What does a computer hardware developer do?
Computer hardware developers handle the physical aspect of computers. The developers research, design, and manufacture test computer systems and components. They make sure that they function to their full capacity with the software they are being used with. Their duties include designing new computer hardware, manufacturing computer equipment schematics, analyzing the test results, and modifying the design of the new hardware as needed. They update the already existing computer equipment so it works with new software and oversee every step of the manufacturing process.
Computer hardware developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer hardware developer resumes:
- Work in LabView to control instruments and automate tests.
- Analyze and manage the project throughout SDLC, written/review specification documents.
- Experience in optimizing high-speed real-time ASIC design.
- Modify firmware DSP algorithms to optimize power consumption.
- Perform signal quality on the L4 cache signals.
- Design a test system using Java for the traffic-sign detection algorithm.
- Design a clock with music ring on FPGA using Verilog language.
- Implement VHDL code for decoding port80 write data from LPC to I2C bus.
- Provide hardware design services that involve electronics design, PCB layout and BOM management.
- Develop and implement VHDL code to test for fabrication and assembly defects in UWB development kits.
- Project responsibilities for design conformance to UL, CSA and IEC industry safety standards for patient-connect instruments.
- Develop a user interface for real time board testing of FPGA systems using RS232 (serial) communication.
- Image laptop drives and computers for rapid restore back to a clean OS state to maintain control testing environment.
- Develop Perl scripts to bin tests according to the error messages, to auto compare with the AEM simulation.
- Assist in verification testing, desense testing, and troubleshooting of other RF sub-systems such as GSM, and WCDMA.
Computer hardware developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 37% of Computer Hardware Developers are proficient in Firmware, Hardware Development, and Python. 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 Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Firmware, 37%
Scheduled meeting on regular basis for code and firmware specification review, developed system verification and qualification for engineering platform.
- Hardware Development, 24%
Traffic data collection device hardware development, fabrication and assembly !
- Python, 13%
Performed algorithm tests to check correctness using scripting languages such as Python.
- Design Verification, 8%
Developed test bench code for design verification through simulation with ModelSim.
- C++, 6%
Used C++ to develop a UNIX socket based server on Linux.
- Java, 2%
Designed a test system using Java for the traffic-sign detection algorithm.
Common skills that a computer hardware developer uses to do their job include "firmware," "hardware development," and "python." You can find details on the most important computer hardware developer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer hardware developer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what computer hardware developers do because "computer hardware engineers use computer programming tools to analyze the digital circuits in hardware to determine the best design." Additionally, a computer hardware developer resume shows how computer hardware developers use analytical skills: "traffic data collection device hardware development, fabrication and assembly ! "
Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer hardware developer duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them." According to a computer hardware developer resume, here's how computer hardware developers can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "reported and resolved bugs in python code and xml rfc-822 format national institute of health - sharepoint [ ] development -. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for computer hardware developers to perform their duties. For an example of how computer hardware developer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "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." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a computer hardware developer: "developed a user interface for real time board testing of fpga systems using rs232 (serial) communication. ".
The three companies that hire the most computer hardware developers are:
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Compare different computer hardware developers
Computer hardware developer 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between computer hardware developers and design verification engineer. For instance, computer hardware developer responsibilities require skills such as "mechanical design," "firmware," "hardware development," and "risc." Whereas a design verification engineer is skilled in "uvm," "architecture," "perl," and "debug." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Design verification engineers tend to make the most money working in the start-up industry, where they earn an average salary of $162,166. In contrast, computer hardware developers make the biggest average salary, $111,631, in the technology industry.design verification engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than computer hardware developers. In fact, design verification engineers are 6.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computer hardware developer 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 developer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "mechanical design," "firmware," "hardware development," and "risc." Meanwhile, a verification engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "uvm," "architecture," "object oriented programming," and "perl." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Verification engineers may earn a higher salary than computer hardware developers, but verification engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $109,698. On the other hand, computer hardware developers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $111,631.In general, verification engineers achieve similar levels of education than computer hardware developers. They're 3.4% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer hardware developer 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.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer hardware developer resumes include skills like "mechanical design," "firmware," "hardware development," and "python," whereas an associate customer engineer is more likely to list skills in "pos," "troubleshoot hardware," "emc," and "laser printers. "
Most associate customer engineers achieve a lower degree level compared to computer hardware developers. For example, they're 18.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer hardware developer vs. Hardware engineering internship
Types of computer hardware developer
Updated January 8, 2025
