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Life As a Computer Hardware Engineer

Example of Computer Hardware Engineer Job 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.

Life As a Computer Hardware Engineer: What Do They Do?

  • Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
  • Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.
  • Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
  • Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
  • Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

Skills Needed to be a Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Types of Computer Hardware Engineer

  • Network Engineer
  • Engineer
  • Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)
  • Computer Engineer
  • Microchip Specialist

Job Demand for Computer Hardware Engineers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 73,600 jobs in the United States for Computer Hardware Engineer. 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. There will be an estimated 5,100 positions for Computer Hardware Engineer per year.

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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.

What is the Average Salary of a Computer Hardware Engineer

The salary for Computer Hardware Engineers ranges between about $66,700 and $172,630 a year.

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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

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer Hardware Engineers:

  • 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

How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer

Education needed to be a Computer Hardware Engineer:

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What work experience do I need to become a Computer Hardware Engineer?

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Who Employs Computer Hardware Engineers?

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Below are examples of industries where Computer Hardware Engineers work:

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Computer Hardware Engineer may also be interested in:

Career changers with experience as a Computer Hardware Engineer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: via CC0 Public Domain

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