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What work activities does a Computer Hardware Engineer do? Is Computer Hardware Engineer the right career path for you? What work activities does a Computer Hardware Engineer do? Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers. By solving complex problems in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology. Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology. Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed. Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements. Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system. 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. Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware. Provide training and support to system designers and users. Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration. Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data. Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process. Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction. Build, test, and modify product prototypes using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation. Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements. Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications. Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs. Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives. Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation. Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles. Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |