What Computer Hardware Engineers Do

 computer hardware engineer jobs

Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer hardware engineers design, develop, and supervise the production and installation of computer hardware. Computer hardware includes keyboards, modems, printers, computer systems, chips, and circuit boards. Computer software engineers develop programs that control computer operation. Computer hardware engineers have similar duties as electronics engineers, but hardware engineers focus exclusively on computer technology.

Job Duties

The duties of a computer hardware engineer include:

• Designing blueprints of new computer equipment, and creating new hardware
• Making models of new hardware designs, and testing those models
• Analyzing the results of these tests, and making any necessary adjustments to the design
• Upgrading current computer equipment and maximizing compatibility with new software
• Supervising the manufacturing of new computer hardware

Computer hardware engineers make sure that hardware components are compatible with current software. Hardware engineers must therefore work closely with the developers of this software. Developers of smartphone applications, for example, would need to be in close communication with hardware engineers, in order to determine what software the phone is capable of running.

Work Environment

The majority of computer hardware engineers do their work in research laboratories (often as part of a high-tech manufacturing firm), designing and testing new kinds of computers. Some engineers work for the federal government, others work for research and development firms, or computer systems design firms. Over 90% of hardware engineers work in highly populated urban areas.

Computer hardware engineers hold over 70,000 jobs. The following table shows the industries which employ the most computer hardware engineers, as well as the distribution of engineers among those industries:

• Computer and electronic product manufacturing – 35%
• Computer systems design and related services – 19%
• Scientific research and development services – 11%
• Federal government – 7%

How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer

A bachelor's degree in computer engineering is typically required to become a computer hardware engineer; however, a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is also acceptable. The two majors--electrical engineering and computer engineering--are quite similar, but computer engineering students take more courses in computer science.

Programs in engineering should be evaluated by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Graduates of these accredited programs are more attractive to employers. Students who wish to enroll in these programs should prepare by studying science and math.

Computer hardware engineers work closely with both hardware and software. Students would therefore benefit greatly by taking courses in computer sciences, which offer training in computer programming. Many colleges and universities offer internships or co-ops, which provide the student with on-the-job training while finishing his or her degree.

Master's degrees in computer engineering are required by certain firms, or for more technical jobs. It is also common for engineers to obtain an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree. Because technology evolves so quickly, engineers must continually further their education throughout their careers in order to keep up with the rapid pace of change.