Computer Engineering

By: Sandeep Sribhashyam

Job Description

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. By creating new directions in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.

Required Training

Required Education- bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or any related fields

Other Requirements- internship or relevant job experience

Need introduction to electrical and computer science, fundamentals of computer design, digital signal design and electric circuits

Voluntary professional certification through a private organization related to one's degree

Skills And Characteristics

Computer hardware engineers need strong skills in math, science, english, and computers

Analytical skills: Computer hardware engineers analyze complex equipment to determine the best way to improve it

Creativity: Computer hardware engineers design new types of information technology devices

Critical-thinking skills: These engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems

Problem-solving skills: Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them

Speaking skills: Engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers as well as with nontechnical team members

Typical Wages

The hourly income is $48.52 per hour

The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $100,920 in May 2012

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,970

Top 10 percent earned more than $150,130

Cities that pay high salaries in USA are

• San Jose, California: $134,400

• San Francisco, CA: $ 119,870

• Seattle, Washington: $116,120

• Baltimore, Maryland: $ 115,280

• Washington DC Metro Area: $ 114,740

Job Outlook

Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2012 to 2022, 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 innovation takes place with software than with hardware

Professional Associations

ACE-ACET

ACM

Computer Science Graduate Student Association

ADMI

Computer Information Association

Job Listing With the Companies names/location, Education, Experience

Apple- 12545 Riata Vista Cir, Austin, TX 78727

Dell- 2300 West Plano ParkwayPlano, TX 75075

NASA- 1601 NASA Road 1, Houston, TX 77058

Computer hardware engineer requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, computer engineering or a related field for entry-level employment