Hardware engineering is a field that deals with the design, fabrication, and testing of physical electronic devices. These devices can include everything from smartphones and laptops to medical equipment and airplanes. In this article, we will explore the key benefits of studying hardware engineering and help you decide if it is the right field for you.
What is Hardware Engineering?
Hardware engineering, or electronic engineering, is a career that deals with the design, development, and fabrication of electronic systems and components. In addition to designing and creating circuits and devices, hardware engineers may also be responsible for overseeing the manufacturing process.
Hardware engineers typically possess a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering or another related field. They are often required to hold a professional certification such as the Certified Electronic Engineer (CEE). Many employers also prefer candidates with experience working with CAD software programs.
What are the job responsibilities of a Hardware Engineer?
A hardware engineer designs, manufactures, and tests electronic components and systems. They must have extensive knowledge in electrical engineering, computer science, and manufacturing processes. Hardware engineers typically work in collaboration with other engineers in a team setting to develop new products or improve existing ones. They may also work on projects that are solely their responsibility.
What is required to become a Hardware Engineer?
Hardware engineering is a difficult and technical field. Before you can become a hardware engineer, you’ll likely need an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field. You’ll also need to have strong math skills and experience working with computers. You’ll need to be able to design and build electronic devices from scratch. And, of course, you’ll need to have excellent problem-solving skills. If you have all of these qualifications, you’re on your way to becoming a successful hardware engineer.
What are the education requirements for a career in Hardware Engineering?
There are generally two types of education you need if you want to become a hardware engineer: an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field, and a certification or degree from a hardware engineering program.
The minimum undergraduate degree you need to be a hardware engineer depends on your country of residence, but in general, you will need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
You may also need to obtain certification from the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), which is an internationally recognized certification body for engineers in Canada. The EIC requires that candidates pass an exam consisting of questions from both theory and practice areas.
Once you have completed your undergraduate degree and/or certification, you will want to consider whether you want to pursue a hardware engineering program. These programs typically require two years of full-time study, although some may offer part-time studies as well. Programs will also require you to pass either the EIC certification examination or a qualifying exam.
The pay and benefits of a career in Hardware Engineering
Hardware engineering is a lucrative and in-demand career, with average salaries ranging from $92,000 to $130,000 per year. In addition to excellent pay and benefits, hardware engineers enjoy job security and opportunities for growth. Jobs in hardware engineering are available in both private and public industries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of hardware engineers is expected to grow by about 15 percent through 2024. The BLS projects that there will be an increasing need for hardware engineers as the population ages and more people adopt electronic devices.
The many benefits of a career in hardware engineering include:
Excellent pay and benefits: The median annual salary for hardware engineers was $92,270 in May 2016. The highest paid 10 percent earned over $130,840, while the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $64,060. In addition to excellent pay, hardware engineers enjoy job security and opportunities for growth.
The median annual salary for hardware engineers was $92,270 in May 2016. The highest paid 10 percent earned over $130,840, while the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $64,060.
The job market for Hardware Engineers
Hardware engineering is a growing field, with many companies looking for engineers who can design and create new hardware solutions. With the increasing popularity of mobile devices and the need for more reliable systems, there is a great deal of opportunity for Hardware Engineers.
Some common tasks that Hardware Engineers are responsible for include designing and creating electronic circuits, overseeing the manufacturing process, and troubleshooting malfunctions. In addition to these core responsibilities, Hardware Engineers need to be highly skilled in computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as have knowledge of materials science and manufacturing.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in Hardware Engineering, there are a number of schools that offer programs that will help you develop the skills you need. Many companies also offer internships and apprenticeships, which can give you firsthand experience working on real-world projects.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great things about careers in hardware engineering. Working on projects that have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives is really rewarding, and being able to help shape the future of technology is an amazing feeling. That said, it’s important to be aware of all the factors that can influence your career choice before you make one. Do your research carefully and weigh up all the pros and cons before making a decision.