Journal Entry #9: Computer Hardware Engineer

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm#tab-1

Career Overview

Computer hardware engineering is a career that I find interesting. A computer hardware engineer develops, designs, and tests computer equipment. Examples of equipment that they design include circuit boards and computer chips. This career appeals to me because I have an interest in computers and technology and I like seeing the way things work. In addition, computer hardware engineers use chemistry, which is one of my favourite parts of science.
Hardware engineers use chemistry when designing and developing new computer chips or CPU’s because they have to know how silicon wafers work and the properties of silicon can be used to make the chip better. They also use chemistry when developing a new type of chip or integrated circuit as the properties of one material may be better for a CPU; rather than the GPU.

Education

The minimum education necessary to become a computer hardware engineer is a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is usually acceptable as well, however some large firms or companies may require a master’s degree in computer engineering. In addition, after getting the initial degree, computer hardware engineers have to continue their learning to keep up with advances in technology. In order to keep up with the advancements, many hardware engineers take ongoing education programs offered by trade groups and equipment vendors.

Work Environment & Lifestyle

Most computer hardware engineers work in offices or labs, which are usually comfortable places to work. The hardware engineers in the manufacturing industry may work for some time in factories overseeing production or repairing equipment. Hardware engineers usually work 40 hours a week although, they may work longer when deadlines are approaching. The work of computer engineers is usually not physically – demanding, however they may have stress to produce results due to the competitiveness of the computer industry. I think that a computer hardware engineer’s lifestyle would be decent since they don’t work long hours and they usually work in offices. Naturally, there may be stress from peers and employers, but it that is the same with most other jobs as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, computer hardware engineering is an interesting career, and I think that it may be a good career for me since I love technology, computers, science, and learning how things work.


"Computer Hardware Engineer." Careercruising.com. Career Cruising, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2012. <https://www.careercruising.com/Careers/JobDetails.aspx?LoginID=7b4b7ae4-7905-4e15-b934-19a6834ea26b-5&OccNumber=641&MM=0&field=AtaGlance>.

"Computer Hardware Engineers." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 09 Nov. 2012. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm>.