Nick Edstrom

Mr. Kocsis
CAD/ Pre-Engineering
14 April, 2015
Computer Hardware Engineer
A Computer Hardware Engineer is an engineer that designs and
constructs components that go into a computer. While jobs in this field are
not abundant, the average salary for a computer engineer is about
$110,000. The average computer engineer has a degree in computer
science.
There are many different duties that a computer engineer has to
accomplish throughout their day. One of which is to update knowledge and
skills to keep up with the rapid advancements in computer technology. Every
year new computer technology is released that makes the previous
technology obsolete. It is the job of a computer engineer to stay up to date
on the modern technology that is being used in their profession. Another
responsibility of the computer engineer is to build, test and modify products
and prototypes and provide feedback on each product. Also, a computer
engineer must write the specifications of a product that they are developing.
Computer engineers must also confirm that each of the components of their
part must meet the requirements of the other parts in the computer as to not

conflict with the interacting parts. Also, interactions between the hardware
and software of the computer must meet certain specifications so the parts
do not conflict with the software on the computer in the finished product.
Computer engineers must have knowledge of certain subjects that
pertain to the engineering of the computer. The most obvious skill set
required to be a successful computer engineers is knowledge of computers
and electronics. Mathematics also plays a large part in the engineering of
computer parts. Mathematics is used in calculations and specifications of the
design of the component of the computer. A bachelors degree is all that is
needed to become a computer hardware engineer. Usually that degree is
specifically in computer science.
While the pay is very good, the desire for new computer hardware
engineers is not very high at this point. There are currently only 24,000 job
openings in this field in America. Getting a job in this field would be very
difficult especially in Michigan.
Computer hardware engineering would be a very interesting field for
me to go into. I am very interested in the components of computers and how
the interact and operate. Designing computer parts would be a very fun
profession and the pay would be acceptable as well.