Computer Hardware Engineering - Engineering Colleges,Online Jobs,Career in Computer Hardware

OVERVIEW : Computer hardware engineers are the ones who are responsible for the hardware i.e. the physical aspects of computers and they oversee the design, development, testing and production of various computer hardware such as memory chips, circuit boards, computer systems and related equipment such as printers, network ports, central processing unit (CPU), etc. and ensure the proper synchronization of the computer hardware with the computer software. The work of a computer hardware engineer is similar to that of an electronics engineer, with the only difference being that the former works on just computer and computer related parts while the electronics engineer design and test circuits and work on other electronic components.



Computer Hardware Engineering

JOB DESCRIPTION : Computer hardware engineers are responsible for the rapid strides which we are witnessing in computer technology along with software engineers. While the software engineers develop the necessary software and interface for any computer system to work, computer hardware engineers are the ones who are responsible for the development, design, test and implementation of various physical aspects of computers such as circuit boards, memory chips, mother boards, etc. Computer hardware engineer should be creative as well as analytical, a problem solver with an eye for detail. They should have a good talent of working in teams since they usually work in groups. They also should be good in logic and have good communication skills.

Computer hardware engineers may find most job opportunities in computer manufacturing companies, such as semiconductors, computer peripherals, etc. It is an exciting career to be in, working with cutting edge technologies and being responsible for the new developments in the computer technology field. However, there is a constant need to upgrade to various new technologies almost on a daily basis. Computer hardware engineers are also responsible for providing technical support to the product development and marketing and production teams so that there is a seamless integration of the developed technologies with the implementation of a new system in the market.

JOB OUTLOOK : Employment of computer hardware engineers is expected to increase 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. A limited number of engineers will be needed to meet the demand for new computer hardware because more of the innovation in computers now takes place with software than with hardware. Although foreign competition in computer equipment will negatively affect the growth of this occupation, this will be partially offset by the development of computer chips that are embedded in other electronics such as household appliances, medical devices, or automobiles.

DEGREES OFFERED : Associates -Bachelor's -Master's -Doctorate/PhD -Certificate

SALARY : Occupation Computer Hardware engineers

ELE Bachelor' degree

MAW(2010) $98,810

EOL (10%) $61,360

EOH (10%) $147,890

SOURCE : U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
 

EXPECTED JOB GROWTH : According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer hardware engineers are expected to have employment growth of 9 percent over the present decade, slower than the average for all occupations. Although the use of information technology continues to expand rapidly, the manufacture of computer hardware is expected to be adversely affected by intense foreign competition. The median annual salary for a computer hardware engineer in May 2010 was $98,810.