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What You Need to Know About Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineer Example 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.

List of Computer Hardware Engineer Job Duties

  • Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
  • Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.
  • Build, test, and modify product prototypes using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
  • Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
  • Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
  • Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.

Things a Computer Hardware Engineer Should Know How to Do

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.

Other Computer Hardware Engineer Job Titles

  • Configuration Manager
  • Computer Hardware Developer
  • Automation Engineer
  • Computer Architect
  • Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineer Employment Estimates

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. The BLS estimates 5,100 yearly job openings in this field.

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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 Average Salary

The typical yearly salary for Computer Hardware Engineers is somewhere between $66,700 and $172,630.

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Computer Hardware Engineers who work in California, District of Columbia, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.

How much do Computer Hardware Engineers make in different U.S. states?

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

Becoming a Computer Hardware Engineer

Are there Computer Hardware Engineers education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Computer Hardware Engineers Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Those thinking about becoming a Computer Hardware Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:

Are you already one of the many Computer Hardware Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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