Computer Hardware Engineers Go Back to List 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	File versioning software

Tasks
	Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
	Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
	Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
	Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
	Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
	Build, test, and modify product prototypes using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
	Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
	Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
	Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
	Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.

Skills
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Knowledge
	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.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m

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Education & Training   Education:   Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.   Related Experience:   A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $148,587.00 $71.43  $49.52  $56.08 - $83.47  Bridgeport/Stamford $143,384.00 $68.93  $48.67  $55.29 - $83.60  Hartford $147,062.00 $70.70  $48.04  $51.92 - $82.44  New Haven $162,577.00 $78.16  $58.27  $67.71 - $83.47  New London/Norwich $163,442.00 $78.57  $50.33  $54.77 - $102.12

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   35   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.