Life As a Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineer Definition 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.
What Do Computer Hardware Engineers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
- Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.
- Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
- Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
- Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
Computer Hardware Engineer Required Skills
These are the skills Computer Hardware Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Information Technology Consultant (IT Consultant)
- Field Service Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Microchip Specialist
Computer Hardware Engineer Job Outlook
There were about 73,600 jobs for Computer Hardware Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,100 job openings in this field each year.
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.
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary
Computer Hardware Engineers make between $66,700 and $172,630 a year.
Computer Hardware Engineers who work in California, District of Columbia, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Hardware Engineers make in each U.S. state?
| 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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Hardware Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
What education is needed to be a Computer Hardware Engineer?
What work experience do I need to become a Computer Hardware Engineer?
Who Employs Computer Hardware Engineers?
The table below shows the approximate number of Computer Hardware Engineers employed by various industries.
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Career changers with experience as a Computer Hardware Engineer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
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