Computer Hardware Engineer

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components, including processors, memory devices, circuit boards, and networks. They play a critical role in ensuring hardware components integrate with modern software applications. These engineers work across industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and healthcare devices.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $155,020/year ($74.53/hour)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): +7% (faster than average)

  • Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or related field

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Hardware Engineer I, Junior Design Engineer, Test Engineer, Validation Engineer

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or IT

  • Experience: Internships or co-op programs preferred

  • Certifications (Recommended):

    • Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

    • Coursework in C/C++, Python, or Verilog

  • Core Duties:

    • Assist in designing and modeling circuit boards and embedded systems

    • Run simulations and perform prototype testing

    • Support documentation, schematic capture, and bug reporting

    • Collaborate with firmware and software teams

  • Salary Range: $85,000–$110,000

MID LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Computer Hardware Engineer II/III, System Integration Engineer, PCB Design Engineer, Firmware Engineer

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree + 3–5 years of experience; Master’s preferred

  • Certifications (Preferred):

    • Professional Engineer (PE) license

    • IEEE or ABET-recognized continuing education credits

  • Core Duties:

    • Lead design of hardware subsystems

    • Perform root-cause analysis and redesign for defects

    • Collaborate with software developers on hardware-software integration

    • Conduct cost analysis, design reviews, and compliance checks

  • Salary Range: $110,000–$155,000

SENIOR LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Senior Hardware Engineer, Principal Engineer, Director of Hardware Engineering, Systems Architect

  • Education: Master’s degree or MBA preferred; strong technical background

  • Experience: 6+ years plus leadership/project management experience

  • Certifications (Preferred):

    • PMP (Project Management Professional)

    • Advanced IEEE courses

  • Core Duties:

    • Lead multidisciplinary teams on product lifecycle development

    • Interface with executives, clients, and manufacturing units

    • Evaluate emerging tech (AI chips, edge computing hardware)

    • Manage budgeting, R&D investments, and team development

  • Salary Range: $155,000–$225,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field from an ABET-accredited school

  • Training: On-the-job learning, internships, or co-ops

  • Licensure: FE recommended for new grads; PE license useful for career advancement

  • Soft Skills: Analytical thinking, communication, problem-solving, cross-functional teamwork

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills:

  • Circuit board design and debugging

  • Embedded systems and microcontrollers

  • Firmware and low-level programming

  • Hardware-software integration

  • System testing and verification

Tools:

  • CAD software (Altium, KiCad, OrCAD)

  • Hardware simulation tools (SPICE, Multisim)

  • Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators

  • Version control systems (Git)

  • Programming languages: C/C++, Python, VHDL/Verilog

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Locations: Research labs, consumer tech companies, semiconductor manufacturers, government labs

  • Schedules: Full-time, often 40–50 hours/week, some extended hours during product testing or release phases

  • Environment: Collaborative, hands-on lab work, team meetings, project sprints

6. JOB OUTLOOK

  • Demand Drivers: Rise in smart devices, AI/IoT integration, 5G infrastructure, edge computing

  • Annual Openings: ~5,000/year (2023–2033)

  • Growth Opportunity: Transition into systems engineering, architecture, or executive tech leadership

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Role:Electrical & Electronics Engineers | Salary: $118,780 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

  • Role: Software Developers | Salary: $131,450 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

  • Role: Computer Network Architects | Salary: $130,390 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

  • Role: Computer Systems Analysts | Salary: $104,000 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

  • Role: Mechanical Engineers | Salary: $102,320 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Certifications & Courses:

Books:

  • Computer Organization and Design by David A. Patterson & John L. Hennessy

  • The Hardware Hacker by Andrew "bunnie" Huang

  • Digital Design and Computer Architecture by Harris & Harris

Videos & Channels:

Communities:

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

 

Keandra Wilson
Previous

Computer Support Specialists
Next

Computer and Information Systems Managers