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Computer hardware designer vs senior computer engineer

The differences between computer hardware designers and senior computer engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a computer hardware designer and a senior computer engineer. Additionally, a computer hardware designer has an average salary of $134,713, which is higher than the $127,660 average annual salary of a senior computer engineer.

The top three skills for a computer hardware designer include CAD, PCB and FPGA. The most important skills for a senior computer engineer are C++, CAD, and infrastructure.

Computer hardware designer vs senior computer engineer overview

Computer Hardware DesignerSenior Computer Engineer
Yearly salary$134,713$127,660
Hourly rate$64.77$61.38
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs59,58042,662
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

Computer hardware designer vs senior computer engineer salary

Computer hardware designers and senior computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer Hardware DesignerSenior Computer Engineer
Average salary$134,713$127,660
Salary rangeBetween $95,000 And $189,000Between $94,000 And $173,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyAppleApple
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between computer hardware designer and senior computer engineer education

There are a few differences between a computer hardware designer and a senior computer engineer in terms of educational background:

Computer Hardware DesignerSenior Computer Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityHarvard University

Computer hardware designer vs senior computer engineer demographics

Here are the differences between computer hardware designers' and senior computer engineers' demographics:

Computer Hardware DesignerSenior Computer Engineer
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 79.3% Female, 20.7%Male, 88.3% Female, 11.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.5% Asian, 30.0% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 29.7% White, 50.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between computer hardware designer and senior computer engineer duties and responsibilities

Computer hardware designer example responsibilities.

  • Generate synthesis reports and automate simulation using Perl scripts.
  • Optimize design, permitting implementation in a cheaper FPGA.
  • Redesign most of the FPGA circuitry dedicate to this reflection.
  • Provide concept drawings, proof of concept / prototyping, creating manufacturing drawings, and field support.
  • Work as a team member to gather, classify, and document the software, hardware, and firmware requirements.
  • Perform design specification and RTL implementation of functional units and 2D imaging memory controllers.
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Senior computer engineer example responsibilities.

  • Design, develop and manage networking software (UNIX, C/C++).
  • Lead software design, integration, and system performance analysis for IP switch.
  • Manage the relocation of accounts' technical infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations.
  • Design and develop automation framework using python and perforce API to automate daily integration work.
  • Replace the old legacy CISCO switches and routers, and taclanes, with newer models and/or softwareupgrades.
  • Convert IC designs/schematics to meet critical deadline.
  • Show more

Computer hardware designer vs senior computer engineer skills

Common computer hardware designer skills
  • CAD, 24%
  • PCB, 19%
  • FPGA, 16%
  • RF, 10%
  • Python, 9%
  • Hardware Development, 4%
Common senior computer engineer skills
  • C++, 19%
  • CAD, 12%
  • Infrastructure, 6%
  • Perl, 5%
  • Linux, 5%
  • Java, 5%

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