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Occupation AtlasComputer Hardware Engineers

O*NET · 17-2061.00

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Also called Analog Design Engineer · Analog IC Design Engineer · Analog IC Design Engineer (Analog Integrated Circuit Design Engineer) · Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design Engineer (ASIC Design Engineer) · Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design Verification Engineer (ASIC Design Verification Engineer) · ASIC Design Engineer · ASIC Design Verification Engineer · Computer Designer
33 more

Computer Engineer · Computer Hardware Designer · Computer Hardware Developer · Computer Hardware Engineer · Computer Installation Engineer · Computer Tester · Computer Vision Engineer · Design Engineer · Design Verification Engineer · Digital Design Engineer · Digital Hardware Engineer · Electrical Hardware Engineer · Electronics Engineer · Embedded Hardware Engineer · Engineer · Field Service Engineer · FPGA Design Engineer · FPGA Design Engineer (Field Programmable Gate Array Design Engineer) · FPGA Design Engineer (Field Programmable Gate Design Engineer) · FPGA Engineer · FPGA Engineer (Field Programmable Gate Array Engineer) · Hardware Architect · Hardware Design Engineer · Hardware Development Engineer · Hardware Engineer · Hardware Systems Engineer · Hardware Test Engineer · Microchip Specialist · Physical Design Engineer · Project Engineer · Signal Integrity Engineer · Staff Engineer · Systems Integration Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Electrical Engineers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.69
  • I Investigative5.56
  • C Conventional5.37
  • E Enterprising1.98
  • A Artistic1.83
  • S Social1.82

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Some College Courses7%
  • Bachelor's Degree48%
  • Master's Degree35%
  • First Professional Degree4%
  • Doctoral Degree7%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (28%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (21%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (28%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Complex Problem Solving3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Writingbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Speakingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Active Learningbasic3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Operations Analysis3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Systems Evaluation3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Systems Analysis3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Mathematicsbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
Show the other 23
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Time Management3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Instructing3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Operations Monitoring3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Sciencebasic2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Quality Control Analysis2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Troubleshooting2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Persuasion2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Technology Design2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Equipment Selection2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Programming2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Negotiation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Equipment Maintenance2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Installation1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operation and Control1.80.8

Tasks

15 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.4.3
  2. Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.4.2
  3. Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.4.1
  4. Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.4.1
  5. Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.4.0
  6. Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.3.9
  7. Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.3.7
  8. Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.3.7
  9. Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.3.7
  10. Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.3.7
  11. Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.3.6
  12. Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.3.6
Show the other 6
  1. Provide training and support to system designers and users.3.5
  2. Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.3.4
  3. Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.3.3
  4. Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.2.9
  5. Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.2.8
  6. Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.2.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Computers and Electronics4.76.5Level 7 looks like: Create a program to scan a computer for viruses
  • Engineering and Technology4.76.4Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
  • Design4.15.8
  • Mathematics4.15.7
  • English Language3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Physics3.44.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Telecommunications3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
  • Education and Training2.94.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
  • Production and Processing2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administration and Management2.73.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Communications and Media2.42.6
  • Administrative2.32.7
  • Law and Government2.32.7
  • Public Safety and Security2.32.8
  • Customer and Personal Service2.22.7
  • Mechanical2.12.6
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.12.7
  • Chemistry2.02.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Sales and Marketing2.02.6
  • Economics and Accounting1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Psychology1.71.8Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Foreign Language1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Transportation1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Biology1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.4—
  • Geography1.31.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Food Production1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering4.04.1
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Problem Sensitivity3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Expression3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Near Vision3.63.6
  • Category Flexibility3.54.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Originality3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Speech Clarity3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Fluency of Ideas3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Speech Recognition3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visualization3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number Facility3.13.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual Speed2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Memorization2.82.9
  • Finger Dexterity2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Far Vision2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.8
  • Manual Dexterity2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Speed of Closure2.12.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Auditory Attention2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength1.51.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.8
  • Extent Flexibility1.40.4
  • Sound Localization1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.95.9
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.75.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.55.7
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.55.9
  • Getting Information4.45.6
  • Thinking Creatively4.45.9
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.35.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Processing Information4.35.7
Show all 41
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.15.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.05.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information4.05.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.05.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.95.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.85.3Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.64.9Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.65.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Developing and Building Teams3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.44.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.45.1Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.44.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.34.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.34.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Training and Teaching Others3.24.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.14.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.04.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.94.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.83.9Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.53.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.42.8
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.43.3Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.32.9
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.12.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.71.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.71.6Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.51.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Spend Time Sitting4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Telephone Conversations4.1
  • Contact With Others4.0
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0

Technology

112 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (13)

  • Chot
  • C++hot
  • Linuxhot
  • Perlhot
  • Pythonhot
  • The MathWorks MATLABhot
  • Magellan Firmware
  • PCI Express PCIe
  • Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE
  • SystemVerilog
  • Tool command language Tcl
  • Verilog
  • Very high speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL simulation software

Hot (14; 6 more marked hot above)

  • Apache Subversion SVN
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Git
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Oracle Java
  • SAS
  • Shell script
  • Structured query language SQL
  • UNIX
Other tools (85)
  • Application-specific integrated circuit ASIC logic synthesis software
  • ASSET JTAG ScanWorks
  • Automatic test program generation ATPG
  • Block diagram software
  • Boundary scan description language BSDL
  • Boundary scan insertion software
  • Built-in self-test BIST debugging software
  • Cadence Allegro PCB Designer
  • Cadence Concept
  • Cadence Dracula
  • Cadence Encounter RTL Compiler
  • Cadence Opus
  • Cadence OrCAD software
  • Cadence PSpice
  • Cadence Schematic Composer
  • Cadence Virtuoso Layout Suite
  • Cadence Virtuoso Spectre Circuit Simulator
  • Cisco IOS
  • Complementary-symmetry/metal-oxide semiconductor CMOS layout software
  • Computer diagnostic software
  • Computer simulation software
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Data acquisition systems
  • Database software
  • Design-for-testability DFT insertion software
  • Discrete Fourier transform DFT analysis software
  • Eko
  • Electronic design automation EDA software
  • Failure analysis software
  • Fast Fourier transform FFT analysis software
  • Field programmable gate array FPGA design software
  • Field programmable gate array FPGA logic synthesis software
  • Freescale CodeWarrior Tools
  • Hardware description and verification language
  • Hardware description language HDL
  • Integrated circuit simulation software
  • Internet search engine software
  • Logic synthesis software
  • LogicVision icBIST
  • M-Sim
  • MAGIC software
  • Magma Design Automation Blast Create
  • Magma Design Automation Blast FPGA
  • Mathsoft Mathcad
  • MathWorks Simulink
  • MathWorks Simulink DSP Blockset
  • MathWorks Simulink Fixed-Point Blockset
  • Mentor Graphics BSDArchitect
  • Mentor Graphics Calibre
  • Mentor Graphics LeonardoSpectrum
  • Mentor Graphics Precision RTL
  • Mentor Graphics Xpedition xDX Designer
  • Microarchitecture simulation software
  • Microsoft Visual C# .NET
  • Monte Carlo simulation software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • PARTHENON
  • Place-and-route software
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • Register transfer language RTL
  • Schematic editors
  • SKILL FMEA software
  • SoftICE
  • State diagram software
  • Synopsys Design Compiler
  • Synopsys Hercules
  • Synopsys HSIM
  • Synopsys HSPICE
  • Synopsys TetraMax ATPG
  • Synplicity Synplify
  • The Mathworks Control System Toolbox
  • The Mathworks Data Acquisition Toolbox
  • The Mathworks Embedded Coder
  • The MathWorks Real-Time Workshop
  • The MathWorks Signal Processing Toolbox
  • The MathWorks Symbolic Math Toolbox
  • The MathWorks Wavelet Toolbox
  • Timing analysis software
  • Verification software
  • Very high-speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL
  • Web browser software
  • Windows kernel debuggers
  • Xilinx ISE Foundation
  • Xilinx ModelSim
  • Xilinx Synthesis Technology XST

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  2. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  3. Microsystems Engineers
  4. Software Developers
  5. Robotics Technicians
  6. Mechatronics Engineers
  7. Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
  8. Robotics Engineers
  9. Electrical Engineers
  10. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.