What is a Hardware Design Engineer?
Hardware Design Engineers play an increasingly important role in modern business. They create and design an extensive range of computer hardware components that may be used throughout the business for both internal and external interactions. The majority of their work is completed in the research laboratory.
If you are hoping to turn your passion for computer hardware into a thriving career, Field Engineer can connect you to some of the best freelance opportunities on the market.
How do I Become a Hardware Designer?
Also known as an HW design engineer, the role of Hardware Designer is one that requires a Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering. Meanwhile, a Masters's degree can open the door to advanced senior positions. Meanwhile, aspiring designers must additionally gain certification through major tech companies like Microsoft or Cisco Systems. Some jobs, although not many, may also require certification in computer languages.
Accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) may be required. At the same time, familiarity with computer programming is highly advised. Crucially, it's important to boast extensive experience in the field, which may have been gained through internships or junior roles within the related sectors. It is a long journey, but the rewards are huge.
What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Hardware Designer?
The daily challenges of the Hardware Design Engineer aren't set in stone, which is why qualified contractors can use Field Engineer to find positions that are matched to their particular strengths and preferences. However, the key responsibility is to design new computer hardware, which will cover all elements relating to the look and function.
Hardware Designers additionally test completed models before analyzing the schematics and design. This is often followed by updates and tweaks to ensure that the hardware is fit for purpose. In many cases, upgrading old hardware to overcome compatibility issues is required, too, especially when items were originally designed for outdated software.
In addition to modifying hardware and introducing new models, the Hardware Designer should oversee the process of manufacturing (actively or passively) while also maintaining a strong working knowledge of industry trends to identify opportunities for further development. Meanwhile, programming in the appropriate Hardware Description Language (HDL) is another frequent task.
Hardware Design Engineer Job Description.
Hardware Designers are in a technically demanding role that requires a scientific and mathematical brain to accompany creative flair and a strong understanding of the tech challenges facing modern businesses. It additionally requires meticulous attention to detail to all elements of design, deployment, and subsequent troubleshooting and maintenance.
The job role has evolved in more recent times, transcending the concept of working exclusively on computers to cover the realms of IoT technologies, cell phone devices, tablets, and even vehicles. The processes of treating both analog and digital circuitry can embody every stage from design through to analyzing data.
Hardware Design Engineers are expected to keep developing new tech-based skills to reflect advancements in the field of computer technology. Moreover, a deeper understanding of electromagnetics, electronics, and statistics may open the door to careers in Computer and Information Systems Management.
While working from a laboratory, you will be expected to maintain transparent communication and work with a level of fluidity so that any necessary changes can be implemented as required to ensure that client expectations (and end-user requirements) are satisfied.
Hardware Designer Salary
As a Hardware Designer, your earnings can fluctuate greatly depending on the industry, location, and exact duties that are expected. For example, designers that are expected to manufacture items may earn a different salary to a designer that oversees a production team or hands design documents to another department.
HW design engineers earn a median salary of $113,00. Electronics engineers can expect to command around $97,970, while computer hardware engineers may land $115,120. Alternatively, the gig economy can be utilized to land short-term or part-time contracts that offer even greater financial packages. Field Engineer is the best place to find them.
Field Manager FAQs
Is Working as a Hardware Designer Stable?
In a word: yes. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 6% growth for the decade ending 2028.
What are the Most Important Tools of the Trade?
First and foremost, you'll need hardware designing software like Altium Designer or Orcad. Soldering irons, magnifiers, and related tools are crucial too.
What Skills and Personality Traits are Needed?
In addition to education and experience, you should be a creative and analytical thinker that can solve problems and express ideas with clarity.
Becoming a professional Hardware Designer Engineer is considered to be the end goal of many contractors in this sector. It is a role that allows you to combine creativity with technical proficiency while earning very good money. With Field Engineer, the landscape is even more versatile.
