Computer Engineers
Description OES Code: 22127
Computer engineers analyze data processing requirements to plan EDP system to provide system capabilities required for projected work loads. Plan layout and installation of new system or modification of existing system. May set up and control analog or hybrid computer systems to solve scientific and engineering problems.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $25.54
25th Percentile $29.99
50th Percentile $38.84
75th Percentile $49.63

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Computer systems engineers, being professional-level employees, often work more than 40 hours a week. Fringe benefits normally include vacations, holidays, medical insurance, and pensions.

Additional benefits may include annual profit-sharing bonuses, stock purchase plans, a company car and mileage allowance, and reimbursement for job-related education.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 53,700
Projected Employment 2008 94,700
Percent Change 1998-2008 76.4%
Separations 1998-2008 4,600

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 60
Projected Employment 2006 70
Percent Change 1999-2006 16.7%
Separations 1999-2006 0

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Computer engineers based in corporate data-processing departments spend most of their time in a business office/computer system environment. However, those employed by computer vendors and consulting firms spend much of their time in the field, meeting with customers. Driving their own or a company car, they call on customers at a variety of locations, ranging from manufacturing plants to research labs and banks.

Advancement
Depending on where they work, systems engineers may advance to field office team leader, branch or division sales manager, or manager of corporate data processing. Some elect to move into other corporate or staff functions, such as product planning or personnel. A few go into business for themselves, as systems designers, consultants, or vendors.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Large companies regularly recruit for systems engineer trainees on college campuses. They tend to target students seeking BS degrees in computer science.

Openings for experienced applicants may be advertised in newspapers, under such headings as: Computers, Data Processing, Engineering, and Marketing. Job seekers should also apply directly to companies in which they are interested.

For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Hiring requirements for systems engineer trainees generally include a bachelor's or master's degree in an appropriate field of study, such as computer science, electrical engineering, business administration, or math. Degrees in some areas of the liberal arts or sciences, such as economics or physics, may also be acceptable. Whatever their college major, trainees are usually required to have some knowledge of computer programming and to have completed at least two programming courses. Finally, trainees are expected to demonstrate strong motivation and the ability to learn.

When hiring systems engineers, most consulting firms, corporate data processing departments, and the smaller computer companies require two to five years of related experience, involving design, installation, or operation of data processing systems. Large computer firms, on the other hand, will often hire inexperienced college graduates as systems engineer trainees and put them through intensive, company-based training programs.

Company-based training programs for systems engineers are designed to develop both theoretical and practical skills. In large companies, there may be three to 18 months of preliminary classroom training and computer-aided instruction, sometimes conducted at special training centers. Generally, there are at least three to nine months of on-the-job "field" training, in which trainees work on proposals and product demonstrations and, guided by experienced systems engineers, learn firsthand the most effective ways of dealing with customers. Experienced systems engineers must continue to keep up with new developments in data processing technology and in their company's products.

Skills & Other Requirements
Systems engineers must have a combination of intellectual, practical, and interpersonal skills. They must be able to understand and analyze technical and business problems, and to develop creative yet workable solutions. They must be at ease meeting and working with a wide variety of people from sales representatives to programmers and engineers to small business owners and top-level corporate executives.

Other important qualities include above average written and oral communication skills, a professional appearance and demeanor, and the ability to work independently. In addition, they should be willing and able to travel or relocate locally, out of town, or even overseas.

References
California Occupational Guide: #488

Related Occupations: Elecrtical/Electronic Engineers, Computer Programmers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)