Computer engineers design computers. There are several areas of specialty within computer design. Device developers work on tiny electronic components, such as transistors. Circuit designers create circuits which are groups of electronic parts that function in a particular way when activated. In computers, circuits are found on silicon chips and printed circuit boards.
Hardware engineers design the actual computer.
They combine multiple circuits and get them to work together and perform functions. Much of this design is done at the level of microprocessors and boards. Boards do specialized tasks, such as control graphics or sound. Design engineers start a new project by finding out exactly what the new chip, board, or computer should do. Once designers have that information, they start creating the design.