Hardware Engineer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a hardware engineer job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a hardware engineer. Feel free to use our hardware engineer job description template to produce your own hardware engineer job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a hardware engineer.
Who is a Hardware Engineer?
A hardware engineer is a technician who deals with hardware at different phases, from design through upkeep. Hardware engineers, usually referred to as computer hardware engineers are in charge of creating computer hardware, such as circuit boards, chips, and systems. These IT professionals carry out studies before creating any hardware, supervise the entire production process, and, after the component is developed, test and install it.
The hardware engineer must be proficient in using tools like integrated circuits, circuits, and components. In the largely virtualized computer environment of today, his or her specialized duty is: The physical “guts” of an IT system are handled by the hardware engineer, who is concerned with the actual electronics. This can include anything from servers to RAID or storage media, from PLCs to routing hardware. The process of designing, creating, testing, and producing computer systems and other associated physical components is known as hardware engineering. The scope of hardware engineering has been broadened to encompass hardware components that enable embedded software engineering in non-computer devices as a result of technological advancements and developments in R&D. Hardware engineering in embedded systems refers to the process of designing and developing all electronic hardware, including controllers, processors, and sensors. Hardware engineering’s capabilities extend beyond the design and creation of computer or embedded systems to include the integration of several components necessary for the smooth operation of the overall business system. Hardware engineering is now widely used in more recent domains, including computer vision, robotics, distributed computing, and mobile computing, thanks to technological advancements and improvements in R&D.
The work of hardware engineers and electronics engineers is extremely similar. They are both needed for the design and testing of electronic components and circuits. Hardware engineers only work with computers and related peripherals, in contrast to electronics engineers. Computer systems like servers, rack configurations, physical data partitions, or any other sort of hardware supporting an IT architecture may be designed, developed, or tested by hardware engineers. Over time, the hardware engineer’s job has evolved. Hardware engineers focus on building efficiently and supporting data-crunching using actual hardware systems as more of the design process migrates to software platforms. For instance, a modern hardware engineer may spend a lot of time inspecting the physical systems in a data centre while software engineers and artificial intelligence specialists oversee the incredibly complex activities taking place there. Hardware engineers frequently pay close attention to detail and are quite knowledgeable about all of the physical parts of a computer system.
Candidates for the position must hold an engineering bachelor’s degree at the very least. Systems engineering and computer science are two options available to students. Graduates with degrees in mathematics or the scientific sciences are also sought after by some employers. Candidates may also choose to specialize, which requires a postgraduate degree in engineering-related fields such as production or design. A program that has been approved by ABET, Inc. is advised. It is necessary to have a license for hardware engineers who desire to offer their services directly to customers. An approved engineering degree, at least four years of relevant work experience, passing a state exam, and the licensure process are requirements for getting a license. There are two steps to this procedure. The Fundamentals of Engineering exam can be passed by new hardware engineers immediately following graduation. They can then wait four years before taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. They become professional engineers after completing their education. For license maintenance, continuing education classes could be required. Hardware engineers must possess several attributes in addition to the necessary educational credentials to succeed. In addition to being creative and detail-oriented, they should be analytical thinkers with strong communication abilities.
Hardware Engineer Job Description
What is a hardware engineer job description? A hardware engineer job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a hardware engineer in an organization. Below are the hardware engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a hardware engineer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a hardware engineer include the following:
- Create new products and keep all digital and/or analogue electrical boards, circuits, parts, and interconnects in good working order.
- Test new computer hardware and equipment to ensure it satisfies client needs or internal project standards while taking part in all stages of development, from original planning to final production.
- Assess existing hardware components, such as CPUs, circuit boards, and network hardware to establish operating parameters and suggest necessary upgrades and replacements to satisfy present and potential performance standards.
- Offer technical and non-technical help and create fresh business propositions to expand company opportunities.
- Create thorough testing processes based on an analysis of the project’s requirements and design plans to ensure that all features and components are operationally sound and up to par.
- Create and implement product designs, support production, and guarantee that time, quality, and cost goals are met.
- Control technical concerns and keep an eye on the effective implementation of new systems and technologies.
- Perform market research using a variety of techniques, such as market surveys and search engines to guarantee that the product is compatible with Management technical architectures.
- Make sure that the Trade Agreement Act, life period estimates, and product distribution are followed by analyzing all product performance pricing.
- Oversee the production of new hardware, including the creation of working prototypes, to ensure that design specifications and testing protocols are being followed.
- Keep up with the latest trends in computer engineering and technical advancements by reading trade journals, going to conferences and tradeshows, and furthering your professional education.
- Assure that new hardware systems and equipment comply with performance criteria for use with computer software programs and make any necessary hardware modifications to fix mistakes and other issues.
- Collaborate with developers, project managers, engineering teams, and quality assurance staff to handle technical issues during development, testing and production.
- Create a test strategy for products (devices and systems) to evaluate their viability in light of anticipated product costs and volumes, and then inform design teams of the results.
- Create statistical reports for product rollout plans and submit your suggestions to management for approval.
- Work with interdisciplinary design teams, such as those for hardware, mechanical, and software.
- Work together with outside manufacturing and validation partners to guarantee on-time delivery of systems and devices that meet specifications.
- Create packaging and electromechanical enclosures for products to ensure their safety.
- Examine new hardware and software as they are being deployed to ensure the system runs smoothly.
- Organize with the management and engineering teams of the customer to ensure effectiveness.
