Computer Hardware Engineer: Education and Career Path

Computer hardware engineers are essential in today's technology-driven world. They research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components, such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. If you like computers, programming, and engineering, combining these interests to become a computer hardware engineer may be a perfect choice. This article explores the education, skills, and career prospects for aspiring computer hardware engineers.

What Computer Hardware Engineers Do

Computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing parts of a computer system. They may work independently or as part of a team of other technology professionals. Their typical duties include:

Designing new computer hardware, creating schematics of computer equipment to be built.
Testing the computer hardware they design.
Analyzing the test results and modifying the design as needed.
Updating existing computer equipment so that it will work with new software.
Overseeing the manufacturing process for computer hardware.
Analyzing user needs and recommending appropriate hardware.
Building, testing, and modifying product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
Conferring with engineering staff and consulting specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
Designing and developing computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
Directing technicians, engineering designers, or other technical support personnel as needed.
Evaluating factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
Monitoring the functioning of equipment and making necessary modifications to ensure the system operates in conformance with specifications.
Providing technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers, and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
Recommending the purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in the area of system installation.
Selecting hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
Specifying power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.
Storing, retrieving, and manipulating data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Testing and verifying hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
Updating knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
Writing detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
Assembling and modifying existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
Providing training and support to system designers and users.

Many computer hardware engineers work in research laboratories and for computer companies and design firms. They work in fields such as computer and electronic product manufacturing, computer system design, and scientific research and development. Because computer systems are commonplace today, computer engineering is a surprisingly diverse field. However, whether you work with personal computers, mobile devices, embedded systems, or other products, this job involves using circuit boards, routers, networks, memory, and processors, among other elements. In addition to learning to work with these elements, computer hardware engineers receive training at the bachelor’s degree level in processes related to designing, developing, testing, and debugging their products.

Educational Requirements

To become a computer hardware engineer, the most common path is to obtain a bachelor's degree. Most employers require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program in hardware engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Check at your college or university to see if any engineering programs are accredited by engineering organizations like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a nonprofit organization that accredits individual programs within colleges and universities to ensure these programs meet industry standards.

Since working in this field means working with both hardware and software, it’s beneficial for students to take courses in computer science so they have working knowledge of computer programming. Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a familiarity with computer programming is usually expected.

Some large firms or specialized jobs may require a master’s degree in computer engineering. Some experienced engineers obtain a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Advanced electrical engineering leadership requires deep and broad knowledge.

Alternative Educational Paths

A bachelor’s degree doesn’t have to be your only path to becoming a computer hardware engineer. You can also gain experience by teaching yourself how to build a gaming computer and watching YouTube tutorials to gain basic skills. You can also gain experience and skills through apprenticeships.

Accelerated, Concurrent, and Joint Programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees, and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

Essential Skills and Qualities

There are certain skills and qualities that make for a good computer hardware engineer. These include:

Analytical skills: The ability to evaluate complex systems and data to identify potential problems and solutions.
Critical-thinking skills: Essential for creating a design that meets specific requirements.
Problem-solving skills: The ability to identify and resolve technical issues that arise during the design, development, and testing phases.
Communication skills: Crucial for collaborating with other engineers, software developers, and stakeholders. While hardware engineers may work alone occasionally, they are often part of a larger team. Communication is essential in this setting.
Engineering design skills: Hardware engineers must use design methods, logic, and problem-solving skills to plan and construct their systems effectively.
General programming language skills: Hardware engineers should have general programming skills to develop digital circuit boards and create components that developers and software engineers can use.
Problem Sensitivity: The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Gaining Experience

It’s also important to gain hands-on experience by taking internships. Some schools offer robotics and computer competitions where students can practice what they know and build their portfolios. Employers also value your passion projects. Working outside the classroom on individual computer engineering projects can set you apart from other candidates and can prove your skill and dedication to computer hardware engineering.

Employers like Amazon host internships across multiple seasons for at least two months at a time. Most internships take place during long breaks in the summer.

Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations can help you network, learn, and find jobs as a computer hardware engineer. Many offer members exclusive content, networks, events, and support.

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): ASEE is a nonprofit organization that publishes research, provides fellowships and internships, holds meetings and workshops, and hosts events and conferences with engineering professionals and experts. As a member, you receive access to discounts to conferences, participate in workshops and networking events, and members-only resources.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): ACM is a scientific and educational organization dedicated to advancing art, science, engineering, and computing. ACM offers professional and student memberships, including benefits like ACM publications, networking opportunities, the ability to join one or more special interest groups, and volunteer opportunities for hands-on experience.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE): IEEE is a technical organization with over 460,000 members and 3,635 student branches at colleges and universities in over 100 countries. IEEE offers members networking opportunities with technology professionals, a professional profile, sharing and collaborating on projects, and events and activities worldwide.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE): SWE’s mission is to empower women to achieve their full potential as engineers and leaders, expand the image of engineering and its impact on society, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion. It was founded in 1950 and currently has over 40,000 members. SWE membership is open to all genders and offers networking opportunities, professional development and career services, and conferences.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for computer hardware engineers is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Computer Hardware Engineers is projected to grow by approximately 7% between 2024 and 2034-faster than the average for all occupations. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. As of 2024, 76,800 hardware engineers were employed, and the BLS projects about 82,400 engineers in 2034.

Read also: Computer Science College Guide

Computer hardware engineers often earn six-figure salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals earned a median annual wage of $155,020 in May 2024. The amount you could make also depends on your specific role. Per the BLS, computer hardware engineers in physical, engineering, and life sciences research and development earned the highest median salary in May 2024: $179,190. Jobs within the federal government paid the least, with a median annual salary of $134,430.

Finding a Job

Networking with professionals can help you know where to look for jobs and help you get insight into the hiring world. If you’re a college or university student, you can also reach out to your advisor and ask about internships and local or online networking events. You can also search professional social media sites for events and connect with industry professionals to see their advice and ask questions.

You can also apply for jobs online through job posting sites and technical job posting sites like Dice. Some applications may require a resume, cover letter, or portfolio of your work.

Addressing Gender Disparity

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are more difficult for women to break into. Women in STEM make up less than one-third of the STEM workforce and are more likely to be discriminated against in the college classroom. Salary discrimination is also common, and computer hardware engineering is no exception. The Society of Women Engineers found that women make 92% of men’s salaries (about $110,000) as computer hardware engineers.

tags: #computer #hardware #engineer #education #requirements