Computer Engineer
Combine electrical engineering and computer science. Design computer hardware, embedded systems, IoT devices, and the intersection of hardware and software.
What you need to know
Overview
Computer Engineers bridge hardware and software, designing computer systems from processors to embedded devices. They work on computer architecture, hardware-software integration, IoT systems, and computing infrastructure. This interdisciplinary role requires expertise in both electrical engineering and computer science.
Ireland's tech sector employs computer engineers at companies like Intel, IBM, and innovative startups developing next-generation computing systems. The role offers diverse opportunities from chip design to IoT innovation.
Key responsibilities
- Design computer hardware systems
- Develop embedded systems
- Program firmware and low-level software
- Work on IoT device development
- Design processor architectures
- Optimize hardware-software integration
- Test and debug hardware systems
- Develop FPGA designs
- Work with real-time systems
- Collaborate across engineering teams
What skills are needed?
Hardware
- • Computer architecture
- • Digital logic design
- • Embedded systems
- • FPGA programming
- • Hardware description languages
Software
- • C/C++ programming
- • Assembly language
- • Operating systems
- • Real-time systems
- • Device drivers
Professional Skills
- • Problem-solving
- • Systems thinking
- • Debugging skills
- • Teamwork
- • Documentation
What is the pay?
Average Salary in Ireland
€38,000 - €70,000
Graduate computer engineers earn €38,000-€45,000, mid-level engineers earn €48,000-€62,000, while senior engineers command €65,000-€80,000. Specialists at semiconductor companies can earn €85,000+.
Interdisciplinary skills command good salaries. Benefits include health insurance, pension contributions, professional development, and opportunities at globally recognized tech companies in Ireland.
What is the career outlook?
Job Growth
Growing demand in Ireland's tech sector. Over 400 computer engineer positions advertised annually. Strong opportunities in semiconductor, IoT, and embedded systems companies.
Why the growth?
- • IoT explosion
- • Edge computing growth
- • Smart device proliferation
- • Automotive computing
- • Next-generation processors
- • Embedded AI systems
What education is required?
Educational Pathways
Level 8 Engineering Degree
Computer Engineering or Electronic & Computer Engineering from Irish universities (UCD, UCC, TCD). 4-year programs combining electrical engineering and computer science.
Master's Specialization
MSc in Embedded Systems or Computer Engineering for advanced roles. Many pursue part-time while working.
Key Course Topics
- • Computer architecture
- • Digital logic design
- • Embedded systems programming
- • Microprocessors and microcontrollers
- • Operating systems
- • FPGA design (VHDL, Verilog)
- • Computer networks
- • Real-time systems
- • Hardware-software co-design
- • IoT systems
Ready to Build Computing Systems?
Explore resources for computer engineering careers.
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