Engineering and Related STEM Careers BY MITCHELL PARTLOW

Engineering Discipline  Computer Hardware Engineer

Job description  Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.  By creating new directions in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.

Required training  Most entry-level computer hardware engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, although a degree in electrical engineering or computer science generally is acceptable.  Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a familiarity with computer programming is usually expected.

Skills and Characteristics of a person successful in this career  Analytical skills. Computer hardware engineers analyze complex equipment to determine the best way to improve it.  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.

Typical Wages  The Typical wage of computer engineer is $100,920.

Job Outlook

Professional Associations  The Association for Computing Machinery is the main professional organization for computing professionals.

Job Listing  Employment Type - Full-Time  Job Type - Engineering, Automotive, Manufacturing  Education - 4 Year Degree  Experience - At least 10 year(s)  Manages Others - No  Relocation - Yes  Industry - Automotive - Motor Vehicles - Parts, Computer Hardware, Electronics  Required Travel - Not Specified

Bibliography  hardware-engineers.htm#tab-6 hardware-engineers.htm#tab-6      hardware-engineers.htm#tab-6 hardware-engineers.htm#tab-6    RKV0A RKV0A