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.
Common Job Titles
- Design Engineer
- Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Systems Integration Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign computer hardware architectures and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific applications using CAD software and simulation tools.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize hardware and software integration requirements collaborating with interdisciplinary engineering teams to ensure system compatibility.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate test protocols and validation strategies for complex computer hardware systems using VHDL, Verilog, and automated test generation tools.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate hardware system performance and compliance with specifications using diagnostic tools, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers in laboratory settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze circuit design failures and performance bottlenecks using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal analysis equipment to optimize system functionality.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply engineering principles and mathematical modeling to solve hardware design challenges using MATLAB, SPICE simulation, and electronic design automation software.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate advanced electronic testing equipment including logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and thermal chambers to verify hardware functionality.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute precisely circuit board layout and component placement using CAD tools such as Cadence Allegro and AutoCAD following design specifications.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate stakeholder requirements with technical feasibility constraints when consulting with clients and presenting design recommendations to management.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop documentation and technical specifications for hardware design projects, manufacturing processes, and installation procedures.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate innovative design solutions and emerging technologies while balancing cost constraints, regulatory requirements, and project timelines.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess manufacturing feasibility and quality control processes supervising installation of computer equipment and coordinating with production teams.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Computer Hardware Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
75,710
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $85,430. 25th percentile: U.S. $115,500. 50th percentile: U.S. $155,020. 75th percentile: U.S. $185,380. 90th percentile: U.S. $223,820. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $85,430 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $223,820 |
| Workers on average earn | $156,770 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Computers and Electronics4.7/5
- Engineering and Technology4.7/5
- Mathematics4.1/5
- Design4.1/5
- English Language3.8/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Apache Subversion SVN
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C++
- Git
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Oracle Java
- Perl
- Python
- SAS
- Shell script
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- UNIX
Technology Skills
- ASSET JTAG ScanWorks
- Application-specific integrated circuit ASIC logic synthesis software
- Automatic test program generation ATPG
- Block diagram software
- Boundary scan description language BSDL
- Boundary scan insertion software
- Built-in self-test BIST debugging software
- Cadence Allegro PCB Designer
Tools & Equipment
- Alternating current AC power analyzers
- Alternating current AC power sources
- Bit error rate testers BERT
- Circuit memory testers
- Circuit testers
- Color plotters
- Communications analyzers
- Communications signal analyzers