Computer hardware engineer

A Computer Hardware Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing computer hardware components, including processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. They work on the physical aspects of computers and their integration with software, ensuring that hardware components function seamlessly and efficiently. Their role is crucial in advancing computing technology and enhancing the performance of computer systems.

Here are some typical duties of computer hardware engineers:

• Develop detailed designs for computer hardware components using CAD software.
• Create and test prototypes to evaluate the functionality, performance, and reliability of hardware components.
• Conduct rigorous testing to ensure hardware components meet design specifications and industry standards.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to hardware design, performance, or manufacturing.
• Stay updated with advancements in computer hardware technology and apply innovative solutions to improve hardware performance.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and user manuals.
• Work with software engineers, product designers, and other stakeholders to integrate hardware with software and other systems.
• Implement quality control procedures to ensure hardware components meet high standards of performance and reliability.
• Manage hardware development projects, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating with other team members.
• Ensure all hardware designs and processes comply with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.

The following job titles also refer to computer hardware engineer:

specialist IT hardware engineer
engineer of PC hardware
computer hardware engineering specialist
computer hardware engineering expert
computer hardware engineering consultant
hardware engineer
computer hardware and network engineer
engineer in computer hardware and network
computer hardware technology engineering specialist
computer hardware engineering adviser
engineer of IT hardware
engineer in computer hardware
computer network and hardware engineer
IT hardware specialist
computer hardware technology engineering expert
computer engineer
computer hardware technology engineering consultant
computer hardware technology engineering adviser
PC hardware engineer
IT hardware engineer
computer hardware technology engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers typically work in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments. Office work involves designing hardware, analyzing data, and preparing reports. Laboratory work includes testing prototypes, conducting experiments, and calibrating equipment. Manufacturing environments may involve overseeing the production and assembly of hardware components, which can require travel to production facilities. The role often requires collaboration with other engineers and professionals, necessitating strong communication skills. Standard working hours are common, but project deadlines or critical issues may require additional hours, including evenings and weekends. Safety protocols must be followed, especially when working with electrical components and equipment.

A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field is typically required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in areas such as embedded systems or hardware security can be advantageous. Coursework in digital design, electronics, computer architecture, and embedded systems is beneficial.

Practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in computer hardware engineering or related fields is highly valuable. Proficiency in using CAD software, simulation tools, and testing equipment is essential. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for designing and troubleshooting complex hardware systems. Continuous professional development and staying updated with advancements in computer hardware technology and industry standards are important for career progression. Certifications or memberships in professional organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Computer hardware engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to computer hardware engineer.

electromagnetic engineer
numerical tool and process control programmer
electromechanical engineer
microsystem engineer
sensor engineer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of computer hardware engineer.

• Hardware platforms: The characteristics of the hardware configuration required to process the applications software product.
• Electricity principles: Electricity is created when electric current flows along a conductor. It entails the movement of free electrons between atoms. The more free electrons in a material, the better it conducts. The three main parameters of electricity are voltage, current (ampère), and resistance (ohm).
• Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
• Design drawings: Understand design drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.
• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and the formulation of new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
• Hardware components: The essential components that make up a hardware system, such as liquid-crystal displays (LCD), camera sensors, microprocessors, memories, modems, batteries and their interconnections.
• Hardware testing methods: Those processes in which hardware components or systems are tested, such as the system test (ST), the ongoing reliability test (ORT), and the in-circuit test (ICT).
• Hardware materials: The characteristics, applications and environmental effects of materials used to develop hardware.
• Printed circuit boards: Printed circuit boards (PCB) are essential components to almost all electronic devices. They consist of thin wafers or substrates on which electronic components, such as microchips, are placed. The electronic components are electrically connected through conductive tracks and pads.
• Environmental legislation: The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.
• Environmental threats: The threats for the environment which are related to biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological, and physical hazards.
• Computer engineering: Engineering discipline that combines computer science with electrical engineering to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineering occupies itself with electronics, software design, and the integration of hardware and software.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
• Computer technology: Computers, computer networks and other information technologies and equipment that can store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data.
• Hardware architectures: The designs laying out the physical hardware components and their interconnections.

