Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Tasks Include:

Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +1.0%

National: +7.2%

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job Zone:

Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$138,080.00

State

$145,600.00

Regional

Computer Hardware Engineers

Description

Career Cluster:

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Education

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's Degree = 48.28%
Master's Degree = 34.48%
Some College Courses = 6.90%
Doctoral Degree = 6.90%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession. = 3.45%

Related Work Experience

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 27.59%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 24.14%
None = 10.34%
Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 10.34%
Over 10 years = 10.34%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 6.90%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 3.45%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 3.45%
Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years = 3.45%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 20.69%
None = 17.24%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 17.24%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 17.24%
Up to and including 1 month = 13.79%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 10.34%
Over 10 years = 3.45%

On-the-Job Training

Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 27.59%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 13.79%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 13.79%
None or short demonstration = 10.34%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 10.34%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 10.34%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 6.90%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 6.90%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.
Provide training and support to system designers and users.
Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Power meters (Alternating current AC power analyzers)
Low voltage alternating and direct current AC DC panelboards (Alternating current AC power sources)
Digital testers (Bit error ratio testers BERT)
Circuit tester (Circuit memory testers)
Circuit tester (Circuit testers)
Plotter printers (Color plotters)
Network analyzers (Communications analyzers)
Oscilloscopes (Communications signal analyzers)
Scanners (Computer scanners)
Desktop computers
Integrated circuit testers (Digital analysis systems DAS)
Low voltage alternating and direct current AC DC panelboards (Direct current DC power supplies)
Frequency calibrator or simulator (Dynamic signal analyzers)
Feeler gauges
Frequency counters or timer or dividers (Frequency counters)
Signal generators (Function generators)
Impedance meters (Impedance analyzers)
Capacitance meters (Inductance capacitance resistance LCR meters)
Magnifiers (Inspection scopes)
Isolators
Notebook computers (Laptop computers)
Integrated circuit testers (Logic analyzers)
Electronic measuring probes (Logic probes)
Mainframe computers
Multimeters
Oscilloscopes
Signal generators (Pattern generators)
Personal computers
Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Personal digital assistants PDA)
Power meters (Power sensors)
Electronic measuring probes (Probe card devices)
Electronic measuring probes (Probe stations)
Protocol analyzers
Protocol analyzers (Protocol exercisers)
Level generators (Pulse generators)
Calibrated resistance measuring equipment (Resistance meters)
Oscilloscopes (Sampling oscilloscopes)
Signal generators
Frequency calibrator or simulator (Signal source analyzers)
Frequency analyzers (Spectrum analyzers)
Heated walk in environmental or growth chambers (Thermal chambers)
Network analyzers (Traffic generators)
Signal generators (Universal source generators)
Voltage or current meters (Voltage sensors)
Wave generators (Waveform generators)

Technologies Include:

Analytical or scientific software

Application-specific integrated circuit ASIC logic synthesis software
ASSET JTAG ScanWorks
Automatic test program generation ATPG software
Boundary scan insertion software
Built-in self-test BIST debugging software
Cadence Dracula
Cadence PSpice
Cadence Virtuoso Spectre Circuit Simulator
Computer diagnostic software
Computer simulation software
Data acquisition systems
Design-for-testability DFT insertion software
Discrete Fourier transform DFT analysis software
Failure analysis software
Fast Fourier transform FFT analysis software
Field programmable gate array FPGA logic synthesis software
Integrated circuit simulation software
Joint test action group JTAG software
Logic synthesis software
LogicVision icBIST
M-Sim
MAGIC
Magma Design Automation Blast Create
Magma Design Automation Blast FPGA
Mentor Graphics BSDArchitect
Mentor Graphics Calibre
Mentor Graphics LeonardoSpectrum
Mentor Graphics Precision RTL
Microarchitecture simulation software
Monte Carlo software
SAS software
Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE
SoftICE
Synopsys Design Compiler
Synopsys Hercules
Synopsys HSIM
Synopsys HSPICE
Synopsys TetraMax ATPG
Synplicity Synplify
The Mathworks Control System Toolbox
The Mathworks Data Acquisition Toolbox
The Mathworks Embedded Target software
The MathWorks MATLAB
The MathWorks Real-Time Workshop
The MathWorks Signal Processing Toolbox
The MathWorks Simulink
The MathWorks Simulink DSP Blockset
The MathWorks Simulink Fixed-Point Blockset
The MathWorks Symbolic Math Toolbox
The MathWorks Wavelet Toolbox
Timing analysis software
Verification software
Xilinx Synthesis Technology XST

