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What is a hardware test engineer and how to become one
Hardware test engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and executing plans to test computer hardware systems. They establish test tool requirements, record test results, and fix bugs in the hardware. They also design test plans and test cases to validate new products and improve on the existing ones. Hardware test engineers earn a median sum of $98,000 annually or $47 per hour.
Hardware test engineers are tasked with providing technical support to technicians for various testing activities and developing tests and debugging tools to analyze hardware systems' functionality. They develop new test procedures and enhance existing ones to ensure products' reliability and usability, as well as prepare plans for validation methods, tools, and processes for various tests.
Hardware test engineers mostly hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer or electrical engineering, or a related field. However, gaining a master's degree in one of these areas with some years of experience in test development or connected environment may prove advantageous in some instances. Some employers prefer candidates with in-depth knowledge of visual basic and understanding of electrical engineering basics.
What general advice would you give to a hardware test engineer?
Dr. Arif Engin
Professor and Chair, San Diego State University
Avg. Salary $108,602
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%
Asian 30.58%
Black or African American 5.12%
Hispanic or Latino 10.19%
Unknown 2.88%
White 50.79%
Genderfemale 8.32%
male 91.68%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Hardware test engineer career paths
Key steps to become a hardware test engineer
Explore hardware test engineer education requirements
Start to develop specific hardware test engineer skills
Skills Percentages Python 11.29% Test Equipment 6.65% C++ 5.53% Troubleshoot 4.82% RF 4.38% Complete relevant hardware test engineer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New hardware test engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a hardware test engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real hardware test engineer resumes.Research hardware test engineer duties and responsibilities
- Enter and manage BOM in database for same cards.
- Generate synthesis reports and automate simulation using Perl scripts.
- Create python base programs to test release firmware and data recovery tools for data analysis.
- Support hardware and firmware engineers with cable and test jig assembly and PCB repairs.
Prepare your hardware test engineer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your hardware test engineer resume.
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Build a professional hardware test engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your hardware test engineer resume.
Apply for hardware test engineer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a hardware test engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first hardware test engineer job
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Average hardware test engineer salary
The average hardware test engineer salary in the United States is $108,602 per year or $52 per hour. Hardware test engineer salaries range between $82,000 and $142,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do hardware test engineers rate their job?
Hardware test engineer reviews
continuous learning
Repairing rebuilding and diagnosising laptop and desktop computers. Along with trouble shooting and giving sound advice
Can't think of anything
Hardware Design Engineer's are few intellectuals in a company who has exposure to all the aspects of product life cycle. It needs versatile knowledge of all most of the things. I feel passionate dealing with electronics components and analyzing them. It is a flexible job. It is a Real time job.
Updated January 8, 2025
