Job Description - Computer Hardware Engineer:
A computer hardware engineer researches, designs, develops, tests and oversees the manufacture and installation of computer chips, circuit boards and computer systems. A computer hardware engineer also works with related equipment including keyboards, modems and printers.
Employment Facts - Computer Hardware Engineer:
There were 79,000 computer hardware engineers employed in 2006.
Educational Requirements - Computer Hardware Engineer:
To work as a computer hardware engineer one must have at least a bachelor's degree.
Other Requirements - Computer Hardware Engineer:
Computer hardware engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed by the state in which they work. To be successful in this field, one should be creative, inquisitive, analytical and detail oriented. Good communication skills, both in writing and orally, are important.
Advancement Opportunities - Computer Hardware Engineer:
An entry-level computer hardware engineer usually works under a more experienced engineer's supervision. With experience, he or she will begin to work more independently and may eventually begin to supervise those with less experience.
Job Outlook - Computer Hardware Engineer:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job outlook for computer hardware engineers to be slower than average through 2016.
Earnings - Computer Hardware Engineer:
Median annual earnings of computer hardware engineers were $91,860 in 2007.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a computer hardware engineer currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Computer Hardware Engineer's Life:
On a typical day a computer hardware engineer's tasks might include:
- Providing technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
- Testing and verifying hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
- Monitoring functioning of equipment and making necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
- Analyzing information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
- Building, testing, and modifying product prototypes using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Computer Hardware Engineer, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm (visited February 23, 2009).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Computer Hardware Engineer, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/17-2061.00 (visited February 23, 2009).
Should You Become a Computer Hardware Engineer? Take a Quiz to Find Out.
