What does a computer hardware designer do?
Computer hardware designer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer hardware designer resumes:
- 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.
- Collaborate with micro-architecture and RTL team to identify opportunities for product improvement and exploration.
- Participate in architecture selection and electrical design of the low-noise and cost-effective bluetooth-base prototype.
- Design and fabricate prototype, interface, and evaluation circuits for assistance in product development.
- Work on multinational projects as leading team member developing image processing and inter processor communication VHDL models.
- Establish a comprehensive understanding of various technical instruments and devices, especially FPGAs, microprocessors and microcontrollers.
- Support manufacturing department in maintaining and debugging design problems so that critical delivery schedules are met on time.
- Document product specifications, review schematics and layouts, perform debugging and design validation testing, maintain BOM and user documentations.
- Coordinate antenna operations, repair, troubleshoot and inspect the antenna subsystems in assuring antenna is operational on a continuous basis.
- Execute Matlab simulation efforts to streamline algorithm development
Computer hardware designer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 24% of Computer Hardware Designers are proficient in CAD, PCB, and FPGA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Problem-solving skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Hardware Designers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CAD, 24%
Design CAD files, laser-cut the plywood and acrylic, 3D printing the mechanism.
- PCB, 19%
Company's Business : Navigation and tracking devices Trading and ManufacturingMy Activity : AVR Programmer and PCB Designer
- FPGA, 16%
Established a NiosII processor on Cyclone FPGA.
- RF, 10%
Implemented digital signal processing theory in development of IF band digital RF memory for electronic warfare systems.
- Python, 9%
Utilized Python to program an unmanned autonomous vehicle.
- Hardware Development, 4%
Lead the hardware development team to deliver, on schedule, the complete hardware solution for the IBM x336 server.
"cad," "pcb," and "fpga" are among the most common skills that computer hardware designers use at work. You can find even more computer hardware designer responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a computer hardware designer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "computer hardware engineers use computer programming tools to analyze the digital circuits in hardware to determine the best design." Computer hardware designers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "lead rapid proto-typing of pcb's through trace routing, inspection, analysis and small-scale manufacturing. "
Problem-solving skills. Another essential skill to perform computer hardware designer duties is problem-solving skills. Computer hardware designers responsibilities require that "computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them." Computer hardware designers also use problem-solving skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "performed failure analysis on issues seen in manufacturing and in the field and provided solution to resolve the issue. "
Communication skills. computer hardware designers are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to computer hardware designer responsibilities, because "engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers, software developers and programmers, as well as with nontechnical team members." A computer hardware designer resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "performed compliance testing and verification on serial communication protocols, including pcie and usb. "
The three companies that hire the most computer hardware designers are:
Compare different computer hardware designers
Computer hardware designer vs. Design verification engineer
A design verification engineer is responsible for running diagnostic tests on project outputs and adjusting methodologies as needed to achieve high-quality deliverables according to clients' specifications and business requirements. Design verification engineers create efficient techniques to improve products and services by utilizing various system tools and applications. They also design engineering protocols by analyzing previous test designs and calibrating them with the team. A design verification engineer must have excellent technical skills, as well as highly-communicative and organizational, especially on meeting deadlines and working under minimal supervision.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer hardware designer are more likely to require skills like "cad," "hardware development," "control systems," and "altera." On the other hand, a job as a design verification engineer requires skills like "uvm," "design verification," "architecture," and "perl." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
On average, design verification engineers reach higher levels of education than computer hardware designers. Design verification engineers are 10.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer hardware designer vs. Verification engineer
A verification engineer is responsible for running quality tests to the production processes to ensure high-quality outputs according to business requirements and client specifications. Verification engineers develop testing methodologies, inspect tools and equipment, and creating instructional manuals. They also resolve inconsistencies within the process, calibrating technical mechanisms, and identifying areas of improvement to enhance efficiency and build accurate deliverables. A verification engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in monitoring progress and coordinating with clients for necessary plan adjustments.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer hardware designer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "cad," "pcb," "hardware development," and "control systems." Meanwhile, a verification engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "uvm," "architecture," "object oriented programming," and "design verification." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, verification engineers achieve higher levels of education than computer hardware designers. They're 7.3% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer hardware designer vs. Associate customer engineer
When it comes to a hardware engineering internship, an intern's primary responsibility is to perform support tasks while gathering industry insights. Typically following the directives of a manager or senior engineer, an intern may assist in developing and assembling components, participate in the installation and repair of facilities, and conduct maintenance checks and tests while under the supervision of a more experienced engineer. An intern may also perform clerical tasks such as processing documents, maintaining records, managing information databases, organizing supplies and materials, and running other errands.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a computer hardware designer is likely to be skilled in "cad," "pcb," "fpga," and "rf," while a typical associate customer engineer is skilled in "linux," "unix," "pos," and "troubleshoot hardware."
Associate customer engineers typically earn lower educational levels compared to computer hardware designers. Specifically, they're 14.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer hardware designer vs. Hardware engineering internship
Types of computer hardware designer
Updated January 8, 2025
