Hardware engineering refers to designing, developing, testing, and upgrading computer systems and related physical components. It also extends to embedded systems, which explains why hardware engineers often collaborate with software engineers. These professionals oversee the manufacturing process of different hardware components and analyze system data for the proper modification of hardware configuration.
In case you are eyeing a hardware engineering job or looking for a new workplace, we have something for you. Our article will focus on the roles and responsibilities of hardware engineers as well as the requirements, i.e., education, experience, and skills. We also intend to help you with your job application, which explains the two resume examples and a detailed resume FAQ section in our article. Let’s find out more about this role!
Hardware Engineer Job Description
Hardware engineers are responsible for developing and installing the computer and electrical systems hardware components. These professionals design base hardware systems, analyze computers’ performance data, troubleshoot systems, install technical hardware components, and collaborate with software engineers on different projects. They also enhance upgraded systems’ functionality by modifying their hardware platforms.
To succeed as a hardware engineer, one needs excellent analytical, equipment maintenance, thermal management, and hardware interfacing skills. Working well under pressure, meeting deadlines, and collaborating with software development teams are necessary requirements to succeed as a hardware engineer.
Hardware Engineer Roles and Responsibilities
- Designing, installing, and updating hardware components for both computer and electrical systems
- Designing and developing electronic-related hardware components in collaboration with software engineering/ development teams, e.g., controllers, sensors, and processors
- Overseeing/ supervising the manufacturing process of different hardware components
- Making hardware configuration changes based on systems data analysis results
- Testing final products to gauge functionality and performance
- Collaborating with relevant teams to design computer-related products such as smart devices and routers
- Ensuring that hardware components function as required
- Testing hardware components independently and together with external computer systems
- Drafting accurate and updated documentation for finished systems and computer components
- Readily offering technical support for computer and related components’ hardware issues
- Abiding by all industry-standard processes and procedures in the dispensation of duties
- Liaising with other engineers in the execution of projects and performance of duties
- Successfully implementing new designs in collaboration with vendors and hardware suppliers
- Recommending new hardware designs and making follow-ups
- Ensuring that new technologies and systems are efficiently deployed in collaboration with software development teams
- Training and supervising junior engineers to ensure reliability and excellent performance
- Regularly collaborating with different cross-functional design teams, i.e., hardware and mechanical teams
- Analyzing different users’ needs and recommending the best hardware
- Diagnosing and troubleshooting failed computer storage devices, e.g., solid-state devices
- Facilitating the growth of computer technology through new designs and hardware upgrades
Hardware Engineer Required Knowledge and Skills
- In-depth understanding of computer software, hardware, and electrical systems
- Ability to identify and troubleshoot problems in a system setup
- Ability to collaborate with different teams and departments, e.g., software development
- Analytical thinking skills
- Understanding of firmware
- Attention to details
- Excellent thermal management skills
- Hardware interfacing skills
- Understanding of PCB layouts
- Excellent troubleshooting skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Attention to details
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to meet strict deadlines
- Excellent analytical skills
- Simulation software proficiency
- Ability to maintain electrical and testing equipment
- Knowledge of database systems
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of database systems
- Excellent networking skills
- Coding and programming ability
- Ability to think critically
- Ability to design, test, and analyze board designs
- Excellent engineering design skills
- Proficiency in programming languages, e g C, C++
- Understanding of Verilog
- High creativity levels
- Understanding of embedded systems
- Excellent time management skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Understanding of signal integrity
- In-depth understanding of the computer architecture
Hardware Engineer Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or any related field
- Proven experience as a hardware engineer or in a relevant position
- Experience working in team settings
- Relevant industry certifications
Hardware Engineer Salary
Engineering is quite lucrative, and Glassdoor estimates that these professionals make roughly $102,000 annually. Companies such as Google and NVIDIA pay much more, with the former’s hardware engineers making $207,000+ and the latter approximately $187,000 annually. It’s, therefore, safe to say that the salary range for most hardware engineers lies between $100,000- $200,000.
Hardware Engineer CV Example 1
John Allan
Physical address: 3050 Telegraph Drive, San Jose, California, 98067
Email address: allanjohn17@gmail.com
Phone number: (450) 789- 8654
Personal Profile
Licensed hardware engineer with 10+ years of experience developing, designing, and testing hardware components for computer and electrical systems. Professional hardware technician with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills ready to create quality specifications and documentation for computer systems and oversee the manufacturing of hardware components. Experienced team player willing to collaborate with software development teams to successfully develop, design, and test embedded systems.
