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Computer Hardware Engineer

Overview and Key Facts

computer hardware wall
Education
Education
Bachelor's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$155,020
Job Growth
Job Growth
7.30%
(Above US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
82,400

What Do They Do?

A computer hardware engineer could...

 
SD card
Develop portable storage devices to quickly transfer large amounts of data from one computer to another.
printer
Develop a color printer that creates photograph-quality prints.
CPU
Engineer the world's fastest central processing unit (CPU) for PC's.
VR gaming
Design a fast video graphics card to enhance the look of video games.
 
SD card printer CPU VR gaming

Overview Listen to this section

Whether you are playing video games, surfing the Internet, or writing a term paper, computers are an integral part of our daily lives. Computer hardware engineers work to make computers faster, more robust, and more cost-effective. They design the microprocessor chips that make your computer function, along with the equipment that makes computing easy and fun to do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdmSXXfknU8

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Computer Hardware Engineer?


  1. Reading Comprehension: ?
  2. Critical Thinking: ?
  3. Writing: ?
  4. Active Listening: ?
  5. Complex Problem Solving: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Computer Hardware Engineer might do:
  • Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
  • Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
  • Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
  • Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
  • Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
  • Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
  • Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
  • Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
  • Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
  • Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
  • Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
  • Provide training and support to system designers and users.
  • Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
  • Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

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Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Computer Hardware Engineer jobs (7.30%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Computer Hardware Engineer

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Computer hardware engineers typically enter the occupation with a bachelor's degree, but some basic research positions may require a graduate degree. Computer hardware engineers offering their services directly to the public must be licensed. Continuing education to keep current with rapidly changing technology is important for engineers.

Beginner computer hardware engineering graduates usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers and, in large companies, also may receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. As new engineers gain knowledge and experience, they are assigned more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Computer hardware engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff or team of engineers and technicians. Some may eventually become engineering managers or enter other managerial or sales jobs. In sales, an engineering background enables them to discuss a product's technical aspects and assist in product planning, installation, and use.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Bachelor's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

Entry-level computer hardware engineering positions require a bachelor's degree in engineering; usually with a focus in computer engineering. In order to be admitted into an engineering program, students interested in computer hardware engineering should focus on getting a well-rounded high school education, including a a solid background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science). Bachelor's degree programs in computer or electrical engineering are typically designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4 and 5 years to complete their studies. In a typical 4-year college curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying mathematics, basic sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a concentration in one specialty. Some programs offer a general engineering curriculum; students then specialize on the job or in graduate school.

Graduate training is essential for computer engineering faculty positions and many research and development programs, but is not required for the majority of entry-level engineering jobs. Many experienced engineers obtain graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology and broaden their education. Many high-level executives in government and industry began their careers as engineers.

Companies That Hire Computer Hardware Engineers

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Nature of the Work

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacture and installation of computer hardware. Hardware includes computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related equipment, such as keyboards, modems, and printers. The work of computer hardware engineers is very similar to that of electronics engineers in that they may design and test circuits and other electronic components, but computer hardware engineers do that work only as it relates to computers and computer-related equipment. The rapid advances in computer technology are largely a result of the research, development, and design efforts of these engineers.

When computer hardware engineers develop new computer products, they consider several factors. For example, in developing a faster microprocessor, engineers precisely specify the functional requirements; design and test all of the different components of the microprocessor; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. This process ensures the most economical solution to a technical problem.

Work Environment

Most computer hardware engineers work in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants. Others may spend time at production sites, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Some engineers travel extensively to plants or work sites, both here and abroad.

Many engineers work a standard 40-hour week. At times, deadlines or design standards may bring extra pressure to a job, requiring engineers to work longer hours.

More Information

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