What Does a Hardware Engineer Do? Your 2024 Guide

Working in an industry with constant developments, hardware engineers ensure that computer systems and the various physical components that make them work function optimally. To do so, they perform testing, research, and update equipment to best utilize the latest advancements.

Continue reading to explore this cutting-edge role and what you need to do to enter it. 

What is the role of a hardware engineer? 

Hardware engineers—sometimes called computer hardware engineers—develop and troubleshoot computer hardware. As a hardware engineer, you’ll also oversee component installation and the manufacturing process, find ways to improve upon existing equipment, and recommend equipment or updates based on user needs. 

While you’ll focus primarily on hardware, software still plays a part in hardware engineering, as you’ll ensure the hardware is compatible with the latest software. This responsibility requires frequent collaboration with others within the IT department, such as software engineers or developers. And because hardware and software development often coincide, you’ll need to remain adaptable and ready to make changes according to the software development process.

Read more: Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: How the Jobs Differ

Hardware engineer tasks and responsibilities 

As a hardware engineer, some duties you can expect to handle include: 

• Analyzing blueprints and technical drawings

• Reviewing system tests and performing updates as needed

• Implementing the latest systems and processes and ensuring everyone follows them

• Monitoring the manufacturing and assembly of hardware equipment

• Acting as the technical leader in product development

What tools do hardware engineers use?

Hardware engineers require physical and software tools to handle computer design. Some physical tools a hardware engineer may need include:

• Tweezers

• Calipers

• Power supplies

• Soldering station with flux and flux remover

• Multimeter

• Other electronic assembly tools

On the software side, some useful tools may include:

• PCB design software

• Altium Designer

• Autodesk Fusion 360

• GitLab

• Microsoft Excel

• KiCad

Salary and job outlook for a hardware engineer

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for hardware engineer in the US is $V per year [1]. This figure includes an average base salary of $124,863 and $48,210 in additional pay. Additional pay may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses.

The demand for computer hardware engineers is higher than many other careers in the US.  Between 2022 and 2032, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 5 percent growth and an average of 4,600 job openings per year[2]. 

What skills do you need to become a hardware engineer? 

To be a successful hardware engineer, you’ll need diverse programming and product development skills. Some typical skills to hone on your pathway to becoming a hardware engineer include:

• Python

• Radio frequency (RF)

• C and C++ programming

• Circuit and system design

• Communication and collaboration

• Problem-solving

• Critical and analytical thinking

• Knowledge in analog systems

Required qualifications, education, and certifications

You may choose from several paths to become a computer hardware engineer, but having an outline can help. With the proper education, qualifications, experience, and certifications, you may be on the fast track to landing this role. Explore the path that you might take to enter this field below. 

Education

To land a computer hardware engineer job, you’ll usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in fields like computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering. It’s also helpful if the engineering program you graduate from has professional accreditation like ABET, a quality assurance organization supporting various STEM professions. Here is a breakdown of the percentage of types of degrees hardware engineers hold [3]:

• Associate: 9 percent

• Bachelor's: 69 percent

• Master's: 17 percent

Certifications

Certifications, while generally optional for hardware engineers, can showcase your abilities and desire to continue learning. They can also make you more marketable as you look for a job and could help you obtain a higher salary. The following are some certifications to consider: 

• Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)

• CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification 

• Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD)

Experience

After graduating from school, your path to becoming a hardware engineer starts with gaining experience. You can do so as a volunteer, in an internship, or even in an entry-level role involving computer hardware, such as a hardware design assistant. You may also participate in engineering clubs or hackathons to get more hands-on projects and skill development opportunities. You can generally expect to spend six to 12 months in an entry-level role before you’re ready to start on-the-job training to become a hardware engineer. 

Where you can work as a hardware engineer

Technology is constantly changing, so hardware engineers are needed across various industries and companies. That said, some are more likely to seek these professionals than others. To discover which industries and companies hire the most computer hardware engineers, continue reading. 

Companies that hire hardware engineers

Generally, automotive and technology companies hire the largest number of hardware engineers. The top five hiring companies, along with the average base salary they offer, include the following [4]: 

• Meta: $153,814

• Apple: $144,233

• X (formerly Twitter): $143,204

• Google: $139,374

• Cloudflare: $138,477

Common industries for hardware engineers

Some industries have a higher demand for hardware engineers than others. According to the BLS, five industries employing the highest percentage of hardware engineers include [5]: 

• Computer systems design and related services (15 percent)

• Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (20 percent)

• Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing (16 percent)

• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing (8 percent)

• Federal government (7 percent)

Hardware engineer career advancement

A hardware engineer role may be a good first step if you plan to advance your engineering career. Some higher positions you can land after gaining experience in hardware engineering jobs include:

• Senior hardware engineer

• Engineering manager

• IT operations manager

• VP of engineering

• Director of hardware engineering

Read more: How to Become an IT Manager: Your Career Guide

Get started today in hardware engineering today

Hardware engineers design and build the physical components computer systems rely on to function. As a hardware engineer, you can work on various technologies in many different industries.

If the fast-moving and ever-changing hardware engineering realm sounds like the perfect space for you, consider broadening your knowledge with online courses. Consider University of Colorado Boulder’s Embedded Software and Hardware Architecture or Princeton University’s Computer Architecture on Coursera. Both offer opportunities to expand your skills to take steps toward your goals. Upon completion of either program, gain a shareable Professional Certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.