What Does a Hardware Engineer Do? Your 2026 Guide

Key takeaways

Hardware engineers ensure that computer systems and their physical components function optimally by testing and updating equipment.

• Hardware engineers earn a median total pay of $149,000 per year [1].

• Many hardware engineers work for automotive or technology companies, including Meta, Apple, and Google.

• You can earn a bachelor’s degree in computer, hardware, or electrical engineering to help you prepare for many hardware engineer roles. 

Learn more about this in-demand role, including common job responsibilities, tools you’ll use, required skills, and what you need to land a job. If you’re ready to develop your skills, consider enrolling in the IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate. You can learn how to write back-end applications with object-oriented programming languages in as little as six months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career credential to share on your resume and LinkedIn profile. 

What do computer hardware engineers do? 

Hardware engineers, also known as computer hardware engineers, develop and troubleshoot computer hardware. As a hardware engineer, you’ll also oversee component installation and the manufacturing process, find ways to improve upon existing equipment, and recommend equipment or updates based on user needs. 

While you’ll focus primarily on hardware, software still plays a part in hardware engineering, as you’ll ensure the hardware is compatible with the latest software. This responsibility requires frequent collaboration with others within the IT department, such as software engineers or developers. And because hardware and software development often coincide, you’ll need to remain adaptable and ready to make changes according to the software development process.

Read more: Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: How the Jobs Differ

Hardware engineer tasks and responsibilities 

As a hardware engineer, some duties you can expect to handle include: 

• Analyzing blueprints and technical drawings

• Reviewing system tests and performing updates as needed

• Implementing the latest systems and processes, and ensuring everyone follows them

• Monitoring the manufacturing and assembly of hardware equipment

• Acting as the technical leader in product development

What tools do computer hardware engineers use?

Hardware engineers require physical and software tools to handle computer design. Some physical tools a hardware engineer may need include:

• Tweezers

• Calipers

• Power supplies

• Soldering station with flux and flux remover

• Multimeter

• Other electronic assembly tools

On the software side, some useful tools may include:

• PCB design software

• Altium Designer

• Autodesk Fusion

• GitLab

• Microsoft Excel

• KiCad

Hardware engineer salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, the median total pay for hardware engineers in the US is $149,000 per year [1]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

The demand for computer hardware engineers is higher than average compared to other careers in the US. Between 2024 and 2034, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts 7 percent growth and an average of 4,700 job openings per year [2]. 

What skills do you need to become a hardware engineer? 

To be a successful hardware engineer, you’ll need diverse programming and product development skills. Some typical skills to hone on your pathway to becoming a hardware engineer include:

• Python

• Radio frequency (RF)

• C and C++ programming

• Circuit and system design

• Communication and collaboration

• Problem-solving

• Critical and analytical thinking

• Knowledge of analog systems

Is it hard to become a hardware engineer?

Becoming a hardware engineer is achievable with the right dedication and interest level. You’ll likely want to earn a bachelor’s degree in a computer engineering or information technology field. You’ll also want to learn programming languages. Equipped with this educational background and knowledge, you can enjoy a rewarding career as a hardware engineer that challenges your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Required qualifications, education, and certifications

You may choose from several paths to become a computer hardware engineer, but having an outline can help. With the proper education, qualifications, experience, and certifications, you may be on the fast track to landing this role. Explore the path that you might take to enter this field below. 

Education

To land a computer hardware engineer job, you’ll usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in fields like computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering. It’s also helpful if the engineering program you graduate from has professional accreditation like ABET, a quality assurance organization supporting various STEM professions. Here is a breakdown of the percentage of types of degrees that hardware engineers hold [3]:

• Associate: 9 percent

• Bachelor’s: 69 percent

• Master’s: 17 percent

Certifications

Certifications, while generally optional for hardware engineers, can showcase your abilities and desire to continue learning. They can also make you more marketable as you look for a job and could help you obtain a higher salary. The following are some certifications to consider: 

• Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)

• CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification 

• Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD)

Experience

After graduating from school, your path to becoming a hardware engineer starts with gaining experience. You can do so as a volunteer, in an internship, or even in an entry-level role involving computer hardware, such as a hardware design assistant. You may also participate in engineering clubs or hackathons to get more hands-on projects and skill development opportunities. You can generally expect to spend six to 12 months in an entry-level role before you’re ready to start on-the-job training to become a hardware engineer. 

Where you can work as a hardware engineer

Technology is constantly changing, so hardware engineers are needed across various industries and companies. That said, some are more likely to seek these professionals than others. To discover which industries and companies hire the most computer hardware engineers, continue reading. 

Companies that hire hardware engineers

Generally, automotive and technology companies hire the largest number of hardware engineers. The top five hiring companies, along with the average base salary they offer, include the following [4]: 

• Meta: $153,814

• Apple: $144,233

• X (formerly Twitter): $143,204

• Google: $139,374

• Cloudflare: $138,477

Common industries for hardware engineers

Some industries have a higher demand for hardware engineers than others. According to the BLS, five industries employing the highest percentage of hardware engineers include [5]: 

• Computer systems design and related services (16 percent)

• Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (17 percent)

• Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing (21 percent)

• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing (4 percent)

• Federal government (7 percent)

Hardware engineer career advancement

A hardware engineer role may be a good first step if you plan to advance your engineering career. Some higher positions you can land after gaining experience in hardware engineering jobs include:

• Senior hardware engineer

• Engineering manager

• IT operations manager

• VP of engineering

• Director of hardware engineering

Find resources to prepare for a hardware engineering career

Stay on top of industry trends and gain career insight by subscribing to Career Chat, our LinkedIn newsletter. Then, check out these additional resources to broaden your knowledge:

• Expand your skills: How to Use Range in Python 

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz? 

• Watch on YouTube: Is Tech Worth It? The TRUTH About Technology Careers 

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