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Computer Engineer Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

Penn State University

DevOps Engineer

University Park, PA · On-site

$51.50 - $70.75/hr

The PLM CAD Tools Team works in collaboration with ARL Research Offices to support managing research and engineering data via Siemens Teamcenter and a suite of engineering design tools. ARL is an ...

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All JobsComputer Engineer JobsComputer Engineer Jobs in State College, PA

Computer Engineer information

See State College, PA salary details

$47.4K

$118.8K

$134.5K

How much do computer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer engineer in State College, PA is $118,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $128,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and hardware/software design, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as C/C++ or Python), circuit design tools, and industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco are highly valuable. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure that computer engineers can design, implement, and optimize systems that meet technical requirements and business goals.

What is the difference between Computer Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectComputer EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco, CompTIABachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering; certifications like Microsoft, AWS
Work EnvironmentDesigning hardware, embedded systems, and software integration in labs or officesWriting, testing, and maintaining software applications in offices or remote setups
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, telecommunications, embedded systemsIT firms, software companies, startups, enterprise software development

Computer Engineers focus on both hardware and software systems, often working on embedded systems and hardware integration. Software Developers primarily create and maintain software applications. While their roles overlap in programming, Computer Engineers have a broader scope including hardware design, whereas Software Developers specialize in software solutions.

What Is a Computer Engineer?

A computer engineer designs, researches, tests, and develops computer equipment and software such as circuit boards, chips, routers, and application programs. Computer engineers analyze complex equipment and systems to understand the best way to improve it. They create new types of information technology devices and use logic and reasoning to hone in on goals, test assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems. Engineers often work in teams and have to be able to communicate with other types of engineers, including non-technical team members. Computer engineers make sure that components fit together properly and function according to the latest software developments.

What are computer engineers?

Computer engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain computer hardware and software systems. They work at the intersection of electrical engineering and computer science, focusing on how computer systems function and how they can be improved. Their roles can involve creating microprocessors, designing circuit boards, developing embedded systems, and optimizing software for hardware performance. Computer engineers play a crucial role in advancing technology across industries, from consumer electronics to aerospace and healthcare.

What are common challenges computer engineers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Computer engineers often collaborate with software developers, hardware designers, and project managers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and communication styles. Ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of system limitations and integration points is crucial, as miscommunication can lead to project delays or rework. Staying adaptable and proactively clarifying expectations helps computer engineers navigate these collaborative environments successfully.
More about Computer Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Engineer jobs in State College, PA? The most popular types of Computer Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Engineer jobs in State College, PA? For Computer Engineer jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Computer Engineer jobs? Cities near State College, PA with the most Computer Engineer job openings:
Computer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Engineer job openings in State College, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,842 per year, or $57.1 per hour.
Computer Engineer

Computer Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$109K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking highly motivated Computer Engineers to join their Access and Evaluation Department within the Multimodal Sensing and Systems Division. The role involves developing software and approaches for full-stack development, conducting data analysis, and implementing data analytics techniques to transform raw data into meaningful information.
Responsibilities:
• Develop software and approaches for full-stack development, including low-level code, working directly with hardware, developing cloud solutions, data engineering for information storage and retrieval, and development of front-end tools for use by data analysts
• Conduct data analysis, incorporating multiple data modalities and formats and exploratory data analysis for testing hypothesis
• Implement, test, and evaluate services to compare models competing to solve the same problem; support test and evaluation of software and models
• Develop and implement data analytics techniques and applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software
• Develop and apply algorithms and prototypes to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets that support analytics objectives
• Visualize, interpret, and report data findings in dynamic data reports
Qualifications:
Required:
• Python
• Linux, including familiarity with bash and shell scripts
• Cloud architectures
• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional)
• 2+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional)
• No prior relevant work experience required (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Professional)
• Ability to obtain a government security clearance
• U.S. citizenship
Preferred:
• Additional computer programming languages such as Java, or C/C++
• Development of software within DoD development environment
• Development or evaluation of AI/ML models
• A degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or applied mathematics
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret or Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
Company:
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. Founded in 1945, the company is headquartered in State College, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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