What skills does a computer hardware engineer need?

A computer hardware engineer needs 61 essential skills including hardware platforms, electricity principles, engineering principles, design drawings, mathematics. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace computer hardware engineer jobs?

The AI disruption score for computer hardware engineer is 60/100 (high risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Science & ResearchScience and engineering professionalsISCO 2152

computer hardware engineer

Computer hardware engineers design and develop computer hardware systems and components, such as circuit boards, modems, and printers. They draught blueprints and assembly drawings, develop and test the prototypes, and supervise the production process.

About computer hardware engineer

As a computer hardware engineer, you will design, develop, and test advanced computer systems and components that form the foundation of modern technology. Your work involves creating detailed blueprints and assembly drawings, developing prototypes, conducting rigorous testing to ensure reliability and performance, and overseeing the production process. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, research emerging technologies, and ensure that designs meet environmental regulations and industry standards.

This role is essential in the rapidly evolving technology sector, where innovation in hardware directly impacts computing capabilities across industries. You may specialize in areas such as circuit board design, processor architecture, or peripheral devices. Poland's growing tech manufacturing presence offers excellent career prospects, with opportunities to progress into senior engineering, project management, or research positions. Your contributions will influence the performance and efficiency of devices used worldwide.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a computer hardware engineer.

Hardware Design and Development

Draft detailed design drawings and blueprints for circuit boards, processors, and peripheral components
Apply engineering principles and mathematics to optimize hardware performance and efficiency
Select appropriate hardware materials and components based on specifications and environmental considerations

Prototyping and Testing

Develop and build prototype hardware systems to validate design concepts
Conduct comprehensive hardware testing using specialized methods and equipment
Identify performance issues, bottlenecks, and design flaws through systematic testing protocols

Research and Technical Documentation

Conduct literature research to stay current with emerging hardware technologies and standards
Draft scientific and technical papers documenting design methodologies and research findings
Manage research data and maintain detailed technical documentation for design iterations

Production Oversight and Quality Assurance

Supervise manufacturing and assembly processes to ensure adherence to design specifications
Verify compliance with environmental legislation and safety standards throughout production
Implement quality control measures and troubleshoot production issues

Compliance and Standards Management

Ensure designs comply with international network standards and computer engineering specifications
Assess and mitigate environmental threats posed by hardware manufacturing processes
Document compliance certifications and maintain records of design validations

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (61)

hardware platformshardware platformsThe characteristics of the hardware configuration required to process the applications software product.electricity principleselectricity principlesElectricity is created when electric current flows along a conductor. It entails the movement of free electrons between atoms. The more free electrons are present in a material, the better this materi...engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.design drawingsdesign drawingsThe drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...hardware componentshardware componentsThe essential components that make up a hardware system, such as liquid-crystal displays (LCD), camera sensors, microprocessors, memories, modems, batteries and their interconnections.hardware testing methodshardware testing methodsThose processes in which hardware components or systems are tested, such as the system test (ST), the ongoing reliability test (ORT), and the in-circuit test (ICT).hardware materialshardware materialsThe characteristics, applications and environmental effects of materials used to develop hardware.printed circuit boardsprinted circuit boardsPrinted circuit boards (PCB) are essential components to almost all electronic devices. They consist of thin wafers or substrates on which electronic components, such as microchips, are placed. The el...environmental legislationenvironmental legislationThe environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.environmental threatsenvironmental threatsThe threats for the environment which are related to biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological, and physical hazards.computer engineeringcomputer engineeringEngineering discipline that combines computer science with electrical engineering to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineering occupies itself with electronics, software design, and...electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.network standardsnetwork standardsRegulated standards that provide the technical guidelines, specifications, and requirements to ensure safe and efficient interoperability between devices, software, equipment, and organisations. Netwo...computer technologycomputer technologyComputers, computer networks and other information technologies and equipment that can store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data.hardware architectureshardware architecturesThe designs laying out the physical hardware components and their interconnections.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...conduct literature researchconduct literature researchConduct a comprehensive and systematic research of information and publications on a specific literature topic. Present a comparative evaluative literature summary.interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.perform data analysisperform data analysisCollect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...conduct quality control analysisconduct quality control analysisConduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.adjust engineering designsadjust engineering designsAdjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.test hardwaretest hardwareTest computer hardware systems and components using appropriate equipment and testing methods, such as the system test (ST), the ongoing reliability test (ORT), and the in-circuit test (ICT). Monitor ...use technical drawing softwareuse technical drawing softwareCreate technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.analyse test dataanalyse test dataInterpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...read engineering drawingsread engineering drawingsRead the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.design prototypesdesign prototypesDesign prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.model hardwaremodel hardwareModel and simulate computer hardware using technical design software. Assess the viability of the product and examine the physical parameters to ensure a successful production process.design hardwaredesign hardwareDesign and develop new computer hardware systems and components. Draft blueprints and assembly drawings specifying how the computer equipment should be build.abide by regulations on banned materialsabide by regulations on banned materialsComply with regulations banning heavy metals in solder, flame retardants in plastics, and phthalate plasticisers in plastics and wiring harness insulations, under EU RoHS/WEEE Directives and China RoH...write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.report analysis resultsreport analysis resultsProduce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as...operate scientific measuring equipmentoperate scientific measuring equipmentOperate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...prepare production prototypesprepare production prototypesPrepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.approve engineering designapprove engineering designGive consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...

