Computer Hardware Engineering Careers

Many modern appliances and automobiles feature complex computer systems that must communicate with one another and other parts of the device. Many of these goods also feature internet connectivity, and computer hardware engineers verify that these gadgets are compatible with various wireless and satellite networking forms.

Why Choose Computer Hardware Engineering?

The BLS puts the median salary of computer hardware engineers at $128,170.

Computer hardware engineers have various skills, including designing, developing, and even working with robotics and artificial intelligence. It extends over a wide range of industries, from electrical to medical.

How to Start your Computer Hardware Engineering Journey

Educational Requirements

Associate Degree

An associate in electronics and computer technology offers a career-focused curriculum that allows students to continue their studies at the bachelor's degree level or pursue entry-level employment opportunities after graduation. A computer hardware engineering associate's degree can lead to hardware and software design.

Bachelor’s Degree

Learning the basics of computer programming, database management, network design, and electromechanical systems is part of a bachelor's degree curriculum in computer hardware engineering.

Master’s Degree

A master's degree in computer hardware engineering typically qualifies graduates for leadership positions. Therefore, the training in these programs often focuses on management, hands-on experiences, and innovation.

Doctorate in Computer Hardware Engineering

A doctorate in computer hardware engineering trains students in software system research and development. Advanced design, prototyping, maintenance, and security for complex systems are taught.

Employment Prospects

CompTIA reports that 38% of technology professionals work in computer engineering—hardware (27%) and software (11%). However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports increased innovation in software development and just 5% career growth for hardware engineers between 2021 and 2031. This growth is fueled by emerging sectors, large venture capital investments in technology startups, and rising mobile technology demand.

Computer Hardware Engineering Career Forecast

Computer hardware engineers are expected to increase by 5% from 2021 to 2031, roughly as fast as the average for all occupations.

It is expected that there will be an annual average of about 5,300 job opportunities for computer hardware engineers throughout the next decade.

Lucrative Computer Hardware Engineering Career Paths

Here are some high-paying computer hardware engineering jobs.

Computer Hardware Engineer

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

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a computer hardware engineer is $128,170. The salary ranges from $77,100 to $208,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Create schematics for new computer hardware.
• Design and test computer hardware.
• Analyze test findings and adjust design.
• Update computers to work with new software.
• Manage computer hardware production.

Industries Employing Computer Hardware Engineers

The industries employing computer hardware engineers include:

• Computer systems design and related services
• Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
• Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing
• Federal government

Data Engineers

Data engineers create company databases to keep data accessible. They collaborate with data scientists and management to identify a company's data needs and develop strategies.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a data engineer is $93,507. However, the salary ranges from $66,000 to $133,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Sort and analyze raw data.
• Create data pipelines.
• Analyze trends and patterns.
• Analyze complicated data and report results.
• Preparing data for predictive and prescriptive modeling
• Develop algorithms and prototypes.

Industries Employing Data Engineers

The industries actively employing data engineers include:

• Business intelligence
• Finance
• Sharing economy services
• Healthcare
• Entertainment

Machine Learning Engineers

Machine learning engineers create, maintain, and improve AI systems. They use data scientists' techniques to program computers to act without being told to. These frameworks teach algorithms to solve problems.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a machine learning engineer is $112,452. However, the salary ranges from $78,000 to $154,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and studying machine-learning systems
• Finding suitable data sets
• carrying out statistical analysis
• Finding programming errors
• Machine learning documentation

Industries Employing Machine Learning Engineers

The industries actively hiring machine learning engineers include:

• IT
• Healthcare
• Engineering Companies
• Cybersecurity

Cloud Engineers

Cloud engineers design, maintain and optimize infrastructures to help organizations succeed. They collaborate with programmers and developers to create and implement software.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a cloud engineer is $91,409. The salary ranges from $60,000 to $126,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Developing and integrating cloud-based apps
• Building and maintaining cloud applications alongside other cloud engineers and teammates
• Upgrading cloud-based systems
• Fixing cloud computing issues
• Offering cloud support services to help enterprises use software differently.

Industries Employing Cloud Engineers

The industries actively hiring cloud engineers include:

• IT
• Ecommerce
• Financial services

Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace engineers design planes, satellites, and missiles. They also build and test prototypes to ensure design compliance.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of aerospace engineers is $122,270. However, the salary ranges from $77,440 to $168,730.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Plan, build, and test aircraft and aerospace products.
• Check project proposals for technical and financial viability.
• Check if suggested initiatives will achieve safety and aims.
• Evaluate designs to ensure they fulfil engineering principles, customer needs, and environmental restrictions.
• Establish design, quality, delivery, and completion criteria.
• Inspect defective items to find causes and solutions.

Industries Employing Aerospace Engineers

The industries employing aerospace engineers include:

• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
• Federal government, excluding postal service
• Engineering services
• Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
• Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life science

Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects develop LANs, WANs, and Intranets. These networks range from simple office connections to cloud infrastructure that supports several customers.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a computer network architect is $120,520. However, the salary ranges from $63,240 to $168,890.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design data communication networks.
• Present plans to management and explain why they're beneficial for the organization.
• Design networks with data security in mind.
• Upgrade routers, adaptors, and network drivers to support computer networks.
• Explore new networking technologies to assess what would best serve their firm in the future.

