What does a Hardware Engineer do?

Hardware engineers are responsible for the research, design, development, and testing of computer systems and components, including routers, memory devices, circuit boards, networks, and processors.

Hardware engineers design devices used in manufactured products that incorporate processors and other computer components and that connect to the internet. This could include newer automobiles, home appliances, and medical devices, which have internet ready computer systems built into them. They ensure that computer hardware components work together with the latest and most current software. They design new computer hardware and create schematics of computer equipment to be built and test their design. They analyze the test results, and they modify the design if needed. Most entry level computer hardware engineers have a bachelor's degree in computer engineering however electrical engineering or computer science degrees are generally acceptable; many engineering programs need to be accredited.

What responsibilities are common for Hardware Engineer jobs?
  • Ensure implementation of the latest design practices, methods, and procedures.
  • Manage electronic lab operations, incoming work, and new processes.
  • Oversee test engineering on new process creation and strategies.
  • Support a team to maintain hardware products through full life cycle.
  • Consult with vendors and suppliers to ensure product and project compliance.
  • Provide technical leadership for all product development by directing equipment design and function.
  • Define test methodology and conduct tests to ensure/validate product performance, quality, and reliability.
  • Develop validation procedures and write code requirements in order to test prototype.
  • Identify and validate product risks and work with team to mitigate them.
  • Coordinate with other maintenance, operations and engineering contracts as required.
  • Work with cross functional teams to tune and validate electronics hardware components.
  • Document and summarize design data to support team members and different clients.
  • Select, develop, and evaluate personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the group.
  • Participate in failure root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
  • Present and participate in critical design reviews and risk assessments.
  • Build, lead, and mentor a world-class autonomous vehicle validation team.
  • Lead the team to build and manage the system integration bench of the autonomous drive system.
  • Guide growth and quality of department by implementing and maintaining policies and procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with customer and company standards and policies.
What are the typical qualifications for Hardware Engineer jobs?
  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or electronics engineering.
  • Experience with C, PCB design, CAD software, FPGA, MATLAB, and QUANTUM programming language software and systems.
  • Experience with Linux, Logic Analyzer, Baseband, Python, and Verilog software and systems.
  • Comfortable with leading and problem solving in addition to scripting and debugging.
  • Fluent in writing protocols and algorithm design.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.8 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.9 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

How much does a Hardware Engineer make near United States?

Confident
$106,316 /yr
Total Pay
$98,251
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$8,065
 /yr

Additional Pay

$106,316

 / yr
$72K$159K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Hardware Engineer Career Path

Learn how to become a Hardware Engineer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Hardware Engineer

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
7%
2 - 4
44%
5 - 7
28%
8+
21%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Hardware Engineer Insights

Read what Hardware Engineer professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Qbit Labs (India)Qbit Labs (India)
Digital Hardware Intern
Mar 30, 2022

“Since the work is really intriguing it is a great place to start your Career.”

Luna InnovationsLuna Innovations
Principal Hardware Engineer
May 6, 2021

“Development team and manufacturing team work well together and are good to work with.”

AutoGuide Mobile RobotsAutoGuide Mobile Robots
Hardware Engineer
Mar 22, 2022

“Talented and cooperative team to work with.”

AppleApple
Hardware Engineer
Jun 7, 2021

“Mediocre work and salaries.”

AmazonAmazon
Hardware Development Engineer II
Feb 3, 2022

“Challenging and rewarding career.”

Biamp SystemsBiamp Systems
Director Hardware Engineering
Sep 7, 2021

“Biamp's product management is new to using use cases to define new products which can make requirements ambiguous to engineering.”

El-ArabyEl-Araby
Electronics Hardware Engineer
Aug 24, 2022

“the salary is avarage but nott the best in the market”

Tejas NetworksTejas Networks
Senior Hardware Engineer
Dec 19, 2022

“slow progress perks salary is not upto standards”

See More

Hardware Engineer Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Hardware Engineer

The most similar professions to Hardware Engineer are:
  • Controls Engineer
  • Electrical Designer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Engineer

Related Careers

Controls Engineer
$111,241
No skills overlap
Electrical Designer
$88,597
Electrical Engineer
$113,485
No skills overlap
Engineer
$95,598
No skills overlap

Hardware Engineer Jobs