Work Experience
07/2016- 09/2022, Senior Hardware Engineer, Jerusalem Heights Technologies, Tampa, FL
- Offered direct support to the hardware engineering manager of a 26M+ computer hardware firm
- Supported ongoing design tasks and projects across three departments, i.e., software, production, and mechanical
- Coordinated different departments’ efforts for the achievement of 98% of project deadlines
- Offered accurate technical information to stakeholders in close collaboration with the 10-member documentation team
- Reviewed 50+ designs to ensure compatibility with existing and proposed products
- Reviewed engineering drawings and documentation created by seven engineers; making corrections where necessary
- Coordinated with the 5-member quality assurance team to ensure that new products met set quality standards; improving customer satisfaction by 18%
- Used computer-aided design to create computer models for 70+ products
- Built and maintained excellent relationships with 10+ vendors to ensure a timely supply of production materials
05/2016- 06/2019, Hardware Engineer, Philip & Lloyd Inc, San Jose, California
- Successfully designed and built computer-related hardware for a $20M technology firm
- Completed performance and functionality tests on 100+ final products
- Mentored a team of 7 junior hardware engineers on computer simulations design for prototypes evaluation
- Collaborated with three other hardware engineers in the regular designing of 6+ computer-related products’ hardware, e.g., smart devices and routers
- Successfully tested new 3G and 4G baseband processors using well-designed and developed daughter card and USB/USB OTG
- Collaborated with a 13-member engineering team to monitor software and hardware performance
- Recommended, developed, and implemented a streamlined hardware repair and replacement procedure, saving the company $50,000 annually on repair costs
- Built and maintained excellent professional working relationships with 10+ vendors and hardware suppliers for the successful implementation of new designs
02/2014- 03/2016, Hardware Engineering Intern, Blue View Technologies, Pasadena, California
- Developed and analyzed hardware-related solutions for a $12M company under the supervision of an experienced hardware engineer
- Used PowerPoint to present and communicate project summaries to internal stakeholders regularly
- Contributed to the development of 3 user documentations, i.e., product markings, safety labels, and instruction bulletins
- Expressed high creativity levels in hardware design and system optimization, earning the best intern award of the year in 2015
- Attended at least three hardware engineering fairs/conferences yearly to maintain knowledge of hardware engineering trends and technology
- Tested 50+ complete computer hardware models and reported findings to the engineering team
- Performed regular updates of computer equipment to ensure 100% compatibility with new software
Education
- 03/2008- 11/2013, Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
- 05/2005- 08/2007, High School Diploma, San Jose Senior High School, San Jose, California
Skills
- Languages
- English
- French
- Croatian
Technical Skills
- Analytical
- Computer architecture
- Embedded systems
- PCB Layout
- Hardware interfacing
- Circuit design
- Signal integrity
- Verilog
- Thermal management
- Firmware
- Serial Peripheral Interface
- Simulation software proficiency
Soft Skills
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Organization
- Verbal and written communication
- Creativity
- Active listening
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Attention to details
- Teamwork
- Speaking
Certifications
- 08/19, PMI Certified Associate in Project Management, Project Management Institute
- 05/13, Microsoft Technology Associate, Microsoft
Hardware Engineer CV Example 2
Rose Alford’s
Physical address: 813 Alta Loma Drive, South San Francisco, California, 93080
Email address: rosealfords17@gmail.com
Phone number: (320) 890- 6453
Personal Profile
Experienced hardware engineer with excellent troubleshooting and hardware design skills ready to design, develop and maintain different hardware components for the organization of engagement. Certified professional with 10+ years of experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to successfully design and develop embedded and complete computer systems. Analytical thinker with in-depth knowledge of computer software, hardware, and electrical systems willing to go the extra mile for workplace enhancement.
Work Experience
06/2019- 08/2022, Hardware Engineering Manager, Fountain Height Technologies, Boulder, Colorado
- Directed all aspects of hardware engineering activities of a $25M technology firm
- Ensured 100% conformity of hardware engineering processes, initiatives, and projects with the firm’s established objectives and policies
- Reviewed and approved testing and QA procedures, leading to high-quality products and a 10% increase in customer satisfaction
- Facilitated the transformation of 50+ new product designs into mass production in collaboration with other engineering departments
- Offered technical assistance and support to 3 departments, i.e., engineering, manufacturing, and quality
- Trained 10+ junior engineers and technicians on innovation, product design, and testing, reducing work-related errors by 20%
- Built and maintained excellent relationships with ten vendors and contracted manufacturers for timely hardware design
03/2017- 07/2019, Senior Hardware Engineer, Boulder Group of Companies, Los Angeles, CA
- Actively contributed to the firm’s 7% increase in annual profits by ensuring all products were prototyped to suit market demands
- Identified 10+ applications capable of benefitting the company’s products through extensive research on new technologies
- Improved customer satisfaction by 15% by analyzing their feedback and making product changes based on their wishes
- Ensured that all new products met the right quality standards in coordination with five production teams
- Closely worked with seven vendors to ensure the availability of new production materials at any given time
- Trained five junior hardware engineers on how to use computer-aided design software to create excellent computer models of new products
09/2012- 10/2016, Hardware Engineer, Luke & Brian Technologies, San Diego, CA
- Liaised with the 8-member quality assurance team to perform functionality and performance tests on 60+ final products
- Regularly designed and upgraded hardware systems for 10+ computer-related products, including smart devices and routers
- Used excellent teamwork skills to collaborate with five software developers and two software engineers for embedded systems development
- Performed regular maintenance of hardware systems, reducing overall equipment downtime by 30%
- Created a detailed repository for common hardware-related issues resolution techniques, reducing hardware-related queries and troubleshooting requests from employees by 40%
Education
- 03/2007- 05/2012, Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology, South Dakota State University
- 03/2004- 05/2006, San Francisco Senior High School, San Francisco, California
Skills
- Languages
- English
- Croatian
- Dutch
Technical Skills
- Verilog
- Hardware interfacing
- Analytical
- Embedded systems
- Thermal management
- PCB Layout
- Computer architecture
- Signal integrity
- Circuit design
- Serial Peripheral Interface
- System control
- Schematic capture
Soft Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Active listening
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Leadership
Certifications
- 09/2015, Cisco Certified Technician, Cisco
- 08/2012 Engineer in Training Certification, California State Engineering Board
Hardware Engineer Resume Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
1. Which Technical Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
As a highly technical field, hardware engineering requires specialized knowledge and expertise. So, if you need the best resume, here are some of the worth of technical skills including: excellent analytical skills, serial Peripheral Interface skills, proficiency in simulation software through understanding of computer architecture, schematic capture, Verilog proficiency, and thermal management.
Additional skills include an understanding of computer firmware and embedded systems, circuit design skills, testing equipment operation and maintenance, MATLAB, system control, computer engineering, signal integrity, PCB Layout, debugging, and understanding of application-specific integrated circuits. Review the job listing and find out precisely what the hiring manager needs.
2. Which Soft Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
Every hardware engineer requires specific non-technical skills that can help them work well and interact with others. These usually reflect their work ethics, communication style, and work style. For the best resume, here are some of the best options: excellent time management skills, ability to solve problems, high levels of creativity, attention to detail, organization skills, verbal and written communication skills, high levels of adaptability, active listening and speaking skills.
Additional soft skills include critical thinking, decision-making, stress management, the ability to work under pressure, teamwork, leadership, openness to criticism, creativity, persuasion, resourcefulness, conflict management, and strategic thinking skills. Note that some of these are transferable and apply to almost every position.
3. Which Keywords Should I Include in My Resume?
Your hardware engineering resume should have specific phrases and words describing job requirements. They can be values, abilities, skills, or expertise the recruiter needs in a candidate. Here are some of the most common keywords for this position: embedded systems, Printed Circuit Board layout/ design, debugging, hardware architecture, simulations, MATLAB, Verilog, circuit design, serial Peripheral Interface, simulation software, VDHL, electrical engineering, ASIC (Application-specific integrated circuits) and FPGA (Field-programmable gate arrays)
Additional keywords include hardware design, documentation, analog, Python, C, Linux, Digital, prototype design, schematics, troubleshooting, analysis, hardware, MS Office, etc. Ensure you review the job description once more to find the keywords needed for the job you are applying for.
4. Which Hardware Engineer Certifications Should I Pursue and Include in My Resume?
Here are some of the best hardware engineer certifications worth including in your resume:
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ -This certification covers various aspects of It networks, concepts, infrastructure, databases, software, applications, and security, thereby acting as a good foundation for anyone interested in an IT-related career. Some of the certifications offered include server+, A+, and fundamentals+.
- Microsoft Technology Associate – The Microsoft Technology Associate Certification is one of the best credentials for anyone new to IT or hardware engineering. It covers several IT platforms, components, and software. Some topics to expect include mobility, HTML and HTML, databases, IT development, security, cascading style sheets (CSS), HTML5, Python, JavaScript, and operating systems.
- Cisco Certified Technician Certification -The Cisco Certified Technician Certification validates the ability to test, repair, diagnose, and replace given Cisco networks, system elements, and devices. It is divided into two, i.e., routing and switching and data center. Datacenter covers all networking, service equipment, and replacement fundamentals. It also validates the ability to identify interfaces, components, accessories, and interfaces.
Routing and switching cover routers, switches, and Cisco-operating environments’ on-site support and maintenance.
- Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT)- The ACMT certification is one of the best Apple hardware certifications you can obtain. It covers repairing, troubleshooting, restoring, and replacing different Apple platforms and devices. However, one must pursue AppleCare technician training. Apple offers access to learning materials to holders of this credential whenever new devices enter the market.
Other certifications worth considering include Systems Security Certified Practitioner and BISCI technician certifications.
5. What are the Benefits of Pursuing and Including the Right Certifications in My Resume?
There are several reasons to pursue and include certifications in your resume. First, you get the chance to show the hiring manager that you have practical experience in a given area of expertise, verify your skill set, and advance your career. Other reasons include standing out from other candidates, commanding a higher salary, and staying competitive in the market. All you need to do is pursue the proper certifications and include a certification section in your resume, and you will be good to go.