- Train junior engineers and monitor work closely to ensure dependability and compatibility.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a similar discipline
- A minimum of 2 years of hardware engineering experience
- Understanding of electronic devices such as circuit boards, CPUs, and chips
- Practical experience with a variety of hardware devices
- Strong familiarity with the development of embedded software.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
- Self-driven with exceptional analytical and critiquing skills
- Strong ability to solve problems.
- Outstanding multitasking abilities.
- The capacity to perform well in a group setting.
- The capacity to work in a busy setting.
Essential Skills
- Critical thinking skills: Understanding able to use critical thinking to analyze issues and provide solutions is essential for hardware engineers. Make persistent inquiries, do research, and look at events from multiple angles to hone your critical thinking abilities.
- Reading comprehension skills: An engineer working in hardware must be able to understand difficult reading material. To develop and keep up with this talent, read white papers on computer hardware engineering regularly.
- Stress management skills: Depending on the size of the organization, a role as a hardware engineer may put you in charge of several projects at once. Even though you’re under a lot of strain, it’s crucial to keep your cool at all times.
- Technical skills: Your knowledge and experience in a certain field are known as your technical skills. This can involve having up-to-date knowledge of hardware and software developments, knowing how to solve typical problems, and understanding how to design and construct computer systems.
- Communication skills: You may need to speak with clients, management, and other engineers as a computer hardware engineer. Possessing strong communication abilities can make it easier for you to express your views and comprehend those of others.
- Attention to detail: Hardware engineers must pay significant attention to detail because they deal with a wide variety of software and hardware. This guarantees that they can finish their assignment completely and precisely. They can troubleshoot computer system issues with their attention to detail.
- Ability to function as a team member: The ability to collaborate with others is crucial for computer hardware engineers. To create new computer hardware, they frequently collaborate with software engineers, hardware engineers, and other experts. Additionally, they collaborate with customers to comprehend their objectives and create computer hardware that satisfies those needs.
- Problem-solving skills: You can be in charge of resolving hardware problems as a computer hardware engineer. You must be able to recognize the issue, investigate viable fixes, and put the fix into practice.
How to Become a Hardware Engineer
Step 1. Acquire the required education
Computer engineering bachelor’s degrees are typically required for entry-level computer hardware engineers. A minimum of two A-Levels or three H grades in math and science are frequently required of applicants for this degree. Although it can vary depending on the exact university you attend, this type of degree normally requires at least three years to finish. Some businesses demand that engineers get a master’s in computer engineering. This can help businesses stay competitive and relevant in their market. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering is often the path taken by aspirant computer hardware engineers. These programs often provide classes in engineering, physics, computer science, and math. By obtaining a BTEC/SQA national certificate or diploma in computer studies or IT, you can also begin your training as a computer hardware engineer. For this option, a candidate needs four to five GCSEs or S grades (A-C/1-3) or an equivalent degree. Depending on whether you study full- or part-time, these diploma courses take one to two years to finish. Apprenticeships are another option for training in computer hardware engineering. You can make up to £95 per week as an apprentice, and depending on your position and the company’s policies, you may make more.
Step 2. Secure an internship
Securing an internship as a computer hardware engineer is one of the greatest things you can do while an undergraduate or as soon as you finish your undergraduate degree. You can still secure an internship even if it’s probably part of your undergraduate curriculum. A computer hardware engineer will learn the majority of their skills while in school. While pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware and software. When they start working for a company, they will also get on-the-job training. You can gain real-world experience working in the field through an internship. This enables you to comprehend the procedures used to create hardware in a controlled environment. You can build a network of contacts during your internship that could help you get employment later on.
Step 3: Obtain a graduate degree
Some employers favour applicants with master’s degrees in computer science or engineering. Larger employers sometimes favour people with master’s degrees in computer hardware engineering, even though it’s not typically a necessity. If you wish to advance in the field, getting a master’s degree is also crucial. This is because holding this degree shows potential employers—both present and future—that you have the education, know-how, and abilities required to succeed in more senior posts.
Step 4: Acquire more certifications
Several certifications are available for hardware engineers, showcasing their knowledge of various hardware and software platforms as well as their aptitude for troubleshooting intricate problems. When searching for jobs, having a professional qualification might help you stand out from the competition. You can gain a deeper understanding of the technologies you use at work by earning certifications.
Where to Work as a Hardware Engineer
The majority of hardware engineers are employed in laboratories and production facilities where they develop, build, and troubleshoot computer components such as circuit boards, hard drives, Central Processing Units (CPUs), and keyboards. Assisting with hardware installation and maintenance may also require hardware engineers to go to other firms. Production lines, testing facilities, and computer parts are typical work environments for hardware engineers. Employed in sectors that provide services for the design of computer systems and the fabrication of computer hardware are hardware engineers. Additionally, a large number of engineers work for governmental agencies and institutions dedicated to scientific research and development. Although the majority of the time is spent working, hardware engineers occasionally have to put in extra time to meet deadlines.
Hardware Engineer Salary Scale
As of June 2022, the average compensation for Hardware Engineers in the United States is $73,281, however, the range frequently is between $67,888 and $78,560. Salary ranges can vary significantly depending on a variety of crucial aspects, including schooling, credentials, supplementary talents, and the length of time you’ve been working in a given field. In Nigeria, the average monthly salary for a hardware engineer is roughly 255,000 NGN. From 150,000 NGN to 400,000 NGN is the range of salaries.