication is one of the most important professional skills for Computer Engineers. Not only do they need to communicate with their team members regarding errors, new programs, and ideas, but they are also required to listen to and understand the demands, needs, and concerns of their clients and superiors and fulfill their expectations.
TroubleshootingComputer Engineers with great troubleshooting skills are able to quickly solve any problem or bug that may occur. They work with different models, brands, and programs, and their troubleshooting skills must excel every time. Successful troubleshooting also requires the ability to repair external and physical components of the computer.
AdaptabilitySince technology is constantly evolving and changing, Computer Engineers must be adaptable and always ready for innovations. A successful Computer Engineer will quickly understand and adjust to new ideas, programs, or tools. This skill allows them to stay on track and not lose much time learning about new things.
OrganizationThe organization is crucial in this role because Computer Engineers often have a lot on their plates during the day. They need to learn to successfully juggle deadlines, meetings, setups, troubleshooting, designing, and maintaining. All these actions will be possible only with great organization and time management.
Free template

The job description, ready to post.

Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.

Computer EngineerInformation Technology · Free to use and edit

We are looking for a qualified Computer Engineer to join our team of professionals. You will be working in the IT department alongside other engineers, designers, and programmers. Your daily responsibilities include developing and installing computer systems, software, and hardware applications and performing analysis and routine checks of hardware and software by using testing tools and technology.

As a Computer Engineer, you will be responsible for providing technical support and assistance to staff members, troubleshooting errors, bugs, data loss, and anomalies, and ensuring that software and hardware systems are designed to support organizational goals.

The ideal candidate should have in-depth knowledge of programming languages and coding and strong expertise with various computer systems, programs, and applications. Communication, organization, teamwork, and adaptability are skills that we appreciate in the candidates’ applications.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Develop and install new software and hardware systems, programs, and applications
  • Perform analysis and routine checks of hardware and software by using testing tools and technology
  • Provide technical support and assistance to staff and resolve computer-related issues
  • Monitor the cloud storage accounts of the company and ensure they are protected
  • Conduct validation testing on motherboards
  • Collaborate with other engineers, programmers, and managers to establish goals and deadlines
  • Research and implement new technologies and solutions
  • Keep computer equipment up-to-date
  • Troubleshoot errors, data loss, bugs, and anomalies
  • Integrate updates and new features to software and hardware
  • Develop, create, and install programs for specific client needs
  • Ensure software and hardware systems are designed to support organizational goals
  • Maintain the progress and report it to the superiors

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or a similar field
  • 3+ years of working experience as a Computer Engineer or related role
  • Strong knowledge of programming languages, coding, design analytics, algorithms, and database development
  • Analytical mind and excellent communication skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Team player
  • Project management, organization, and time management
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

Take the template with you

Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

Degree first, then the certification.

Entry-level candidates applying for this position typically obtain a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or another related field.

On the other hand, more experienced candidates have a Master’s degree in the same fields. A Master’s degree is typically required for positions with more complex tasks and leadership responsibilities.

All candidates should have previous training or certification in programming languages, best practices, and project management.

Previous experience can also be earned through internships or college programs while candidates are still studying.

CISSP

Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Demonstrates expertise in information security and risk management.

(ISC)²
PMP

Project Management Professional

Validates project management skills and knowledge in leading projects.

Project Management Institute
Treat these as a signal, not a requirement. Plenty of strong candidates come up through experience without one.
After the applications land

Sample interview questions for a Computer Engineer.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • What made you choose this career path?
  • If you weren’t a Computer Engineer, what would you be?
  • How often do you use technology outside of work?
Human Resources
  • What aspect of the IT industry interests you the most?
  • What do you expect to accomplish if you get this job?
  • Do you prefer startup companies or more established working environments?
Management
  • How do you explain technical difficulties and challenges to shareholders who do not have a computer-related background?
  • Have you ever missed a deadline? What happened then?
  • Do you prefer working individually or as part of a team?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • What programming languages do you like to work with the most?
  • How do you assure software and program quality?
  • What methods do you use when reviewing someone else’s coding?
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$29,500
25th percentile$59,500
Median$92,045
75th percentile$99,500
90th percentile$155,000

Hourly equivalents run from $15 at the 10th percentile to $75 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

Programmer

$113,061 median

IT Administrator

$76,545 median

Software Developer

A Software Developer is a professional who designs, creates, tests, and maintains software applications or systems.

$111,845 median
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

Who do Computer Engineers work with?

Computer Engineers typically work alone on complex computer-related issues, but they can also collaborate with other engineers, programmers, and managers when needed.

What are the qualities of a successful Computer Engineer?

Successful Computer Engineers need to have excellent knowledge of programming languages, computer systems, and coding.

Furthermore, they must have great communication, problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.

Where do Computer Engineers usually work?

Computer Engineers can work in a variety of environments:

  • IT companies
  • Corporations
  • Universities
  • Research
  • Government
  • Business organizations
  • Private offices
How much do Computer Engineers earn per year?

Computer Engineers earn between $29,500 and $155,000 annually. Their median annual salary is around $92,045.

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