Computer hardware engineer
Also known as: computer hardware technology engineering adviser, engineer of IT hardware, computer hardware engineering specialist, engineer in computer hardware, computer hardware technology engineering consultant, PC hardware engineer
About this occupation
Computer hardware engineers design and develop computer hardware systems and components, such as circuit boards, modems, and printers. They draught blueprints and assembly drawings, develop and test the prototypes, and supervise the production process.
A specialisation of electronics engineer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- electricity
- abide by regulations on banned materials
- mathematics
- read engineering drawings
- approve engineering design
- perform scientific research
- environmental legislation
- model hardware
- design hardware
- electronics
- printed circuit boards
- conduct quality control analysis
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Computer Hardware Engineers (O*NET 17-2061.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
- Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
- Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
- Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
- Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
- Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$161,740 a year (2025), 76,660 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (4.7)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.1)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.1)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Microsystems Engineers
- Software Developers
- Robotics Technicians
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Robotics Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.