Engineering and Related STEM CareersBY MITCHELL PARTLOW

Engineering Discipline

Computer Hardware Engineer

Job description

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

By creating new directions in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.

Required training

Most entry-level computer hardware engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, although a degree in electrical engineering or computer science generally is acceptable.

Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a familiarity with computer programming is usually expected.

Skills and Characteristics of a person successful in this career

Analytical skills. Computer hardware engineers analyze complex equipment to determine the best way to improve it.

Creativity. Computer hardware engineers design new types of information technology devices.

Critical-thinking skills. These engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems.

Problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them.

Speaking skills. Engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers as well as with nontechnical team members.

Typical Wages

The Typical wage of computer engineer is $100,920.

Job Outlook

Professional Associations

The Association for Computing Machinery  is the main professional organization for computing professionals.

Job Listing

Employment Type - Full-Time

Job Type - Engineering, Automotive, Manufacturing

Education - 4 Year Degree

Experience - At least 10 year(s)

Manages Others - No

Relocation - Yes

Industry - Automotive - Motor Vehicles - Parts, Computer Hardware, Electronics

Required Travel - Not Specified

Bibliography

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm#tab-6

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http://www.bls.gov/ooh/images/1886.jpg

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/images/1887.jpg

http://dreamatico.com/data_images/money/money-3.jpg

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm#tab-6

http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/shared/organizations.php

http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/images/ug_sample.jpg

http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.aspx?APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=J8Q6RR68XKC81135H0M&showNewJDP=yes&IPath=JRKV0A