The information-technology revolution marches on. And at its vanguard are computer engineers who work with all aspects of computing: operating systems, networks, software and hardware.

Make A Difference!
Interested in healthcare? Computer and software engineers are part of multidisciplinary efforts to develop next-generation functional imaging technologies that will provide earlier detection — and better treatment — of a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and even drug and alcohol addictions.

Did you know?
Today’s fastest supercomputers will eventually be left in the (very) slow lane, computer engineers say. Future quantum computers, which work by manipulating atoms and molecules, will be millions of times faster than anything available today.

Where Do They Work?
Microchips are embedded in everything from toasters to telephones, so many industries need computer engineers, including computer and consumer electronics manufacturers (Apple Inc., Canon, Hitachi, Hewlett-Packard); telecoms (Verizon, Qualcomm) supercomputer makers (IBM, Cray); software giants (Microsoft, Oracle); solar energy providers (SunEdison), and computer-game companies (Electronic Arts). Of course, Google, the ubiquitous provider of web-based services, certainly hires them, too — indeed, cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin are computer engineers.

Meet An Engineer!
Raynelle Callender attended the University of Virginia and now works for Rolls-Royce North America’s civil aero-engine market, using her engineering background in a business setting. As part of her job, she gets to travel to many countries, including Brazil, China, and Germany.

COOL FACT: Callender is a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). In 2006, she was recognized as a Modern Day Technology Leader at the annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards conference, which recognizes individuals who are helping to shape technology in the future.

Learn more about computer engineering.

Filed under: Computer, Explore Engineering