Compiler and decompiler software

Cadence Encounter RTL Compiler

Computer aided design CAD software

Allegro software
Cadence Concept
Cadence OrCAD
Cadence Schematic Composer
Cadence Virtuoso software
Complementary-symmetry/metal-oxide semiconductor CMOS layout software
Computer aided design CAD software
Electronic design automation EDA software
Mathsoft Mathcad
PARTHENON
Place-and-route software
Schematic editors
State diagram software
Xilinx ISE Foundation
Xilinx ModelSim

Data base user interface and query software

Database software
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL

Development environment software

Boundary scan description language BSDL
C
Cadence Opus
Freescale CodeWarrior Tools
Hardware description and verification language
Hardware description language HDL
Microsoft Visual Basic
National Instruments LabVIEW
Register transfer language RTL
SystemVerilog
Tool command language Tcl
Verilog
Very high-speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL

Information retrieval or search software

Internet search engine software

Internet browser software

Web browser software

Object or component oriented development software

C++
Microsoft Visual C# .NET
Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
Python
SKILL

Office suite software

Microsoft Office software

Operating system software

Linux
Shell script
UNIX

Pattern design software

Block diagram software

Program testing software

Windows kernel debuggers

Project management software

Project management software

Spreadsheet software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

Word processing software

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Special Requirements

If your work as an engineer affects public health, safety, or property, you must register with the state. To become licensed as a professional engineer in Virginia, applicants must meet the following requirements:

EIT (Engineer-in-Training) EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must meet one of the following:

   •   Graduate of approved curriculum of 4 years or more OR Graduate of non-approved curriculum + 2 years of experience
   •   Must be enrolled in an ABET accredited curriculum and within 12 months of degree.
   •   Graduated from a non-approved engineering technology curriculum + 6 years of experience
   •   Graduated with an undergraduate degree from an institution without an approved curriculum and obtained a graduate degree from an institution with an approved curriculum

LICENSURE FOR ENGINEERS:

Step 1:

Graduation

The first step is graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program at a college or university.

Step 2:

FE Exam

The first exam in the licensure process is the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). This exam is offered in April and October every year. Most students take the exam right before graduation or soon after while the technical information they've studied is still fresh in their minds.

Step 3:

Work Experience

Many jurisdictions have specific requirements about the type of experience you need to gain. Most require that you gain experience under the supervision of someone who is already licensed, and that your experience involve increasing levels of responsibility. Once you begin work, contact your licensing board to find out what experience is needed and talk with professional engineers in your company to find out how you can gain this experience.

Step 4:

PE Exam

Once you have gained the appropriate experience, you can take the second exam in the licensure process, the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). This exam is given in a variety of engineering disciplines. Most disciplines are offered in both April and October, but some are offered only in October.

After completing all the steps in the engineering licensure process—education, experience, and examinations—you are eligible for licensure by your licensing board.

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

   •   Must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved curriculum + 4 years of professional experience as an EIT OR Graduate of non-approved curriculum + 6 years of professional experience as an EIT
   •   Graduated from a non-approved engineering technology curriculum of four years or more + 10 years experience
   •   Graduate from an accredited undergraduate engineering degree and a doctorate degree in engineering from an institution with an accredited undergraduate program + 4 years of experience
   •   Graduated from an engineering , engineering technology or related science curriculum of four years or more + 20 years

EXAM:

   •   The Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
   •   Must provide 3 references from licensed professional engineers

LICENSE RENEWAL: The Professional Engineer license must be renewed every two years.

Required Fees:

· Exam: $250 for Principles And Practice Exam; $140 for Fundamentals Of Engineering Exam (can vary by state)

· Renewal: $30

· Application: $40 (For Principles And Practice Exam); $20 (For Fundamentals Of Engineering Exam)

· Comity $ 40

· PE Exam rescore $ 25

· FE/PE out of state proctor $ 30

· Dishonored check $ 25

The examination fee shall consist of the administration expenses of the department resulting from the board’s examination procedures and contract charges.

