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Computer Hardware Engineers - 17-2061.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Hardware Engineer
  • Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Field Service Engineer
  • Network Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Systems Integration Engineer

SOC Occupation Groups

17-0000 Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2000 Engineers
17-2060 Computer Hardware Engineers
17-2061.00 Computer Hardware Engineers

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
  • Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
  • Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
  • Build, test, and modify product prototypes using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
  • Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
  • Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
  • Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
  • Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
  • Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
  • Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
  • Provide training and support to system designers and users.
  • Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
  • 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.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
  • Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
  • Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
  • Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.

Detailed Work Activities

  • advise clients or customers
  • advise clients regarding engineering problems
  • analyze engineering design problems
  • analyze engineering problems in electronics manufacturing
  • analyze engineering test data
  • analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
  • analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
  • analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
  • analyze test data
  • calculate engineering specifications
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • communicate technical information
  • compile numerical or statistical data
  • compute production, construction, or installation specifications
  • conduct performance testing
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • confer with research personnel
  • consult with managerial or supervisory personnel
  • coordinate engineering project activities
  • coordinate manufacture of electrical or electronic equipment
  • coordinate production maintenance activities
  • create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
  • delegate authority for engineering activities
  • design computer hardware or software interface
  • design control systems
  • design electro-mechanical equipment
  • design electronic equipment
  • design engineered systems
  • design hardware or software systems
  • determine specifications
  • develop computer performance standards
  • develop mathematical simulation models
  • develop or maintain databases
  • develop plans for programs or projects
  • develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
  • develop tables depicting data
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • direct personnel in support of engineering activities
  • draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
  • estimate cost for engineering projects
  • estimate time needed for project
  • evaluate computer system user requests or requirements
  • evaluate costs of engineering projects
  • evaluate engineering data
  • evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
  • evaluate product design
  • evaluate prototype computer software systems
  • examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
  • explain complex mathematical information
  • follow data security procedures
  • follow data storage procedures
  • follow manufacturing methods or techniques
  • follow safe waste disposal procedures
  • follow statistical process control procedures
  • improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
  • lead teams in engineering projects
  • make presentations
  • modify electrical or electronic equipment or products
  • oversee testing or construction of prototype
  • plan testing of engineering methods
  • prepare reports
  • prepare technical reports or related documentation
  • provide analytical assessment of engineering data
  • provide technical computer training
  • provide technical support to computer users
  • read blueprints
  • read manufacturing outlines for electronic products
  • read schematics
  • read technical drawings
  • recommend purchase, repair, or modification of equipment
  • resolve engineering or science problems
  • sell merchandise
  • test computer programs or systems
  • test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
  • understand detailed electronic design specifications
  • understand engineering data or reports
  • use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
  • use computer graphics design software
  • use computer networking technology
  • use computer programming language
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
  • use government regulations
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use knowledge of mainframe computers
  • use long or short term production planning techniques
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use project management techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
  • use robotics systems technology
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
  • use technical regulations for engineering problems
  • use total quality management practices
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • work as a team member
  • write business project or bid proposals
  • write product performance requirements

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • ADP Production Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Developmental Engineer, Computer Systems (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Fire Controlman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Management, Data Systems Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Systems Automation Acquisition and Engineering (Army - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Electronics Engineer