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College of Engineering

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer engineering integrates both disciplines of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science into one program where the focus is developing computer systems, including how they work and fit into the larger field of technology.

Position Title	Projected Growth (2014-2024)	Preparation Required	2015 Median Wage
Computer Hardware Engineers Computer Hardware Engineers Position Description: Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components. Projected Growth: Faster than average (9% to 13%) Median Pay: $114,970 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology. Build, test, and modify product prototypes using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation. Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction. Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications. Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system. Skills: Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Active Learning Pay and Growth More Information	Faster than average (9% to 13%)	Job Zone 4	$114,970 per year
Computer Network Architects Computer Network Architects Position Description: Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Projected Growth: Faster than average (9% to 13%) Median Pay: $103,100 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands. Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs. Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems. Coordinate installation of new equipment. Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. Skills: Active Listening Operations Analysis Systems Analysis Active Learning Complex Problem Solving Pay and Growth More Information	Faster than average (9% to 13%)	Job Zone 4	$103,100 per year
Computer Programmers Computer Programmers Position Description: Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. Projected Growth: Decline (-2% or lower) Median Pay: $84,360 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct. Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment. Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic. Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. Skills: Programming Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Critical Thinking Active Listening Pay and Growth More Information	Decline (-2% or lower)	Job Zone 4	$84,360 per year
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary Position Description: Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. Projected Growth: Faster than average (9% to 13%) Median Pay: $84,700 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as programming, data structures, and software design. Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers. Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. Compile, administer, and grade examinations or assign this work to others. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction. Skills: Instructing Speaking Reading Comprehension Writing Critical Thinking Pay and Growth More Information	Faster than average (9% to 13%)	Job Zone 5	$84,700 per year
Computer Systems Analysts Computer Systems Analysts Position Description: Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $90,180 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow. Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems. Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards. Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems. Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes. Skills: Critical Thinking Active Listening Reading Comprehension Speaking Systems Analysis Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 4	$90,180 per year
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Position Description: Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions. Projected Growth: Slower than average (2% to 4%) Median Pay: $87,310 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements. Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes. Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information. Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture. Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Operations Analysis Pay and Growth More Information	Slower than average (2% to 4%)	Job Zone 4	$87,310 per year
Construction and Building Inspectors Construction and Building Inspectors Position Description: Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $60,030 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, or foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety, or conformance to specifications and codes. Inspect facilities or installations to determine their environmental impact. Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations. Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, or elevation of structures or fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes. Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs. Skills: Active Listening Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Speaking Complex Problem Solving Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 3	$60,030 per year
Electrical Engineers Electrical Engineers Position Description: Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. Projected Growth: Little or no change (-1% to 1%) Median Pay: $97,340 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks. Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements. Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products. Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes. Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements. Skills: Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Writing Pay and Growth More Information	Little or no change (-1% to 1%)	Job Zone 4	$97,340 per year
Industrial Engineers Industrial Engineers Position Description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination. Projected Growth: Little or no change (-1% to 1%) Median Pay: $86,990 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization. Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities. Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control. Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer. Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs. Skills: Reading Comprehension Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Critical Thinking Writing Pay and Growth More Information	Little or no change (-1% to 1%)	Job Zone 4	$86,990 per year
Manufacturing Engineers Manufacturing Engineers Position Description: Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs. Projected Growth: Slower than average (2% to 4%) Median Pay: $98,150 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Identify opportunities or implement changes to improve products or reduce costs using knowledge of fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment, assembly methods, quality control standards, or product design, materials and parts. Determine root causes of failures using statistical methods and recommend changes in designs, tolerances, or processing methods. Provide technical expertise or support related to manufacturing. Incorporate new methods and processes to improve existing operations. Supervise technicians, technologists, analysts, administrative staff, or other engineers. Skills: Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension Speaking Pay and Growth More Information	Slower than average (2% to 4%)	Job Zone 4	$98,150 per year
Mechanical Engineers Mechanical Engineers Position Description: Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $88,190 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports. Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements. Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information. Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs. Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Mathematics Reading Comprehension Science Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$88,190 per year
Power Plant Operators Power Plant Operators Position Description: Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators. Projected Growth: Decline (-2% or lower) Median Pay: $71,070 per year Preparation: Job Zone 2 Position Duties: Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations. Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems. Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels. Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power. Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment. Skills: Operation Monitoring Critical Thinking Operation and Control Speaking Active Listening Pay and Growth More Information	Decline (-2% or lower)	Job Zone 2	$71,070 per year
Sales Engineers Sales Engineers Position Description: Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering. Projected Growth: Faster than average (9% to 13%) Median Pay: $107,160 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer requirements, to promote the sale of company products, and to provide sales support. Sell products requiring extensive technical expertise and support for installation and use, such as material handling equipment, numerical-control machinery, and computer systems. Plan and modify product configurations to meet customer needs. Confer with customers and engineers to assess equipment needs and to determine system requirements. Prepare and deliver technical presentations that explain products or services to customers and prospective customers. Skills: Persuasion Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Social Perceptiveness Speaking Pay and Growth More Information	Faster than average (9% to 13%)	Job Zone 4	$107,160 per year
Software Developers, Applications Software Developers, Applications Position Description: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $102,160 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance. Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation. Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces. Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints. Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design. Skills: Complex Problem Solving Programming Systems Analysis Judgment and Decision Making Systems Evaluation Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 4	$102,160 per year
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Position Description: Develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes. Projected Growth: Slower than average (2% to 4%) Median Pay: $87,310 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability. Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers. Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content. Skills: Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Writing Pay and Growth More Information	Slower than average (2% to 4%)	Job Zone 4	$87,310 per year
Technical Writers Technical Writers Position Description: Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $73,350 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. Maintain records and files of work and revisions. Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel. Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material. Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods. Skills: Writing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$73,350 per year
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists Telecommunications Engineering Specialists Position Description: Design or configure voice, video, and data communications systems. Supervise installation and post-installation service and maintenance. Projected Growth: Faster than average (9% to 13%) Median Pay: $103,100 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services. Keep abreast of changes in industry practices and emerging telecommunications technology by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences. Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures. Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases. Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Learning Speaking Pay and Growth More Information	Faster than average (9% to 13%)	Job Zone 3	$103,100 per year
Web Developers Web Developers Position Description: Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $70,660 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media. Perform or direct Web site updates. Write, design, or edit Web page content, or direct others producing content. Confer with management or development teams to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, develop content criteria, or choose solutions. Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems. Skills: Programming Critical Thinking Operations Analysis Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 3	$70,660 per year

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