Computer Hardware Engineers

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.83
Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.80
Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.79
Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.77
Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.75
Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.73
Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.69
Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.68
Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.67
Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.67
Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.66
Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.64

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Provide training and support to system designers and users.63
Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.60
Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.57
Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.47
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.46
Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.42

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making66
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Analysis60
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Systems Analysis60
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation60
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Mathematics56
Using mathematics to solve problems.

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Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Operations Monitoring50
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Quality Control Analysis47
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Science47
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Persuasion41
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation41
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Technology Design41
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting41
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection38
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Programming38
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Negotiation31
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Equipment Maintenance28
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing28
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation22
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operation and Control19
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Computers and Electronics93
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology92
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design79
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics79
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language70
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Physics61
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Telecommunications53
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Education and Training48
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Production and Processing46
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management43
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Communications and Media35
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Administrative33
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Public Safety and Security32
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Law and Government31
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Customer and Personal Service30
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Personnel and Human Resources29
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Mechanical27
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Chemistry26
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Sales and Marketing26
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Economics and Accounting23
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Psychology18
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Transportation13
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Foreign Language12
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Biology10
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Medicine and Dentistry10
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Geography8
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sociology and Anthropology8
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Building and Construction6
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Philosophy and Theology6
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Therapy and Counseling6
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
History and Archeology4
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Problem Sensitivity72
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Category Flexibility63
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Originality63
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speech Clarity60
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

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Fluency of Ideas56
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Visualization56
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Mathematical Reasoning53
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility53
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Memorization44
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Finger Dexterity41
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Far Vision38
The ability to see details at a distance.
Visual Color Discrimination38
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Manual Dexterity31
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness28
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision28
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception22
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Trunk Strength13
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Extent Flexibility10
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Sound Localization3
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers97
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems92
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge87
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Analyzing Data or Information86
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information85
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Thinking Creatively85
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Processing Information83
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates81
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards79
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information76
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Documenting/Recording Information74
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events74
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work73
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment71
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Developing Objectives and Strategies66
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others66
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others66
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams63
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings60
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment60
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Scheduling Work and Activities59
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others58
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships58
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People57
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Training and Teaching Others54
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates53
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials53
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization51
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coaching and Developing Others48
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others47
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources46
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing Administrative Activities39
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units36
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Controlling Machines and Processes35
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Selling or Influencing Others32
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Assisting and Caring for Others28
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Handling and Moving Objects17
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public17
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Performing General Physical Activities17
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment12
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment12
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail89
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Innovation84
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Dependability79
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Intellectual Curiosity78
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Achievement Orientation71
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Adaptability67
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cautiousness60
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity59
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance55
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity50
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Initiative49
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Confidence47
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Stress Tolerance39
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Leadership Orientation34
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Cooperation33
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control23
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity17
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation16
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Empathy8
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism6
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility1
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic78
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative76
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional73
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising16
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic14
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social14
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day93%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours76%
- 40 hours24%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually61%
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time11%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day50%
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day79%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important59%
- Very important31%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important43%
- Very important50%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom31%
- Some freedom66%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day39%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom21%
- Some freedom66%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others34%
- Contact with others most of the time31%
- Contact with others about half the time31%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive19%
- Highly competitive59%
- Moderately competitive19%

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Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important52%
- Important26%
- Fairly important15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Important results38%
- Moderate results24%
- Minor results28%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never11%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important14%
- Very important25%
- Important32%
- Fairly important14%
- Not important at all14%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility21%
- Moderate responsibility46%
- Limited responsibility25%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)11%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)56%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)33%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated18%
- Moderately automated39%
- Slightly automated39%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility17%
- Moderate responsibility21%
- Limited responsibility34%
- No responsibility17%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious14%
- Serious36%
- Fairly serious21%
- Not serious at all21%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Important34%
- Fairly important45%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
- Never11%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually14%
- Less than half the time52%
- Never17%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time14%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time34%
- Never28%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never29%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time86%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month61%
- Never25%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never46%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)28%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)69%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time59%
- Never41%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never59%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never62%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never67%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never64%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month37%
- Never63%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never78%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never74%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never70%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all82%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time32%
- Never68%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never74%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time28%
- Never72%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never82%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time18%
- Never79%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never83%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never88%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never93%
Exposed to High Places
- Never93%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never93%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never97%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never96%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never96%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
MathWorks Simulink, Mentor Graphics LeonardoSpectrum, SAS, The MathWorks MATLAB
Desktop communications software
Eko
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes CATIA, PTC Creo Parametric, Xilinx ISE Foundation
Development environment software
C, Microsoft Visual Basic, National Instruments LabVIEW, Register transfer language RTL
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Oracle Java, Perl, Python
Operating system software
Cisco IOS, Linux, Shell script, UNIX
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, PCI Express PCIe, Structured query language SQL
File versioning software
Apache Subversion SVN, Git
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Pattern design software
Block diagram software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Program testing software
Windows kernel debuggers
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio
Information retrieval or search software
Internet search engine software
Compiler and decompiler software
Cadence Encounter RTL Compiler

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Update technical knowledge.
Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Create physical models or prototypes.
Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Prepare procedural documents.
Conduct validation tests of equipment or processes.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Analyze design requirements for computer or electronics systems.
Select project materials.
Advise customers on the use of products or services.

Show all 17 →

Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
Determine operational criteria or specifications.
Assemble equipment or components.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Hardware Engineer

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology