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What is a system hardware engineer and how to become one
System Hardware Engineers are responsible for the development of numerous useful products. Products like new video game consoles, improvements to phones, and smart automotive systems.
Hardware engineers don't often work alone. Instead, they work full-time in research labs and tech firms. They work alongside software engineers and other professionals in designing and testing developed hardware.
A hardware engineer makes blueprints and other models before starting the buildup process using the project specifications. They test components and modify them as necessary throughout the development process.
System Hardware Engineers often use the tools like Altium Designer, C++, Verilog, Linux, etc. They are often required to have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field to qualify for the job.
A system hardware engineer must have analytical, teamwork, multitasking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They are paid roughly $115,000 annually, with the salary ranging from $66,000 to $177,000.
What general advice would you give to a system hardware engineer?
Fred Garber Ph.D.
Professor, Electrical Engineering, Wright State University
In you article, I would ask that you address the following:
Number of employers looking to fill and number of job offerings in the region (by engineering and computer science major) compared to last year and to the previous five years.
Any noticeable differences in job descriptions Zippia is receiving relative to work environment, benefits, starting salaries, etc.
Many of our soon-to-graduate students would be very interested in these quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Additionally, vast numbers of potential students would benefit from such information to guide their career choices.
Avg. Salary $117,196
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%
Asian 29.71%
Black or African American 7.10%
Hispanic or Latino 9.57%
Unknown 2.86%
White 50.32%
Genderfemale 9.21%
male 90.79%
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
System hardware engineer career paths
Key steps to become a system hardware engineer
Explore system hardware engineer education requirements
Start to develop specific system hardware engineer skills
Skills Percentages System Design 7.14% RF 5.66% Analog 5.31% Linux 4.63% Debugging 4.48% Complete relevant system hardware engineer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New system hardware 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 system hardware engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real system hardware engineer resumes.Research system hardware engineer duties and responsibilities
- Implement, manage, monitor and troubleshoot backup policies and services.
- Initiate and lead IP development program, identify IP white spaces.
- Manage prototyping, orchestrate 1st-article approval process with suppliers and IBM, and resolve mechanical and heat-sink thermal issues.
- Develop and manage technical procedures for quality control to comply with ISO laboratory accreditation.
Apply for system hardware engineer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a system hardware 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
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Average system hardware engineer salary
The average system hardware engineer salary in the United States is $117,196 per year or $56 per hour. System hardware engineer salaries range between $81,000 and $167,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do system hardware engineers rate their job?
System hardware engineer reviews
continuous learning
low scale pay which is not so good for the years of experience
Can't think of anything
Repairing rebuilding and diagnosising laptop and desktop computers. Along with trouble shooting and giving sound advice
At times software development team questions on hardware design without looking the code running the stuff irritates Must have some knowledge of coding as well
Updated January 8, 2025
