Job Description - Computer Hardware Engineer:
As this job title implies, a computer hardware engineer's expertise lies with the physical parts of computers and computer systems—computer hardware. He or she oversees the manufacture and installation of computer systems, chips and circuit boards as well as peripherals including keyboards, routers and printers. A computer hardware engineer's job includes design, development and testing of computer hardware.
Employment Facts - Computer Hardware Engineer:
There were 75,000 computer hardware engineers employed in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Computer Hardware Engineer:
To work as a computer hardware engineer one must have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering.
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 be about as fast as the average for all jobs through 2018.
Earnings - Computer Hardware Engineer:
Median annual earnings of computer hardware engineers were $98,820 in 2009.
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, 2010-11 Edition, Computer Hardware Engineer, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm (visited November 9, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Computer Hardware Engineer, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/17-2061.00 (visited November 9, 2010).
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