Hardware engineers specialize in designing, developing, and testing new computers and devices. People in this career have strong technical skills and the willingness to use their abilities to overcome challenges and meet their employer’s needs.
As a hardware engineer, you primarily need to enjoy working
with physical components. However, you also have to understand computer
software development to ensure that hardware systems work with the
software that a company or consumer will use.
Here is what you need to know if you are interested in this
challenging and highly technical field.
What Is a Hardware Engineer?
Because computer systems are commonplace today, computer
engineering is a surprisingly diverse field. However, whether you work with
personal computers, mobile devices, embedded systems, or other products, this
job involves using circuit boards, routers, networks, memory, and processors,
among other elements. You’ll be working with all of these technologies to
create a product that meets a specific set of needs.
In addition to learning to work with these elements,
computer hardware engineers receive training at the bachelor’s degree level in
processes related to designing, developing, testing, and debugging their
products. These programs also often include a programming element to help you
understand the needs of software developers who will use your equipment.
Because this is such a specialized career, a master’s degree
in computer engineering or a related field can prove useful, as can developing
soft skills related to problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
What Does a Hardware Engineer Do?
A hardware engineer’s duties include the design,
development, and testing of computer systems and components. You can either
work alone or on a small or large team.
Solo or small-scale engineers often work on an entire
process themselves, but you may focus on one specific aspect of hardware design
or testing if you work for a larger company.
This field is developing rapidly, especially when it comes
to embedded systems and mobile devices. This career can involve extended
research and development projects related to creating new or improving
products.
Here are some of the key roles you may have as a hardware
engineer:
- Hardware
design: Hardware engineers are involved in designing and
developing schematics for new computer hardware and systems.
- Testing
and analysis. Hardware engineers are tasked with the testing of
completed models. They analyze the results and adjust their design or
components if needed.
- Updating. Hardware
engineers are involved in updating existing computer equipment and
hardware so that it works effectively with new software.
- Overseeing
manufacturing. Hardware engineers supervise the manufacturing of
newly designed equipment and hardware models.
- Research. Hardware
engineers need to stay updated on the current trends in engineering. You
also need to learn about new technology to remain competitive.
Finally, hardware engineers do not need to be experts in
computer programming, though some knowledge can be extremely helpful for design
and testing. However, engineers need to know hardware description languages
(HDLs), which they must use to describe the digital circuits in the hardware.
Where Do Hardware Engineers Work?
Organizations and companies in multiple industries use
specialized computer systems and hardware in their product development or
operations. Because of such widespread use, hardware engineers can work almost
anywhere. Some of the common industries you can find employment in as a hardware
engineers include:
- Computer
and phone manufacturing
- Automotive
and airline industries
- Computer
and Information systems
- Healthcare
and pharmaceuticals companies
- Telecommunications
industries
- Financial
services
While all these industries provide different opportunities,
the educational requirements for all hardware engineers are similar.
What Education Does a Hardware Engineer Need?
Given the considerable technical skills required for a
career as a hardware engineer, applicants for entry-level positions need at
least a bachelor’s
degree in information technology. This degree is typically the minimum
requirement for employers because it provides you with the foundation for a
career in this rapidly developing field. In an information technology degree
program, you’ll learn how all the elements of computer hardware and software
work together to create advanced systems. You’ll learn about troubleshooting, problem-solving, and IT fundamentals that will be key to your success as a hardware
engineer.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, you may also want to consider certifications to help demonstrate to your potential employers that you have specific skills and knowledge that will qualify you for any roles in hardware engineering.
What Skills Does a Hardware Engineer Need?
To succeed as a hardware engineer, you need both technical
(hard) and soft skills. These include the following:
- General
programming language skills. Hardware engineers should have general
programming skills to develop digital circuit boards and create components
that developers and software engineers can use. Some key programming
languages for this career include Verilog, C, and C++.
- Engineering
design skills. Hardware engineers must use design methods, logic,
and problem-solving skills to plan and construct their systems
effectively. These skills—usually learned during an undergraduate
program—are the main difference between computer hardware engineering and
broader programming and computer science fields.
- Circuit
board design skills. Hardware engineers should be proficient in
designing, testing, and analyzing printed circuit boards, which make up
the mechanical and electrical components of a computer.
- Soft
skills. You learn soft skills for this career during school while undertaking an internship and in an entry-level position.
- Critical
thinking skills. These skills are essential for creating a design
that meets specific requirements. These abilities can also help with
problem-solving during the testing, deployment, and manufacturing
phases.
- Creativity. As
designers, hardware engineers must often think creatively to develop
systems that solve problems and meet requirements in a new way.
- Communication
skills. While hardware engineers may work alone occasionally,
they are often part of a larger team. Communication is essential in this
setting. Those who do perform their duties by themselves still need to
talk with software engineers, IT staff, or product managers to ensure that
their designs effectively meet the project's goals.
These are necessary skills for all hardware engineers regardless of where they work.