Computer Hardware Engineer Careers Information
Computer hardware engineers design the physical structures that allow our software to run. Using their training and imagination, they work to build platforms that can meet the demand of ever larger and more complex programs. It is because of computer hardware engineer careers that our computers and related technological devices keep getting smaller, faster, more powerful, and cheaper.
Computer Hardware Engineer Careers & Degrees
Computer hardware engineers continually test new materials and circuit arrangements to make the processors, or computer chips, more powerful while retaining or even reducing their size. They design computer peripherals, such as the computer mouse and printers, and their connections, and, since computer chips are now in just about everything, may even have their hand in our gaming systems, DVD players, and cars. Thus, computer hardware engineers may be thought of as a subset of electrical engineers, who also work with circuits and electrical components.
Computer hardware engineers work with software engineers to find what hardware they require to make their programs run as they should. It has been this partnership since the beginning of digital computing that has given rise to the powerful computers and programs we now rely on for work and recreation.
Computer Hardware Engineer Careers Path
Almost all computer hardware engineers have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering. This will mean both specialized and general engineering courses as well as courses in mathematics and life sciences. Some engineers, however, earn their Bachelor’s in mathematics or computer science and transfer these skills into an engineering career.
Graduate degrees are required for those who wish to teach and often necessary to move up to the highest levels of employment. Computer hardware engineers may have to take exams in order to become licensed and should expect to stay on top of new technological developments throughout their careers.
Computer Hardware Engineer Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Highly analytical, technologically savvy, detail oriented, project oriented, creative, problem solver, multi-tasker, good oral and written communication skills, works well with others.
Computer Hardware Engineer Careers: Salary Expectations
The average salary for computer hardware engineers is $97,400 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $76,250 and $122,750. As engineers gain more experience, they may be able to move up into more supervisory or managerial positions and thus earn more money.
Computer Hardware Engineer Careers: Job Outlook
The number of new positions for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow much slower than average in the coming years. This is mostly due to the outsourcing of such work to countries with highly educated workers who nonetheless work for less money. New computer hardware engineers will be needed, however, to replace some who retire or leave the industry. Those engineers who have the most up-to-date knowledge and who are able to work in other computer engineering related fields have the best chance of finding steady employment.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Computer Software Engineer
- Mathematician
- Network Administrator
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Engineer
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm
