Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
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.
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.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$79,500.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$122,140.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$147,560.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,290
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,420
+13 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
101
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
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.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
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.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Professional Engineer
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Alternating current AC power analyzers
- Alternating current AC power sources
- Bit error rate testers BERT
- Circuit testers
- Color plotters
- Communications analyzers
- Communications signal analyzers
- Computer scanners
- Desktop computers
- Digital analysis systems DAS
- Direct current DC power supplies
- Dynamic signal analyzers
- Feeler gauges
- Frequency counters
- Function generators
- Impedance analyzers
- Inductance capacitance resistance LCR meters
- Inspection scopes
- Isolators
- Laptop computers
- Logic analyzers
- Logic probes
- Mainframe computers
- Multimeters
- Oscilloscopes
- Pattern generators
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Power sensors
- Probe stations
Technology
- ASSET JTAG ScanWorks
- Apache Subversion
- Application-specific integrated circuit ASIC logic synthesis software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Automatic test program generation ATPG
- Block diagram software
- Boundary scan description language BSDL
- Built-in self-test BIST debugging software
- C
- C++
- Cadence Concept
- Cadence Dracula
- Cadence Encounter RTL Compiler
- Cadence Opus
- Cadence OrCAD
- Cadence PSpice
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- sell merchandise
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- direct personnel in support of engineering activities
- delegate authority for engineering activities
- use total quality management practices
- conduct performance testing
- provide technical computer training
- evaluate product design
- work as a team member
- coordinate manufacture of electrical or electronic equipment
- coordinate engineering project activities
- coordinate production maintenance activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- oversee testing or construction of prototype
- modify electrical or electronic equipment or products
- test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
- lead teams in engineering projects
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- explain complex mathematical information
- advise clients or customers
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- provide technical support to computer users
- recommend purchase, repair, or modification of equipment
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- write product performance requirements
- calculate engineering specifications
- develop computer performance standards
- plan testing of engineering methods
- understand detailed electronic design specifications
- understand engineering data or reports
- estimate cost for engineering projects
- estimate time needed for project
- examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
- confer with research personnel
- consult with managerial or supervisory personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- compute production, construction, or installation specifications
- design computer hardware or software interface
- design control systems
- design hardware or software systems
- design engineered systems
- design electronic equipment
- improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop mathematical simulation models
- design electro-mechanical equipment
- determine specifications
- collect scientific or technical data
- read blueprints
- read manufacturing outlines for electronic products
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- analyze engineering design problems
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze engineering problems in electronics manufacturing
- evaluate computer system user requests or requirements
- evaluate costs of engineering projects
- evaluate engineering data
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- evaluate prototype computer software systems
- provide analytical assessment of engineering data
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
- analyze test data
- analyze engineering test data
- use computer networking technology
- follow data security procedures
- follow data storage procedures
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use government regulations
- use hazardous materials information
- use knowledge of mainframe computers
- use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- follow manufacturing methods or techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use long or short term production planning techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use robotics systems technology
- follow statistical process control procedures
- use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
- resolve engineering or science problems
- test computer programs or systems
- use computer programming language
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computer graphics design software
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
- Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
- Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
- Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
- Provide training and support to system designers and users.
- Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.
- Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
- Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW)
Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW) supports women and men worldwide who share the common interests of empowering women in technology, increasing the number of women in executive roles and encouraging women and girls to enter technology fields.
Learn MoreAlliance of Technology and Women (ATW): ATW Tech Valley Albany, NY Chapter
The ATW supports women and men worldwide who share the common interests of empowering women in technology, increasing the number of women in executive roles and encouraging women and girls to enter technology fields. The NY Tech Valley Chapter provides programs for women and girls that enrich, educate and inform.
Learn MoreAmerican Society for Engineering Education
American Society for Engineering Education is a nonprofit organization of individuals and institutions committed to furthering education in engineering and engineering technology.
Learn MoreAmerican Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) K12 Center
The ASEE EngineeringK12 Center seeks to identify and gather in one place the most effective engineering education resources available to the K12 community. All activities under the K12 Center are shaped by three guiding principles: Building public awareness of K12 engineering education,provide education resources and extend networks among groups with an interest in K12 engineering education.
Learn MoreBank Street School Upper Camp II Digital Technology
Digital Technology (ages 10-13) offers instruction in video taping, digital camera work, sound engineering, digital editing, and theatrical light design. Campers will work on a variety of creative individual and group digital projects, making their own short films and working together to create a documentary film all about Summer 2007!
Learn MoreComputer hardware engineers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreCornell University Summer College Program: Engineering
<p>If you're skilled in math and science and would like to use your talents to improve the world, then engineering could be the career for you. This program will give you a first-hand look at this diverse and exciting field. You'll investigate a wide range of technical disciplines including: Bioengineering and earth sciences, chemical and electrical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science and engineering and structural and mechanical engineering.</p>
Learn MoreEXCITE, EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering Camp
Inspiring middle school girls to make a difference in the world through math, science and technology is behind IBM's commitment this year for conducting more than 50 EXITE Camps. More than 1,700 girls, ages 11 to13 take part in a variety of engineering and science related projects at the week long EXITE camps across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Learn MoreEngineers (Intro)
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreFIRST and the Finger Lakes - Upstate New York Region
This year's game, titled Rack & Roll poses a new challenge to the high school teams to design and build robots that can pick-up donut-shaped pool floats and place them on a star-like ten-foot-tall structure on the playing field. The teams have a limited six-week period to design, build and test their robots. Rochester Institute of Technology will host the 2007 FIRST Finger Lakes Regional Robotics Competition.
Learn MoreFor Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions.
Learn MoreIBM EXITE (EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering) Camp
Inspiring middle?school girls to make a difference in the world through math, science and technology is behind IBM's commitment this year for conducting more than 50 EXITE Camps. More than 1,700 girls, ages 11?13 will take part in a variety of engineering and science?related projects at the week?long EXITE camps across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific, sponsored for the eighth year by IBM.
Learn MoreInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
The IEEE is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Through its global membership, the IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics among others.
Learn MoreInternational Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK to 12 and teacher education.
Learn MoreInternet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF)
ISTF is a web based science and technology competition. Teams of students from across the U.S. compete for certificates awarded by the National Medal of Technology Program at the U.S. Department of Commerce .Students are challenged to use information and communication tools as they work as a team to complete a four-month research project, master email to request technical information from scientists and engineers, search, analyze and synthesize electronic information sources from the Internet and present their final research findings in a website format.
Learn MoreKidSmart - A Guide to Early Learning and Technology for Home
This new website for early learning and technology is presented in nine languages. It includes a guide for parents to encourage early learning at home. This site will help you understand what's possible when it comes to young children and computer time.
Learn MoreKidSmart - A Guide to Early Learning and Technology for School
The computer is a relatively new arrival in many early childhood classrooms. This site will help you understand what's possible when it comes to young children and computer time. It includes introductions to important issues about teaching and learning with technology, practical discussions, concrete tips on evaluating software and useful aids for classroom management and real lesson plan ideas submitted by teachers.
Learn MoreLEGO? MINDSTORMS?
Robotics is a popular and effective way for teachers to cover important areas of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths curricula. The LEGO? MINDSTORMS? for Schools series is tailor-made for classroom and after-school club use. It includes construction sets, programming tools and activity packs.
Learn MoreNASA Quest
NASA Quest connects K-12 classrooms with people,research and science through mission-based interactions and activities. The interactive explorations are designed to engage students in authentic scientific and engineering processes. A link to Women of NASA encourages young women to pursue careers in math and science.
Learn MoreNASA Quest
NASA Quest connects K12 classrooms with people,research and science through mission based interactions and activities. The interactive explorations are designed to engage students in authentic scientific and engineering processes. A link to Women of NASA encourages young women to pursue careers in math and science.
Learn MoreNew York City / New Jersey FIRST
New York City / New Jersey FIRST is dedicated to inspiring young people's interest in science and technology. Through the FIRST programs young proplr have the opportunity to participate on FIRST Robotics , FIRST Vex Challenge , and FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League teams and compete in tournaments and competitions in the region and around the nation.
Learn MorePark & Ride 2007 Amusement Park Ride Design Pre-Engineering Program for Middle School Girls
Do you want to: Design and build an amusement park ride? Learn about engineering? Come to RIT for a weekend event! Park & Ride 2007 Amusement Park Ride Design Pre-Engineering Program for Middle School Girls is an annual spring event to increase interest among girls in the field of engineering by guiding them through a hands-on experience with an engineering project.
Learn MoreRIT Expanding Your Horizons
The Kate Gleason College of Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology Women in Engineering offers a program entitled, ?Expanding Your Horizons? for girls in 8-10 grade and their parents.EYH gives young women a look into the field of engineering and how it is used in the real world. An adult track offers tips and advice to help young women be successful in their pursuit of college and provides adults with an opportunity to learn more about engineering as a career option for young women.
Learn MoreRIT Women in Engineering: Everyday Engineering Summer Camp
Did you turn on the faucet today? Put on a pair of sneakers? Listen to a CD? Take a ride in a car? If so, then you've come in contact with engineering. Each day of RIT Women in Engineering: Everyday Engineering Summer Camp will demonstrate the engineering in common situations through demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Learn MoreRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education (CIPCE)
RPI, through CIPCE, works with area K12 teachers and students, as well as local, statewide and national organizations, to promote the use of robotics and other technologies in the classroom. Since its inception, a series of professional development, academic and after-school programs have been created.
Learn MoreRobotics: Assistive Design for the Future
The Robotics: Assistive Design for the Future program is designed to integrate engineering and technology into middle school students' after school and in-school curriculum. The curriculum is based on the students designing, building and programming a LEGO robot that will serve as an assistive device for some physically challenged population. The unit consists of ten lessons which take approximately 10 hours of instructional time with students.
Learn MoreRochester Institute of Technology National Technical Institute for the Deaf TechGirlz Camp
Science or technology minded girls who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and entering 8th grade build their own computers, investigate crime scenes and use high tech lab equipment to solve problems and more at TechGirlz Camp.
Learn MoreRochester Institute of Technology, Women in Engineering
RIT's Women in Engineering emphasis is on establishing active outreach programs for middle and high school young women, creating and sustaining a mentoring program for RIT first and second year women engineering students, providing leadership opportunities for all women engineering students, and supporting an environment that allows women to succeed in an engineering program.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Robotics Camp
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Robotics Camp - Explore the basic technology used to design and build robots and discover how they work. Learn about simple machines, gear structure, battery wiring, motor principles and electronic circuits.
Learn MoreSchool-Business Partnerships of Long Island FIRST LEGO League
Eight weeks of research and design culminate in the SBPLI-LI FIRST LEGO League Tournament. The challenge and excitement of designing and building an original robot for 9 to 14 year olds demonstrates their problem-solving skills, creative thinking, teamwork, competitive play and sportsmanship. The synopsis of the 2007/08 season is not yet available.
Learn MoreScienCentral News: Making Sense of Science
From broadcast news features to educational products, ScienCentral News not only knows how to communicate complex ideas about medicine, health, technology, and the environment, but they also know how to tell a good story!
Learn MoreSociety of Women Engineers
The Society of Women Engineers(SWE), founded in 1950, is a nonprofit educational and service organization that helps women achieve their full potential as engineers and leaders. It is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women.
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at New York Institute of Technology - Manhattan NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Solomon Schechter School Westchester, NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at The New School Manhattan, New York
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: PREFACE and STEP Program
Explore all the engineering disciplines and engage in leadership, career, and professional development. The primary goal is to enable interested and talented students to explore the opportunities in engineering and engineering-related professions. Through interactive laboratory experiences, lectures, discussions, field trips, and plant visits, participants have an opportunity to explore the challenges and rewards of a technological education. Contact smithc@rpi.edu for more information.
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: VEX Robotics Engineering Academy
Participants will work in teams to create a VEX robot that will be able to complete a challenge course. During this experience, students will learn to manipulate robots with both remote control and computer programming. Robots will be constructed by assembling a combination of mechanical components, basic electronics and sensors.
Learn MoreTechGirlz Camp
Science or technology-minded girls who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and entering 8th grade will build their own computers, investigate ?crime scenes,? use high-tech lab equipment to solve problems and more.
Learn MoreTechXplore:A 21st Century Approach to Science and Technology Learning
TechXplore is a high impact education program and competition that connects teams of students with technology professionals from electronics, telecommunications, and high tech companies to explore the world of technology. Student teams conduct their research in accordance with project guidelines. Once the research process is complete, each student team creates a Web site to present their results which often include a concept for a new technology application or new product.
Learn MoreU.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Academy
Trainees who want to be Astronauts must learn to think like astronauts and the Space Academy Programs are designed to do just that! Participants have three fields of specialized study (or track options) to choose from: Aviation, Space, and Robotics.
Learn MoreWestchester Community College Children and Teens 2007
Westchester Community College Children and Teens 2007 programs include Ossining Summer Science Academy, Computer Arts for Teens, and Computers for Kids in Peekskill.
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps:Fordham University Computer Camps, NY
iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.
Learn More