What does a hardware test engineer do?
A hardware test engineer is an IT professional who is responsible for designing, implementing, and executing plans to test computer hardware systems. Hardware test engineers must collaborate with design engineers and the program team to plan the execution of test plans through the entire product development cycle. They are required to develop technical specifications for testers and accepting test equipment from vendors. Hardware test engineers should also be highly knowledgeable in programming languages such as Python and C++.
Hardware test engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real hardware test engineer resumes:
- 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.
- Develop test cases using selenium to integrate hardware and web services so automation are possible.
- Conform to ISO manufacturing standards and work instructions.
- Apply Bluetooth testing and application on cellular phone products.
- Perform continuous integration of code and scripts using Jenkins.
- Develop and maintain verification tests for NPI and return HW components.
- Perform failure analysis of on-drive C/C++ code and host python code.
- Modify production design files for PCB, schematic or bill of materials.
- Learned thru-hole and SMT soldering skills and test/debug skills thru prototyping process.
- Develop test plans and procedures for testing GUI for valve control software.
- Conduct tests at product level as per UL, EMC and CE requirements.
- Programme and navigate system software running on embed Linux systems and control via UNIX environments.
Hardware test engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Hardware Test Engineers are proficient in Python, Test Equipment, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Hardware Test Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 11%
Develop complex automation script using Python and Shell programming Language within Wind River framework.
- Test Equipment, 7%
Designed HALT lab from infrastructure to individual Test equipment installation.
- C++, 6%
Developed Test Programs using C and C++.
- Troubleshoot, 5%
Collaborated with cross-functional teams of hardware and software engineers to help debug and troubleshoot initial prototype products.
- RF, 4%
Tested high-end core routers and switches for RF emissions and immunity to transient phenomena in electromagnetic environments.
- Data Analysis, 4%
Performed data analysis on the test results to determine pass/fail status of the requirements.
Most hardware test engineers use their skills in "python," "test equipment," and "c++" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential hardware test engineer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a hardware test engineer 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." Hardware test engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed failure analysis and generated failure analysis reports on field and reliability failures. "
Communication skills. Many hardware test engineer duties rely on communication skills. "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.," so a hardware test engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways hardware test engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "target test code required development for & communication between 3 devices over usb & serial links. "
Problem-solving skills. hardware test engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to hardware test engineer responsibilities, because "computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them." A hardware test engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "conducted technology trend and impact on test hardware and created hardware development justification, resulting in implementing timely solutions. "
The three companies that hire the most hardware test engineers are:
- Google18 hardware test engineers jobs
- Navistar5 hardware test engineers jobs
- International Trucks
5 hardware test engineers jobs
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Compare different hardware test engineers
Hardware test engineer vs. Engineering associate
An engineering associate is an individual whose job duties include analysis of project plans, development of product designs, and maintenance of equipment. The engineering fields where an engineering associate can find a job include civil, mechanical, and environmental. The requirements to qualify for the position include obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering, familiarity with a specific industry, prior work experience related to the field, and possessing strong technical skills.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a hardware test engineer are more likely to require skills like "test results," "analog," "test reports," and "test automation." On the other hand, a job as an engineering associate requires skills like "cad," "project management," "ul," and "technical reports." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Engineering associates earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $88,950. On the other hand, hardware test engineers are paid more in the automotive industry with an average salary of $109,635.On average, engineering associates reach similar levels of education than hardware test engineers. Engineering associates are 0.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Hardware test engineer vs. Senior computer engineer
A senior computer engineer's main goal is to conduct research and design different types of computer hardware and software systems. They must know to manage servers and create automation in projects. They should also know how to resolve network issues and troubleshoot problems.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real hardware test engineer resumes. While hardware test engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "test equipment," "troubleshoot," and "data analysis," senior computer engineers use skills like "cad," "infrastructure," "apple," and "eda."
Senior computer engineers earn a higher average salary than hardware test engineers. But senior computer engineers earn the highest pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $137,685. Additionally, hardware test engineers earn the highest salaries in the automotive with average pay of $109,635 annually.senior computer engineers earn higher levels of education than hardware test engineers in general. They're 6.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Hardware test engineer 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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, hardware test engineers are more likely to have skills like "c #," "troubleshoot," "data analysis," and "analog." But a design verification engineer is more likely to have skills like "uvm," "architecture," "soc," and "debug."
Design verification engineers earn the highest salary when working in the start-up industry, where they receive an average salary of $162,166. Comparatively, hardware test engineers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $109,635.Most design verification engineers achieve a higher degree level compared to hardware test engineers. For example, they're 15.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Hardware test engineer 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.
Types of hardware test engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
