Hardware Integration Engineer
Hardware Integration Engineers, or System Integration Engineers, concentrate on all aspects of a computer system. Their responsibility is to ensure that the software, hardware, and a network of the systems work optimally and securely. Engineers resolve issues related to systems to improve their performance. They create and document visual descriptions of systems and their inputs and outputs. Individuals need to multi-task and adhere to strict timelines
With their skill sets, engineers can design and build computer systems, computer hardware, such as processors, circuit boards, and microchips, in addition to routers and switches.
They need to have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as they need to participate in technical discussions with their team members and engineers belonging to software and network on network ecosystem issues. Besides, engineers also need to help sales and marketing teams to explain to clients who may be from non-technical backgrounds how hardware systems work. They need to have solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
Job Description
Engineers devise, test and enhance assemblies, electronic circuits, and other electrical equipment. They give suggestions to their organization to purchase computer systems and hardware depending on the business needs of their users.
Engineers update existing computer systems so that they are compatible with the latest software enhancements. They configure the hardware of computer systems and also take care of routine PC support issues, including installing applications, Operating Systems (OS), configuring devices, MS-Office, etc.
Freelance Hardware Integration Engineers upgrade systems by improving the accessories, design, and speed of computer systems so that they function more efficiently. They evaluate existing computer systems to identify defects and utilize their knowledge to modify them further to improve the way a computer functions.
Engineers use their expertise of hardware and other related equipment to redesign components. They evaluate modified systems to ensure that they meet the standards of their organizations. Engineers need to understand the needs of the end users and offer them technical support. They should evaluate problems with major systems, such as VMware, VSphere Web Client, vCenter Server 5.5, GPO configuration, storage, etc.
Engineers undertake efforts to improve hardware with the financial resources available and to complete them as per schedule. They support creation and development of various simulator programs, coordinate activities with the members of the hardware, software, and systems engineering teams so that their designs satisfy program requirements, and approve hardware designs created by the teams.
Engineers need to plan for wireless networking and security, systems integration, hardware and software, and their peripherals. Included in the engineers' responsibilities are designing, developing, and executing methods and equipment for testing, planning and organizing the labor, equipment, and timelines needed to test and evaluate standard and specialized equipment. They provide areas for testing with factors for trialing and define tests that must be carried out.
Engineers collect data and identify modifications needed to test equipment, processes, manufacturing procedures and new testing needs. They need to perform work assignments as per their importance and their magnitudes.
Future of Hardware Integration Engineers
New technologies are emerging where advances to hardware enhance software capabilities. For instance, hardware apps have swelled the demand for sophisticated touch devices on mobile devices. In this scenario, innovations in hardware, as well as the software, will benefit both fields. Thus, the future for Hardware Integration Engineers will continue to be bright.
Job openings for computer hardware engineers are expected to increase five percent during the period 2016-2026, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Educational Qualifications and Other Requirements
To be qualified as Hardware Integration Engineers, candidates must have bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or related field with capabilities along with strong knowledge in technologies, computer peripherals, wireless networking, and their integration. If they are conversant with the distributed computing environment, they would be preferred.
Engineers must be well-versed with LAN/WAN infrastructures, remote services, software development life cycle, etc.
Salary
The average wage of a System Integration Engineer is $78,954 per year in the United States. Those wanting to freelance will earn up to $30.71 per hour, according to Payscale.
Role of Field Engineer
If you want to be hired as a freelance Hardware Integration Engineer in the Telecom Freelance Marketplace, visit Fieldengineer.com. It helps you connect with employers seeking candidates with the appropriate skill sets. This platform has more than 40,000 engineers belonging to various fields from over 180 countries, enabling companies to hire telecom freelancers.
