How hard is it to become a computer hardware engineer?

It is fairly difficult to become a computer hardware engineer. There are specific requirements to do so, and the concepts that need to be mastered to become a computer hardware engineer can be difficult to understand. It is also a competitive field to get into.

How many years does it take to become a hardware engineer?

It takes four to five years to become a hardware engineer. This period is reflective of a candidate earning a bachelor's degree and obtaining several certifications. Most aspiring hardware engineers pursue a bachelor's degree in computer or electrical engineering. Regardless of the major, the engineering program should be accredited.

What are the skills required for a hardware engineer?

Both hard and soft skills are required to be a hardware engineer. These skill sets are very different, but both are necessary to succeed in this field. "Hard skills" refers to any job-specific information needed to work in a given profession. Hard skills, as they relate to hardware engineers, focus mainly on programming languages.

What is a hardware engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Megumi Usui

A hardware engineer designs, develops, and tests computer hardware components such as microprocessors, circuit boards, and routers. They work with computer architects to ensure the hardware meets the requirements of the software. Hardware engineers also collaborate with software engineers during testing and debugging phases. They use computer-aided design tools to create schematics and blueprints. They work for technology companies, research firms, and government agencies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.

What general advice would you give to a Hardware Engineer?

Megumi Usui

Associate Professor, Weber State University

Many individuals aspire to earn a substantial salary right from the beginning of their careers. However, this is not typically how the professional world operates. it is essential to demonstrate to your employer that you are a skilled, valuable, and irreplaceable asset. This process takes time and dedication. Avoid pressuring your employer for immediate rewards based solely on self-perception. While family may view you as exceptional, in the professional realm, you must distinguish yourself through your actions. Prove your worth by consistently arriving on time, working diligently, completing tasks swiftly and accurately, and exceeding expectations. Take a proactive approach to your projects and strive to impress your employer in every conceivable way. Continuously acquiring new skills that are valuable to the company is crucial. Additionally, building a strong network within your field by making professional connections and fostering friendships can significantly enhance your career prospects. By embodying these qualities, you can effectively demonstrate your value and potentially achieve the financial and professional rewards you seek.

ScoreHardware EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.7

Avg. Salary $104,912

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

4.8

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%

Asian 30.32%

Black or African American 6.33%

Hispanic or Latino 9.87%

Unknown 2.87%

White 50.17%

Gender

female 9.69%

male 90.31%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress Level

4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.0

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.5

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Hardware Engineer?

Pros

High demand for hardware engineers
High salary potential
Collaborate with cross-functional teams
Possibility of career advancement
Work with a dynamic and diverse team

Cons

Long hours and tight deadlines
Potential for isolation or working alone on projects
High level of detail-oriented work, requiring precision and accuracy
Limited job flexibility due to the specialized nature of the field
May require travel or relocation for project assignments

Newest jobs for Hardware Engineer in Columbus, OH

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Key steps to become a hardware engineer

Explore hardware engineer education requirements

Most common hardware engineer degrees

Bachelor's

69.3 %

Master's

17.0 %

Associate

9.0 %

Start to develop specific hardware engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Python	8.29%
RF	7.06%
PCB	5.98%
CAD	4.83%
Analog	4.72%

Complete relevant hardware engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New hardware engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a hardware engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real hardware engineer resumes.

Research hardware engineer duties and responsibilities

Manage multiple consultants designing Altera FPGAs for CMD.
Develop both JAVA and PythonQT GUI for managing searches.
Modify python scripts using SCPI commands to automate test equipment via GPIB interface.
Install, manage and maintain servers and workstations, both remotely and on-site.

Prepare your hardware engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your hardware engineer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a hardware engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Hardware Engineer Resume templates

Build a professional Hardware Engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Hardware Engineer resume.

Apply for hardware engineer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a hardware engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do hardware engineers rate their job?

1/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Hardware Engineer reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023

Pros

continuous learning

1.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020

Pros

Repairing rebuilding and diagnosising laptop and desktop computers. Along with trouble shooting and giving sound advice

Cons

Can't think of anything

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019

Pros

Hardware Design Engineer's are few intellectuals in a company who has exposure to all the aspects of product life cycle. It needs versatile knowledge of all most of the things. I feel passionate dealing with electronics components and analyzing them. It is a flexible job. It is a Real time job.

Cons

At times software development team questions on hardware design without looking the code running the stuff irritates Must have some knowledge of coding as well

What is a hardware engineer and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a Hardware Engineer?

What are the pros and cons of being a Hardware Engineer?

Newest jobs for Hardware Engineer in Columbus, OH

Hardware Engineer career paths

Key steps to become a hardware engineer

Explore hardware engineer education requirements

Most common hardware engineer degrees

Start to develop specific hardware engineer skills

Complete relevant hardware engineer training and internships

Research hardware engineer duties and responsibilities

Prepare your hardware engineer resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable Hardware Engineer Resume templates

Apply for hardware engineer jobs

How Did You Land Your First Hardware Engineer Job

Average hardware engineer salary

How do hardware engineers rate their job?

Hardware Engineer reviews

Hardware Engineer FAQs

How hard is it to become a computer hardware engineer?

How many years does it take to become a hardware engineer?

What are the skills required for a hardware engineer?

Search for hardware engineer jobs