Optional (69)

ErlangErlangThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Erlang.SAS languageSAS languageThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in SAS language.Ruby (computer programming)Ruby (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Ruby.Common LispCommon LispThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Common Lisp.LispLispThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Lisp.Visual BasicVisual BasicThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Visual Basic.Java (computer programming)Java (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Java.computer programmingcomputer programmingThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms (e.g. object oriented programming, functional programming) a...Prolog (computer programming)Prolog (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Prolog.OpenEdge Advanced Business LanguageOpenEdge Advanced Business LanguageThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in OpenEdge Advanced Business Language.JavaScriptJavaScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in JavaScript.electrical engineeringelectrical engineeringThe field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.PerlPerlThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Perl.Smalltalk (computer programming)Smalltalk (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Smalltalk.PHPPHPThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in PHP.Assembly (computer programming)Assembly (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Assembly.microelectronicsmicroelectronicsMicroelectronics is a subdiscipline of electronics and relates the study, design, and manufacture of small electronic components, such as microchips.C#C#The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C#.RRThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in R.GroovyGroovyThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Groovy.ASP.NETASP.NETThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ASP.NET.APLAPLThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in APL.scientific computingscientific computingThe interdisciplinary field between computer science, mathematics and engineering. It concerns the employment of technical approaches and theoretical frameworks, and the use of computers, to address i...CAE softwareCAE softwareThe software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.Microsoft Visual C++Microsoft Visual C++The computer program Visual C++ is a suite of software development tools for writing programs, such as compiler, debugger, code editor, code highlights, packaged in a unified user interface. It is dev...TypeScriptTypeScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in TypeScript.quality standardsquality standardsThe national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.Objective-CObjective-CThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Objective-C.ML (computer programming)ML (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ML.AJAXAJAXThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in AJAX.C++C++The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C++.SAP R3SAP R3The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in SAP R3.Swift (computer programming)Swift (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Swift.MATLABMATLABThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in MATLAB.Python (computer programming)Python (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Python.Scratch (computer programming)Scratch (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scratch.mechatronicsmechatronicsMultidisciplinary field of engineering that combines principles of electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering in the ...VBScriptVBScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in VBScript.COBOLCOBOLThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in COBOL.Pascal (computer programming)Pascal (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Pascal.ABAPABAPThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ABAP.ScalaScalaThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scala.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.design firmwaredesign firmwareDesign the appropriate firmware to a specific electronic system.align software with system architecturesalign software with system architecturesPut system design and technical specifications in line with software architecture in order to ensure the integration and interoperability between components of the system.perform test runperform test runPerform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, ...define manufacturing quality criteriadefine manufacturing quality criteriaDefine and describe the criteria by which data quality is measured for manufacturing purposes, such as international standards and manufacturing regulations.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.create technical planscreate technical plansCreate detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.use CAM softwareuse CAM softwareUse computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.coordinate engineering teamscoordinate engineering teamsPlan, coordinate and supervise engineering activities together with engineers and engineering technicians. Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments. Make sure the te...draft bill of materialsdraft bill of materialsSet up a list of materials, components, and assemblies as well as the quantities needed to manufacture a certain product.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.implement anti-virus softwareimplement anti-virus softwareDownload, install and update software to prevent, detect and remove malicious software, such as computer viruses.apply technical communication skillsapply technical communication skillsExplain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.install operating systeminstall operating systemInstall the operating system (OS) or software that manages the software resources and computer hardware on a computer system. The operating system is an essential component of any computer system and ...install softwareinstall softwareInstall machine-readable instructions, such as computer programs, in order to direct the computer's processor to perform a certain set of actions.program firmwareprogram firmwareProgram permanent software with a read-only memory (ROM) on a hardware device, such as an integrated circuit.build business relationshipsbuild business relationshipsEstablish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the orga...maintain safe engineering watchesmaintain safe engineering watchesObserve principles in keeping an engineering watch. Take over, accept and hand over a watch. Perform routine duties undertaken during a watch. Maintain the machinery space logs and the significance of...train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...process customer ordersprocess customer ordersHandle orders placed by customers. Receive the customer order and define a list of requirements, a working process, and a time frame. Execute the work as planned.perform resource planningperform resource planningEstimate the expected input in terms of time, human and financial resources necessary to achieve the project objectives.develop product designdevelop product designConvert market requirements into product design and development.HaskellHaskellThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Haskell.firmwarefirmwareFirmware is a software program with a read-only memory (ROM) and a set of instructions that is permanently inscribed on a hardware device. Firmware is commonly used in electronic systems such as compu...CoffeeScriptCoffeeScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in CoffeeScript.assemble hardware componentsassemble hardware componentsAssemble the necessary hardware components, such as the motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), hard drive, disk drive, power supply unit, RAM, PCI card, mouse, keyboard, cameras and other necessa...