Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, and 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.

Job Task

• Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
• Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
• Build, test and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed using 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.
• 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.
• 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, analyzing and recording test data.
• Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
• Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
• 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.
• 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.
• Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.

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