Computer Hardware Engineer

Also known as:

Engineer, Computer Hardware

Introduction

Computer hardware engineers work on the design, development and manufacture of computer hardware. They may specialise in areas such as communications, control systems, robotics, microprocessors or semi-conductor devices.

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Work Activities

Some hardware engineers research and design very advanced and complex technology. For example, hardware engineers are working on using different wavelengths of light on one optical fibre to increase the amount of data that can be transmitted at once.

Engineers develop new hardware and produce designs for products. The process may begin with the computer systems analyst providing an outline specification for a computer system to meet a particular need. A team of logic designers works on the initial logic design and produces detailed specifications. They translate the ideas into detailed drawings and circuit diagrams.

A team of hardware engineers takes the design, and builds and tests a prototype or working model. They buy the computer chips, assemble the hardware components and build the necessary interfacing equipment. They test the prototype to make sure it meets the specification requirements; they carry out any necessary changes to the design.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be a computer hardware engineer, you need strong technical knowledge of computers and electronic systems. You must have a flair for turning system requirements into detailed designs. You must be willing to keep up to date with new developments in technology.

You need to be able to work to deadlines and budgets; you may also need to consider the cost and availability of components.

A computer hardware engineer must be able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team; you must have strong oral and written communication skills.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for computer hardware engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Computer hardware engineers earn in the range of £22,000 - £28,500 a year, rising to £35,000 - £44,000. Higher earners can make around £54,000 a year, and higher salaries are available.

Hardware engineers usually work up to 37-hours, Monday to Friday.

Employers are computer manufacturers, electronics companies, retailers and distributors of computers, information technology consultants and software or systems houses.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Candidates with relevant technical qualifications and experience have an advantage.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Engineering) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Sponsorship for higher education study in computer engineering is available from the larger IT, engineering and manufacturing companies.

Funding for postgraduate study is available through universities from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

There are other pathways through which candidates can register as Chartered or Incorporated Engineers, such as career progression from other levels of registration and routes based on the achievement of occupational standards.

• 4% of people in occupations such as computer hardware engineer work part-time.
• 21% have flexible hours.
• 3% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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