They specialise in every aspect of design such as circuit, microcode and logic designs as well as in mechanical engineering. Most of the work involves the construction of systems which carry microchip. In microcode design their work overlaps with software applications. Most of them carry out repairs on site. This usually involves changing over the logic board rather than direct repair work, which may be completed later in a workshop.
Many companies now have maintenance contracts in place for both software and hardware.
Management roles in computing are usually either in data processing management or project management. Data processing managers co-ordinate and oversee the work of all computer staff both in software and hardware. Project Managers supervise projects rather than departments and monitor the time and money expended on them. Some computer systems are kept working 24 hours a day. This means that some staff have to work shifts.