Computer Hardware Engineering Technology

Computer Hardware Engineers research, design, develop, and test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

They may supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components. Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related equipment, such as keyboards,modems, and printers. There are many areas of research in hardware development currently underway, such as "Neural Networks" systems that mimic the behavior of the human brain and are used in robotics and medical diagnosis. The rapid advances in computer technology are largely a result of the research, development, and design efforts of Computer Hardware Engineers.

Tasks

• Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
• Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
• Build, test and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed using computer simulation.
• Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
• Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
• Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, printers, and disk drives.
• Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
• 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.
• Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

Important Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities.

• Operations Analysis : Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
• Mathematics : Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Science : Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Programming : Writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Troubleshooting : Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Active Learning : Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Speaking : Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Critical Thinking : Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• 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.
• Written Comprehension : The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Oral Comprehension : The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Inductive Reasoning : The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Deductive Reasoning : The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Trends

The growth rate of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs is expected to be average compared with all occupations in the next few years. New jobs are expected in computer systems design, research and development, and employment (temporary) services industry sectors. 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 utilization of foreign computer hardware engineering services also will serve to limit growth. The main source of job opportunities for this occupation will result from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions, transfer to other occupations, or retire.