As a computer hardware engineer, your job is to create the designs for circuits and products that use integrated circuits. Implementing these circuit designs might involve structural analysis, analog and/or digital circuit analysis, manufacturing processes, low-power consumption strategies and preventative measures of failure. Although advances in technology have allowed engineers to work with a variety of materials and techniques, most computer hardware engineers continue to focus on the field of electrical engineering. If you are interested in earning a high annual salary, becoming a computer hardware engineer may be worth your consideration.
The average salary for a computer hardware engineer is $75,000 per year. The median annual earnings for all occupations in the United States is $55,550.
Computer hardware engineers work in many different industries, from aerospace to automotive to healthcare. They are responsible for designing and developing computers, servers, and other electronic devices, as well as their components and systems.
They may be called upon to create prototypes or design models based on requirements set forth by others within an organization. They often work with software developers to ensure that their products meet all necessary specifications and can be implemented successfully once they reach market.
Computer hardware engineers may also be responsible for testing new products before they’re released onto the market. This involves conducting tests that simulate real-world use cases so that any bugs or issues can be identified before they cause problems for consumers or clients who purchase these products later down the line.”
Salary for computer hardware engineer
Computer hardware engineers oversee the manufacture, installation, and testing of computer systems, servers, chips, and circuit boards. They work with peripherals including keyboards, routers, and printers. Another title for this occupation is hardware engineer.
Approximately 73,600 computer hardware engineers worked in the U.S. in 2016. About one in four of them worked for computer systems design services.
Computer Hardware Engineer Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities can depend on the needs and requirements of employers, but some common duties include:
- Diagnose and troubleshoot failed rotational media and solid-state storage devices.
- Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
- Modify hardware to enable forensic analysis of the media or to change the functionality of the hardware for other purposes.
- Participate in the design and development of electronic circuits and assemblies.
- Conduct technical exploitation and examination of high priority digital media.
- Test and peer review for technical accuracy, standards and compliance to the design.
Computer hardware engineers are considered to be the driving force behind growth in computer technology.
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary
The most highly compensated computer hardware engineers work in research and development.
- Median Annual Salary: $114,600 ($55.10/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $172,630 ($82.99/hour)
- Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $66,700 ($32.07/hour)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018
Education, Training & Certification
Entry into this field relies on education.
- Education: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Some employers will accept a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Computer hardware engineers need a background in computer science, so students who major in electrical engineering should take classes in that subject. Some large firms might require a master’s degree in computer engineering.
- Accreditation: Look for an educational program that’s accredited by ABET, a professional engineering association. Use the program search tool on ABET’s website to find one.
Computer Hardware Engineer Skills & Competencies
In addition to the technical skills you’ll acquire through education, you’ll also need certain soft skills, or personal qualities, to be successful in this field.
- Critical thinking: Comparing various solutions to problems will allow you to identify the best one.
- Reading comprehension: You’ll have to do a lot of reading to keep up with changing technology.
- Communication skills: Computer hardware engineers frequently work on teams, so excellent verbal communication and listening skills are essential.
- Creativity: You must be able to come up with new ideas for designing computers, devices, and peripherals.
Job Outlook
This occupation is expected to grow on average with all other occupations from 2016 through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job growth at about 5% is anticipated as new and more innovative computer hardware is needed to keep pace with software development.
Work Environment
Researching, designing, and development can be solitary work, but you’ll also have ample opportunities to work as part of a team, and particularly with software developers. This is a lab- and desk-based occupation.
Work Schedule
Positions in this field are typically full-time, often during normal business hours. Some special projects might demand overtime, as well as working weekends and evenings.