Industries Employing Computer Network Architect

The industries actively employing computer network architects include:

• Computer systems design and related services
• Telecommunications
• Management of companies and enterprises
• Insurance carriers and related activities
• Educational services; state, local, and private

Software Developer

Software developers construct programs and systems that run devices and networks.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a software developer is $120,730. However, the salary ranges from $64,470 to $168,570.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Analyze user demands and create software to suit them.
• Upgrade customer software and systems.
• Plan how each application or system component will function together.
• Create several models and diagrams to demonstrate the application's software code to programmers.
• Software testing and maintenance keep a program running smoothly.
• Maintain and improve an application or system by documenting every detail.

Industries Employing Software Developers

The industries actively employing software developers include:

• Computer systems design and related services
• Finance and insurance
• Software publishers
• Manufacturing
• Management of companies and enterprises

Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a computer support specialist is $57,910. However, the salary ranges from $38,560 to $102,410.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Test and evaluate network systems
• Maintain networks to keep them running smoothly.
• Troubleshoot LANs, WANs, and Internet systems.
• Analyze clients' computer issues to find the cause.
• Help consumers solve issues.
• Install or fix computer hardware and accessories

Industries Employing Computer Support Specialists

The industries actively employing computer support specialists include:

• Computer systems design and related services
• Telecommunications
• Finance and insurance
• Management of companies and enterprises
• Data processing, hosting, and related services

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts, sometimes known as systems architects, analyze and improve an organization's computer systems and procedures. These analysts help the company run more efficiently.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a computer systems analyst is $99,270. The salary ranges from $60,680 to $158,010.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Discuss IT system roles with managers.
• Check out new tech to see if it can boost productivity.
• Analyze IT system costs and benefits to help managers choose which to deploy.
• Improve existing computer systems.
• Configure hardware and software for new systems.
• Manage new system setup and customization.
• Verify system functionality.

Industries Employing Computer Systems Analysts

The industries actively employing computer systems analysts include:

• Computer systems design and related services
• Finance and insurance
• Management of companies and enterprises
• Government
• Information

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and information systems managers are in charge of all computer-related tasks. They manage IT teams, install and maintain computer hardware and systems, and monitor cybersecurity.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a computer and information systems manager is $159,010. The salary ranges from $95,220 to $208,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assess their company's computer needs and suggest enhancements to top management.
• Install and manage computer hardware and software.
• Protect a company's network and data.
• Assess new project costs and benefits and justify funding to top executives.
• Discover new technology and improve their company's computer systems.
• Determine department staffing needs.
• Manage computer systems analysts, software developers, information security analysts, and computer support specialists.
• Negotiate the best technological service with vendors.

Industries Employing Computer and Information Systems Managers

The industries actively employing computer and information systems managers include:

• Information
• Finance and insurance
• Computer systems design and related services
• Management of companies and enterprises
• Manufacturing

Data Scientists

Data scientists collect and analyze huge data using math, statistics, and computers. They analyze, process, and model data and interpret the results to produce actionable plans for businesses and other groups.

Data scientists detect trends and manage data using technology and social science. They find business solutions through industry knowledge, contextual insight, and questioning of established assumptions.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a data scientist is $100,910. However, the salary ranges from $59,430 to $167,040.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Choose project-relevant data.
• Collect, sort, and evaluate data
• Develop, test, and update algorithms and models.
• Present insights using data visualization software.
• Advise business stakeholders based on data analysis.

Industries Employing Data Scientists

The industries actively employing data scientists include:

• Computer systems design and related services
• Management of companies and enterprises
• Insurance carriers and related activities
• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
• Scientific research and development services

Database Administrators

Database administrators store and secure data, including financial and consumer shipment records. They also make data accessible to authorized individuals.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a database administrator is $96,710. The salary ranges from $48,880 to $151,400.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Create and manage databases by identifying user needs.
• Build new databases to protect corporate data
• Avoid data loss by backing up and restoring files regularly.
• Maintain database efficiency and accuracy.
• Modify and test database structure when needed.

Industries Employing Database Administrators

The industries actively employing database administrators include:

• Finance and insurance
• Computer systems design and related services
• Information
• Educational services; state, local, and private
• Management of companies and enterprises

Game Developer

Game developers strategize how game parts work together, determine user needs, and create models and diagrams for programmers. Game developers test, patch, and update games.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a game developer is $101,160. However, the salary ranges from $35,000 to $156,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Creating initial storylines and character biographies.
• Translating ideas into efficient code.
• Constructing the game base engine.
• Generating storyboards and game scripts.
• Contributing to the audio and graphic design.
• Animating game characters and environment.

Industries Employing Game Developers

Game developers mostly work in the gaming industry.

