Nature of work
The main task that a hardware engineer do is dealing with the research, design, development, analysis and testing of computer hardware systems and components, from computer chips, central processing units (CPUs), circuit boards, microprocessors, modems and routers to printers, disk drives, and keyboards. His/her work typically includes testing, upgrading, and modifying computer components. He/she is also often responsible for overseeing the production and installation of computer systems and integration of components into hardware systems. His/her work can sometimes include development of the software that controls the hardware systems, specifying configurations and power supply requirements for hardware systems, and devising different ways to make computers work better and consume less electricity. When He/she is not designing and testing new hardware systems, He/she analyzes existing hardware to isolate inefficiencies and flaws, and then recommends improvements and integrate new components into the systems, and He/she performs new tests to ensure that they meet efficiency and quality standards and requirements. Environment of work
A Computer hardware engineer usually works in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models. Most work in high-tech manufacturing firms. Some work in computer systems design firms, research and development firms, or for the government. Most work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models.A hardware engineers typically works at hardware manufacturing firms, industrial plants, and in research laboratories. He/she designs and develops prototypes of advanced hardware systems and usually oversees the manufacturing process, integration and evaluation. Often He/she trains and supervises technical staff and provides technical support on projects.
Professional life
Employment of computer hardware engineers is expected to increase slower than the average for all occupations. A limited number of engineers will be needed to meet the demand for new computer hardware because more of the innovation in computers now takes place with software than with hardware. Most job growth is expected to occur in computer consulting firms as manufacturers increasingly contract out the design of hardware. This will allow hardware engineers to work more closely with software developers when designing computer products.Engineers who have a higher-level degree and knowledge or experience with computer software will have the best job prospects. If He/she opts for self-employment, a hardware engineer usually makes house calls and performs repair work on hardware. To work as an independent hardware engineer and offer services directly to clients, He/she must be licensed by a professional body. Range of typical starting salaries: 45000 SYP.
Getting the job
An applicant for this job must typically have at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, which is a requirement for most jobs in the industry. Some hardware engineers enter the field with a degree in electrical or electronic engineering, which are related branches. The main difference is that hardware engineers deal only with hardware and computer systems.A master's degree can be required for a hardware engineer if he/she are pursuing employment opportunities at major engineering companies and big consultancy firms.
Skills
A candidate should show evidences of some skills. For example, a hardware engineer must be good at creative and analytical thinking as His/her work usually involves evaluation of the effectiveness of hardware, computer components, and designs, for the purpose of isolating defects, providing specifications for components, and recommending changes or replacement of parts. The key skills for the profession include programming skills, hardware troubleshooting skills, operations analysis, technology design, quality control analysis, and an excellent knowledge of electronic circuitry, computer networking and related equipment, and various hardware systems. Also, a hardware engineer must be good at technical writing, both as designers and as hardware testers, as He/she usually needs to submit reports after performing tests. A contractor who repairs computers needs excellent communication skills as he/she needs to be able to explain to his⁄ her clients what the problem is and how it can be fixed. More than anything, a hardware engineer needs to have a keen interest in technology and the rapid changes and developments in the industry, and he/she must be exceptionally adaptable to the new tools, systems, and technologies. Sources and references
If a candidate needs any further information on what is included in this file, He/she can visit the following websites: www.computer.org, The IEEE Computer Society is the world's premier organization of computing professionals
www.ace-acet.org, The Association of Computer Engineers and Technicians
The Order of syrian engineers, Damascus, Tel: 6627256
www.arab-eng.org, Arab Engineers Forum.
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.
Summary
A Computer hardware engineer researches, designs, develops, and tests computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers. By solving complex problems in computer hardware, this engineer creates rapid advances in computer technology.
A computer hardware engineer ensures that computer hardware components work together with the latest software developments. Therefore, a hardware engineer sometimes works with software developers.