I was wondering what you would call someone who develops Operating Systems, Device Drivers, Compilers, interpreters, BIOs, etc? If it would be a good career path (i.e. will still be "alive and well" 30+ years from now?) as opposed to Hardware Engineering (CPUs, GPUs, etc). I was also wondering what degree would one need to pursue this path (Computer Engineering?) and whether It employs better than hardware engineers? Thanks!

 

A Compouter Science degree is generally accepted as a good choice for a career because demand is growing for the foreseeable future.

But it’s an awful choice if you don’t like it or aren’t good at it. Smart people that are driven can go very far in the field, but like any career your limiting factor is in your mirror.

 

It would be called a software engineer. I worked as one, specializing in compilers and language tools for 41 years before retiring. My company (Intel) hired only PhD's or people like me with many years of experience for these positions. I have a Master's in Computer Science.

Bob