What Is a Desktop Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A desktop engineer is responsible for troubleshooting problems with computer software and hardware. In this job, you may work as a desktop support engineer for a technical support firm that services multiple clients or for a company, school, or government agency in their IT department. Your job duties include responding to telephone and email inquiries, monitoring computer systems, installing software or hardware, and performing maintenance on computer systems. You need strong customer service and problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of computers to succeed in a career as a desktop engineer.

To start your career as a desktop engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in information systems and technology, computer science, or a similar field. Additional professional qualifications, like certifications from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), can help demonstrate your skills and proficiency to potential employers. These certifications require you to pass a qualifying exam, and you must take continuing education classes to get recertified every three years. Internships can help you gain experience, but you can expect on-the-job training when you start your career in an entry-level position.