How to Boost your Computer Hardware Engineering Career

Improving your knowledge and abilities in computer hardware engineering is the quickest route to a higher-paying job. You can achieve this by earning certificates or a graduate degree. Earning a certification displays your understanding of the fundamentals and helps you develop your skills in a particular area.

Pros and Cons of Computer Hardware Engineering Careers

Here are the pros and cons of working in computer hardware engineering professions.

Pros

• Computer hardware engineers make good money. The salary is competitive
• Excellent job security
• It's a great fit for that who enjoy problem-solving.

Cons

• Long hours in front of a computer
• The barrier to entry is high
• Requires constant learning to stay updated on the latest hardware and software technologies.

Skills You’ll Develop While Studying Computer Hardware Engineering

Some of the skills you’ll develop as a computer hardware engineer are:

Analytical Thinking

Hardware engineers spend a lot of time analyzing as they plan, develop, test, and repair computer hardware.

Creativity

Computer hardware engineers must be inventive and imaginative while designing new products and processes. They solve problems creatively and critically.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking helps hardware engineers learn and apply new skills and technologies. Hardware engineers with critical thinking abilities frequently rise in their professions and become leaders because they find faster and better ways to complete tasks.

Communication Skills

Depending on their organization, role, and project, hardware engineers may work alone or in teams alongside software engineers, technicians, and clients. The ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally can speed up the delivery of services and the resolution of problems.

Problem-solving

Computer hardware engineers need to understand how to spot and solve hardware-related issues. These experts test and troubleshoot their work and provide fixes and improvements.

How to Prepare for a Computer Hardware Engineering Career

1. Get a Degree From An Accredited Program

Choose an accredited engineering program that aligns with your long-term aspirations. Accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is the gold standard for computer hardware engineers. Though you can choose a locally certified undergraduate school, businesses prefer individuals with ABET qualifications.

2. Gain Experience

As a student, you can build your resume with lab and projects you worked on. For instance, circuits labs and classes help degree candidates improve their board engineering skills. Students who complete lab projects can include their accomplishments, techniques, and outcomes in their resumes.

Students might also benefit from internships by gaining practical work experience. For example, qualified candidates can intern at major IT companies where they can work with professionals and learn directly from them.

3. Get Industry Certifications

Computer hardware engineers must continue their education to stay competitive and productive.

One way to continue learning actively is to pursue a professional certification. You gain instant credibility in computer engineering when a national association validates your abilities and knowledge.

4. Enroll in Graduate School

A bachelor's degree plus professional certificates is enough to succeed, but a graduate degree can take you further. You could get a Master of Science in Computer Engineering or a Master of Business Administration. If you want to become a manager or establish a business, an MBA can help.

Computer hardware engineers often think an MBA will improve their talents. That is, the non-analytical components of a business degree can greatly complement a computer hardware engineer's quantitative analytical approach. In addition, you'll learn how to motivate and integrate a team and acquire insights into end-users to improve electronic devices.

Computer Hardware Engineering Resources to Help Your Career

Professional organizations can help busy students, and working professionals enhance their careers through continuing education, conferences, mentoring, and job-seeking resources. These organizations keep professionals informed of important news, developments, and market trends, and their online communities typically help with networking and problem-solving. Some organizations worth joining include:

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology
• Computing Research Association
• National Society of Professional Engineers
• Association for Women in Computing

How to Switch to a Computer Hardware Engineering Career

Switching to a computer hardware engineering career requires a degree, usually a bachelor’s degree. You'll need physical and software design skills because this area is a cross between electrical engineering and computer science. Next, you could work toward earning a master's degree and, subsequently, professional certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Computer Hardware Engineering?

Computer hardware engineering involves designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing computer hardware.

Technology and developments in R&D have broadened computer hardware engineering to include hardware components that enable embedded software engineering in non-computer systems.

Computer hardware engineering in embedded systems involves designing and developing sensors, processors, and controllers.

What certification do I need for a Computer Hardware Engineering career?

The most common certifications required of a computer hardware engineer include the following:

• Engineer In Training Certification (EIT)
• Microsoft Certifications
• CISCO Certifications
• Software Engineering Management Associate Engineer
• Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD)
• Software Engineering Master Certification

Can I get a Computer Hardware Engineering degree online?

Yes, you can. The typical online bachelor's degree in computer engineering takes four years to complete and requires 120-128 credits.

What fields can Computer Hardware Engineering professionals work in?

Many computer hardware engineering graduates work in computer hardware or software, while others engage in web or systems development or information technology. Some graduates work in electronics or aerospace engineering.

Is there a high demand for Computer Hardware Engineering majors?

Yes, there is. Demand for computer hardware engineers is projected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031.

Final Thoughts

As a computer hardware engineer, you must be able to solve both theoretical and real-world challenges. You must translate an idea from the drawing board into practical items. Computer hardware engineers earn fair pay and can advance to lead projects or manage teams of engineers. A career as a computer hardware engineer could be a good fit for you if you enjoy both computer systems and programming/engineering.