CFChooseField
Engineering and Architecture

Computer Hardware Engineers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Computer Hardware Engineers
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Median pay

$155,020
Median annual pay for Computer Hardware Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

7.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

4,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

76,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Computer Hardware Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+5,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Computer Hardware Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Computers and Electronics
  2. 2Engineering and Technology
  3. 3Design
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Physics

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Information Ordering
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Innovation
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Intellectual Curiosity
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Adaptability

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  4. 4Analyzing Data or Information
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Thinking Creatively

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Spend Time Sitting
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
  • Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
  • Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
  • Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
  • Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
  • Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
  • Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
  • Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.

Software and tools

Linux · in demandPerl · in demandPython · in demandC++ · in demandC · in demandThe MathWorks MATLAB · in demandPCI Express PCIe · in demandTool command language Tcl · in demandSystemVerilog · in demandMagellan Firmware · in demandVery high speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL simulation software · in demandVerilog · in demand

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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