Computer Hardware Engineers

• Build, test, and modify product prototypes using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
• Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
• Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.
• 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.
• Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
• Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
• Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
• Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
• Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
• Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
• Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
• Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
• Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
• Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Hardware Engineers.

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Hardware Engineers.