What Does it Take to Be a Computer Hardware Engineer?
Occupation Description Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
Computer Hardware Engineer Responsibilities
- Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
- Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
- Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
- Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
- Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
- Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
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Computer Hardware Engineer Skills
When polled, Computer Hardware Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Electronics Engineer
- Computer Designer
- Hardware Engineer
- Configuration Manager
- Systems Engineer
Are There Job Opportunities for Computer Hardware Engineers?
In the United States, there were 73,600 jobs for Computer Hardware Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,000 new jobs for Computer Hardware Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,100 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Computer Hardware Engineer are North Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Minnesota, Idaho, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Computer Hardware Engineer
The typical yearly salary for Computer Hardware Engineers is somewhere between $66,700 and $172,630.
Computer Hardware Engineers who work in California, District of Columbia, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Hardware Engineers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $108,040 |
| Arizona | $110,600 |
| Arkansas | $109,810 |
| California | $131,570 |
| Colorado | $117,120 |
| Connecticut | $105,980 |
| District of Columbia | $126,770 |
| Florida | $97,830 |
| Georgia | $100,190 |
| Hawaii | $96,080 |
| Idaho | $106,680 |
| Illinois | $101,630 |
| Indiana | $82,130 |
| Kansas | $88,630 |
| Kentucky | $85,340 |
| Louisiana | $81,660 |
| Maryland | $125,290 |
| Massachusetts | $123,650 |
| Minnesota | $107,780 |
| Mississippi | $90,320 |
| Missouri | $100,160 |
| Nevada | $88,670 |
| New Hampshire | $114,280 |
| New Jersey | $115,090 |
| New York | $114,590 |
| North Carolina | $108,090 |
| Ohio | $102,820 |
| Oklahoma | $103,570 |
| Oregon | $111,020 |
| Pennsylvania | $107,410 |
| Rhode Island | $104,400 |
| South Carolina | $87,870 |
| Tennessee | $87,910 |
| Texas | $116,720 |
| Virginia | $119,500 |
| Washington | $123,680 |
| West Virginia | $96,370 |
| Wisconsin | $88,780 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Computer Hardware Engineers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Hardware Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Visio
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- UNIX
- Computer aided design CAD software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
Becoming a Computer Hardware Engineer
Learn what Computer Hardware Engineer education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Computer Hardware Engineer?
Where Computer Hardware Engineers Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Computer Hardware Engineers work:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Hardware Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Computer Hardware Engineer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
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