For More Information, Contact:

IEEE Computer Society
1730 Massachusetts Ave. NW.
Washington, DC 20036-1992
http://www.computer.org

Virginia Department Of Professional And Occupational Regulation
Board For Architects / Prof. Engineers / Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, And Landscape Architects
3600 West Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23230-4917
Phone: 804.367.8512
TTY: 804.367.9753
Fax: 804.367.2475
http://www.state.va.us/dpor/indexie.html

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Additional Resources

For further information about computer hardware engineers, contact:

IEEE Computer Society
1730 Massachusetts Ave. NW.
Washington, DC 20036-1992
http://www.computer.org

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
92.75	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
91.50	Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
78.50	Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
78.50	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
69.75	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
60.75	Physics	Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
52.50	Telecommunications	Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Skills

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
75.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
72.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
72.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
72.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
72.00	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
68.75	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
65.50	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
59.50	Operations Analysis	Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
59.50	Systems Analysis	Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
59.50	Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
56.25	Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
53.00	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
53.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
53.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
50.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
50.00	Operations Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75.00	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
75.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
72.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
68.75	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
65.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
62.50	Originality	The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
62.50	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
59.50	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
56.25	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
56.25	Visualization	The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
56.25	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
53.00	Mathematical Reasoning	The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
53.00	Number Facility	The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
53.00	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
96.50	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
91.50	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
87.00	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
86.25	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
85.25	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
84.50	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
82.75	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
81.25	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
78.50	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
75.75	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
74.25	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
74.25	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
72.50	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
70.50	Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
66.00	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
66.00	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
66.00	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
62.50	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
60.25	Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
59.50	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
59.25	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
57.75	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
57.75	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
57.25	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
54.25	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
52.75	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
52.50	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
51.00	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
89.75	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
88.00	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
77.50	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
75.75	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
74.25	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
73.25	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
73.25	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
72.50	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
70.75	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
65.50	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
63.75	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
63.75	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
59.50	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
52.50	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
83.33	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
72.17	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
66.67	Recognition	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
66.67	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
66.67	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
50.00	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
98.00	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
90.00	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
89.20	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
88.60	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
88.20	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
87.20	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
84.80	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
82.80	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
80.60	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
79.40	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
78.60	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
73.20	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
70.40	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
66.20	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
62.80	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
62.20	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
62.20	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
55.60	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
54.20	Degree of Automation	How automated is the job?
53.80	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
52.80	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
52.40	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
51.40	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
51.00	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
49.60	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Overall 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.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$81,630.00	$138,080.00	$175,400.00
Virginia	$87,380.00	$145,600.00	$179,570.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	$105,510.00	$167,600.00	$184,650.00
Bay Consortium	$87,720.00	$128,340.00	$143,890.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$81,010.00	$128,680.00	$148,770.00
Central VA/Region2000	$114,370.00	$135,560.00	$156,790.00
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	$93,120.00	$129,610.00	$153,690.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	$114,580.00	$169,600.00	$187,410.00
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	84,100	90,200	+7.2%
Virginia	2,512	2,537	+1.0%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	339	386	+13.9%
Bay Consortium	181	182	+0.6%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	115	116	+0.9%
Hampton Roads	251	239	-4.8%
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	1,324	1,367	+3.2%
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Engineering and Technology Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Data Processing
Electrical/Electronic
Procurement and Production
Fire Controlman

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Working with Computers	5.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.5
Analyzing Data or Information	4.5
Getting Information	4.5
Thinking Creatively	4.5
Processing Information	4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Documenting/Recording Information	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	4.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.5
Developing and Building Teams	3.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.5
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	3.0
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	3.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	3.0
Performing Administrative Activities	2.5
Staffing Organizational Units	2.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.5
Selling or Influencing Others	2.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	2.0
Handling and Moving Objects	1.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	1.5
Performing General Physical Activities	1.5
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	1.5

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Titles

Automation Engineer
Computer Architect
Computer Designer
Computer Engineer
Computer Hardware Designer
Computer Hardware Developer
Computer Installation Engineer
Computer Tester
Configuration Manager
Design Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Engineer
Field Service Engineer
Hardware Engineer
Information Technology Consultant (IT Consultant)
Microchip Specialist
Network Administrator
Network Engineer
Project Engineer
Software Engineer
Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)
Systems Engineer
Systems Integration Engineer
Telecommunications Engineer

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Computer Hardware Engineers

Related Schools

Christopher Newport University
George Mason University
Hampton University
Liberty University
Mountain Gateway Community College
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Regent University
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia State University

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)