What does a system hardware engineer do?
A systems hardware engineer specializes in designing and developing computer hardware components and systems. Part of their job is to conduct research and analyses, create prototypes, implement test structures, identify and solve issues, perform upgrades and modifications, and develop strategies to optimize systems operations. There are also times when they provide technical support to staff by resolving issues and providing guidelines and manuals. Moreover, a systems hardware engineer usually works in a team environment, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
System hardware engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real system hardware engineer resumes:
- 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.
- Review and approve PCB layouts, drawings and ATP for a multitude of RF subassemblies.
- Develop FPGA using VHDL with 3'd party IP cores.
- Review customer PCB design schematic and layout.
- Architect and code DSP servo system for focus & tracking control.
- Configure, install, maintain, test, and troubleshoot hardware systems.
- Install, configure, and test a number of Linux distributions for developmental servers.
- Perform hardware bringup and debugging with the use of logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzer.
- Install Linux OS on the IBM server and test PMA boards at the server level.
- Optimize Altera FPGA logic for RGB to VGA critical system performance issues and propose alternate video synchronization.
- Work with vendors, manufacturing, diagnostic, firmware, software, ASIC, and HW etc.
- Work on creating schematics and work closely with PCB layout engineer in designing an ultra-low form factor board.
System hardware engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of System Hardware Engineers are proficient in System Design, RF, and Analog. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of System Hardware Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- System Design, 7%
Provided software system requirement specification, system design, system implementation and system testing for next generation cellular system.
- RF, 6%
Designed, qualified and developed improved assemblies, modules and components for MRI imaging system RF and computer systems.
- Analog, 5%
Designed ECL, TTL, CMOS, and Analog boards.
- Linux, 5%
Installed Windows Enterprise Server and other Operating Systems (OS), SUSE LINUX, in VMWARE ESX.
- Debugging, 4%
Perform engineering verification testing and debugging of updated products using digital oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and assorted basic test equipment.
- Circuit Design, 4%
Circuit design for test systems, lighting suppression, voltage and current emulators and custom battery charge/ discharge system.
Common skills that a system hardware engineer uses to do their job include "system design," "rf," and "analog." You can find details on the most important system hardware engineer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a system hardware engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "computer hardware engineers use computer programming tools to analyze the digital circuits in hardware to determine the best design." Additionally, a system hardware engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "supported defense intelligence agency in using advanced visualization tools for analysis and strategic/crisis planning. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform system hardware engineer duties is communication skills. System hardware engineers responsibilities require 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." System hardware engineers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "verify that voice rf communication coverage meet 20 nautical mile requirement"
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for system hardware engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how system hardware engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a system hardware engineer: "lead the hardware development team to deliver, on schedule, the complete hardware solution for the ibm x336 server. ".
The three companies that hire the most system hardware engineers are:
- Microsoft20 system hardware engineers jobs
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory10 system hardware engineers jobs
- Apple9 system hardware engineers jobs
Compare different system hardware engineers
System hardware 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a system hardware engineer are more likely to require skills like "system design," "analog," "level troubleshooting," and "circuit design." On the other hand, a job as a design verification engineer requires skills like "python," "uvm," "design verification," and "architecture." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Design verification engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the start-up industry, with an average yearly salary of $162,166. On the other hand, system hardware engineers are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $118,363.design verification engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than system hardware engineers. In fact, design verification engineers are 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.System hardware 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.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that system hardware engineer responsibilities requires skills like "system design," "level troubleshooting," "circuit design," and "pcb." But a verification engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "python," "uvm," "architecture," and "object oriented programming."
On average, verification engineers earn a lower salary than system hardware engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, verification engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $109,698. Whereas system hardware engineers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $118,363.In general, verification engineers achieve similar levels of education than system hardware engineers. They're 3.1% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for system hardware engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Michael Rudisill
Department Head and Professor of Engineering Technology, Northern Michigan University
System hardware engineer vs. Electronics engineer
An electronics engineer specializes in designing and developing electronic components and systems, ensuring efficiency in all aspects. They are primarily responsible for conducting tests and maintenance for systems, identifying any faults or inconsistencies, and performing corrective measures right away. Moreover, an electronics engineer must coordinate with clients to consult them on their needs and meet with other skilled engineers to ensure optimal quality of equipment. An electronics engineer may also perform administrative tasks, mainly to produce progress reports and presentations, manage schedules, and craft instructional written materials for all electronic systems.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, system hardware engineers are more likely to have skills like "design reviews," "soc," "hw," and "visualization." But a electronics engineer is more likely to have skills like "power electronics," "test equipment," "electronic equipment," and "electronic circuits."
Electronics engineers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $103,397. Comparatively, system hardware engineers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $118,363.electronics engineers typically earn lower educational levels compared to system hardware engineers. Specifically, they're 9.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.System hardware engineer vs. Principal engineer
A principal engineer is responsible for monitoring the overall design phase of the construction process, including coordinating with the client for progress and updates, as well as performing adjustments as needed based on clients' specifications and requirements. Principal engineers also inspect the materials and resources used to ensure that the project stays within the budget goals and set timeframe. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in preparing reports and training new staff.
Types of system hardware engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
