JOB ANALYSIS
Job title: Computer Hardware Engineer Beginning Salary: $111,730
Skills required: Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer
software systems, a familiarity with computer programming usually is expected.
This background may be obtained through computer science courses.
Education required: Bachelors Degree
Experience required: Internships while at school, gaining practical experience
Positive Features:
Benefits
Health Care
Life Insurance
Dental Insurance
Retirement Plan
Promotion Opportunities
Some computer hardware engineers can advance to become computer and
information systems managers.
Other Considerations* (Such as travel, expense accounts, bonuses, working hours,
training programs, etc.)
Many hardware engineers work more than 40 hour work weeks. No additional
training.
*Include the job outlook for your career: 3%
Negative Features:
Employee expenses
General supplies- pens, pencils, paper. Most technology and equipment is provided,
since they work in a laboratory.
Work requirements:
Design new computer hardware, creating schematics of computer
equipment to be built
Test the completed models of the computer hardware they design
Analyze the test results and modify the design as needed
Update existing computer equipment so that it will work with new
software
Oversee the manufacturing process for computer hardware
Maintain knowledge of computer engineering trends and new
technology
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Computer hardware engineers use computer programming tools to
analyze the digital circuits in hardware to determine the best design.
Creativity. Computer hardware engineers design new types of information
technology devices.
Critical-thinking skills. These engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals,
examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative
solutions to problems.
Problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in
computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the
best way to implement them.
Speaking skills. Engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate
with other types of engineers as well as with nontechnical team members.