Computer Hardware Engineers
Architecture and Engineering
Days go to designing processors, support logic, custom circuits, and related equipment such as printers and disk drives, then proving the design with prototypes or computer simulations. Typical follow-on work is matching hardware to software needs, recording and analyzing test data, and writing the functional specifications that guide manufacturing and installation. The role also means briefing technicians and other teams and regularly updating skills as the technology changes. Suits people who like precise design work, careful testing against specs, and keeping pace with frequent technical change.
Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$161'740
Median Wage Market Position
$161'740
What you might do
- Design processors, circuits, and related hardware
- Build and test working hardware prototypes
- Analyze test data against design requirements
- Review how hardware and software interact
- Write specs that document the hardware
- Guide technicians during development and testing
Skills that matter
- Processor and custom-circuit design
- Prototype builds and simulation tests
- Functional specifications for new hardware
- Hardware-to-software requirement checks
- Fast learning of new computer technology
- Technical support across the product team
AI & the future of this role
Layout, simulation, and design iteration are increasingly tool-assisted, which may shrink demand for routine engineering tasks. Prototyping, manufacturing coordination, and novel architecture judgment still matter, yet much of the workflow sits on screens where automation gains are likely.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details