These skills are necessary for the role of computer hardware engineer.

• Conduct literature research: Conduct a comprehensive and systematic research of information and publications on a specific topic. Present a comparative evaluative literature summary.
• Perform data analysis: Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate, generating assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
• Record test data: Record data that has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
• Conduct quality control analysis: Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.
• Adjust engineering designs: Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
• Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
• Test hardware: Test computer hardware systems and components using appropriate equipment and testing methods, such as the system test (ST), the ongoing reliability test (ORT), and the in-circuit test (ICT). Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
• Analyse test data: Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.
• Read engineering drawings: Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
• Design prototypes: Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.
• Model hardware: Use technical design software to model and simulate computer hardware. Assess the product’s viability and examine the physical parameters to ensure a successful production process.
• Design hardware: Design and develop new computer hardware systems and components. Draft blueprints and assembly drawings specifying how the computer equipment should be built.
• Abide by regulations on banned materials: Comply with regulations banning heavy metals in solder, flame retardants in plastics, and phthalate plasticisers in plastics and wiring harness insulations, under EU RoHS/WEEE Directives and China RoHS legislation.
• Report analysis results: Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods that led to the results, as well as potential interpretations of the results.
• Operate scientific measuring equipment: Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
• Prepare production prototypes: Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.
• Approve engineering design: Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of computer hardware engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

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These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of computer hardware engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Provide technical documentation: Prepare documentation for existing and upcoming products or services, describing their functionality and composition in such a way that it is understandable for a wide audience without technical background and compliant with defined requirements and standards. Keep documentation up to date.
• Communicate with customers: Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
• Design firmware: Design the appropriate firmware to a specific electronic system.
• Align software with system architectures: Align system design and technical specifications with software architecture to ensure the integration and interoperability between system components.
• Install hardware: Assemble the necessary hardware components, such as the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), hard drive, disk drive, power supply unit, RAM, PCI card, mouse, keyboard, cameras, and other necessary components to build the computer device. Attach the components manually using screwdrivers or assembly machines and install the wiring.
• Perform test run: Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
• Define manufacturing quality criteria: Define and describe the criteria by which data quality is measured for manufacturing purposes, such as international standards and manufacturing regulations.
• Create technical plans: Create detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.
• Use CAM software: Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
• Coordinate engineering teams: Plan, coordinate, and supervise engineering activities with engineers and engineering technicians. Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments. Ensure the team is aware of the standards and objectives of research and development.
• Draft bill of materials: Create a list of materials, components, and assemblies and the quantities needed to manufacture a certain product.
• Use CAD software: Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details clearly and concisely to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties.
• Install operating system: Install the operating system (OS) or software that manages the software resources and computer hardware on a computer system. The operating system is an essential component of any computer system and mediates between the hardware, the application programs, and the end user. Famous examples of computer operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
• Install software: Install machine-readable instructions, such as computer programs, in order to direct the computer’s processor to perform a certain set of actions.
• Perform project management: Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project’s progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.
• Program firmware: Program permanent software with a read-only memory (ROM) on a hardware device, such as an integrated circuit.
• Build business relationships: Establish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the organisation and its objectives.
• Maintain safe engineering watches: Observe principles in keeping an engineering watch. Take over, accept and hand over a watch. Perform routine duties undertaken during a watch. Maintain the machinery space logs and the significance of the readings taken. Observe safety and emergency procedures. Observe safety precautions during a watch and take immediate actions in the event of fire or accident, with particular reference to oil systems.
• Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
• Process customer orders: Handle orders placed by customers. Receive the customer order and define a list of requirements, a working process, and a time frame. Execute the work as planned.
• Perform resource planning: Estimate the expected input in terms of time, human and financial resources necessary to achieve the project objectives.
• Develop product design: Convert market requirements into product design and development.

2152 – Electronics engineers

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References

1. Computer hardware engineer – ESCO
2. Computer Hardware Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Computer Hardware Engineers: Duties, Skills & Salary – Indeed.com
4. Featured image: Image by Rohit Gupta from Pixabay