Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.

Duties

Computer hardware engineers typically do the following:

• Design new computer hardware, creating schematics of computer equipment to be built
• Test 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

Many hardware engineers design devices used in manufactured products that incorporate processors and other computer components and that connect to the Internet. For example, many new cars, home appliances, and medical devices have Internet-ready computer systems built into them.

Computer hardware engineers ensure that computer hardware components work together with the latest software. Therefore, hardware engineers often work with software developers. For example, the hardware and software for mobile phones and other devices frequently are developed at the same time.

Work Environment

Most hardware engineers work in labs where they test different types of computer models.

Computer hardware engineers held about 84,100 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of computer hardware engineers were as follows:

Work Schedules

Most computer hardware engineers work full time.

How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer

Entry-level computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as computer and information technology.

Computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.

Education

Entry-level computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as computer and information technology. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have graduated from an engineering program accredited by a professional association, such as ABET. To prepare for a major in computer or electrical engineering, students should have a solid background in math and science.

Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a familiarity with computer programming is usually expected. This background may be obtained through computer science courses.

Some large firms or specialized jobs may require a master’s degree in computer engineering. Some experienced engineers obtain a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). All engineers must continue their learning over the course of their careers in order to keep up with rapid advances in technology.

Other Experience

Some students participate in internships while in school so that they can gain practical experience.

Advancement

Some computer hardware engineers can advance to become computer and information systems managers.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Computer hardware engineers use computer programming tools to analyze the digital circuits in hardware to determine the best design.

Critical-thinking skills. These engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.

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.

Communication skills. Engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers, software developers and programmers, as well as with nontechnical team members.

Pay

The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $138,080 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $81,630, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $212,770.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for computer hardware engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Most computer hardware engineers work full time.

Job Outlook

Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 5,000 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Demand for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow, as these workers are needed to design parts for manufactured products that use processors and other components, such as household appliances, medical devices, and automobiles.

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of computer hardware engineers.

	Occupation	Job Duties	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2023 MEDIAN PAY
	Aerospace Engineers	Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.	Bachelor's degree	$130,720
	Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.	Master's degree	$145,080
	Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.	Bachelor's degree	$169,510
	Computer Network Architects	Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.	Bachelor's degree	$129,840
	Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.	Bachelor's degree	$99,700
	Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.	Bachelor's degree	$109,010
	Mechanical Engineers	Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.	Bachelor's degree	$99,510
	Network and Computer Systems Administrators	Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.	Bachelor's degree	$95,360
	Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers	Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.	Bachelor's degree	$130,160

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