A computer hardware engineer, also known as a hardware engineer or computer engineer, is a professional who designs, develops, and tests computer systems and related hardware components. These engineers are essential in the technology industry as they play a crucial role in creating the physical infrastructure that enables computers and digital devices to function effectively. Here’s an overview of what computer hardware engineers do and the steps to become one:

Roles and Responsibilities of Computer Hardware Engineers:

1. Designing Hardware: Computer hardware engineers are responsible for designing various hardware components, including central processing units (CPUs), memory modules, motherboards, graphics cards, and input/output devices.
2. Research and Development: They conduct research to stay updated with the latest technological advancements and work on developing new hardware technologies, such as faster processors or more efficient cooling systems.
3. Prototyping and Testing: Hardware engineers create prototypes and test hardware components to ensure they meet performance, reliability, and safety standards. This often involves troubleshooting and diagnosing issues.
4. Collaboration: They work closely with software engineers, electrical engineers, and other professionals to ensure that hardware and software components are compatible and work seamlessly together.
5. Product Development: Hardware engineers may be involved in the entire product development cycle, from initial concept to manufacturing and quality assurance.
6. Cost Analysis: They assess the cost of hardware components and recommend cost-effective solutions that meet performance requirements.
7. Documentation: Keeping detailed records of design specifications, test results, and troubleshooting procedures is essential for hardware engineers.

Steps to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer:

1. Educational Background:
   • Start with a strong educational foundation by earning a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Some computer hardware engineers also pursue master’s degrees or Ph.D. programs for advanced research and development roles.
2. Gain Relevant Skills:
   • Develop skills in computer architecture, digital circuit design, electronics, and programming languages like C and C++. Knowledge of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software for designing and simulating hardware components is also valuable.
3. Hands-On Experience:
   • Gain practical experience by working on personal hardware projects, internships, or entry-level positions related to computer hardware.
4. Certifications (Optional):
   • Consider pursuing industry certifications to enhance your credentials. Certifications like CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ can provide a solid foundation for hardware-related roles.
5. Build a Portfolio:
   • Create a portfolio showcasing your hardware design projects and accomplishments. This can be invaluable when applying for jobs or internships.
6. Apply for Entry-Level Positions:
   • Start your career by applying for entry-level positions such as hardware engineer, hardware technician, or electronics engineer. These roles provide hands-on experience and opportunities for skill development.
7. Continuing Education:
   • Stay current with industry trends and technologies by attending workshops, conferences, and pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees if desired.
8. Networking:
   • Build a professional network by joining engineering organizations, attending industry events, and connecting with professionals in the field.

Computer hardware engineering is a dynamic and evolving field that offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies. Whether you’re interested in designing CPUs, graphics cards, or embedded systems, a career as a computer hardware engineer can be both intellectually rewarding and financially lucrative.

A career in computer networking can be both rewarding and in high demand, given the increasing reliance on technology and connectivity in today’s world. Here’s a guide to building a career in computer networking:

1. Education and Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Start with a bachelor’s degree in a related field like computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or network engineering. These programs typically cover the fundamentals of computer networking.
• Certifications: Consider obtaining industry-standard certifications that can boost your credentials and demonstrate your expertise. Popular certifications include:
  • CompTIA Network+: A foundational certification covering network basics.
  • Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): Focuses on Cisco networking technologies.
  • CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional): An advanced certification for Cisco networking professionals.
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Focuses on network security.
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Focuses on auditing, control, and assurance of information systems.
  • Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP): Focuses on wireless networking.

2. Practical Experience:

• Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Look for internships or entry-level roles in networking, such as network technician, IT support, or help desk roles. These positions provide hands-on experience and exposure to real-world networking challenges.
• Home Labs: Create a home lab environment to experiment with networking technologies. You can use old equipment or virtualization software to build and test network configurations.

3. Networking Skills and Knowledge:

• Networking Protocols: Develop a deep understanding of networking protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and more.
• Network Design: Learn how to design network architectures, considering factors like scalability, redundancy, and security.
• Routing and Switching: Gain expertise in routing and switching technologies, including configuring routers and switches.
• Network Security: Understand network security principles and best practices to protect against cyber threats.
• Wireless Networking: Familiarize yourself with wireless networking technologies and best practices.
• Cloud Networking: Learn how to manage networks in cloud environments like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

4. Specialization:

• Consider specializing in a specific area of networking, such as network security, cloud networking, wireless networking, or data center networking. Specialization can make you more valuable in the job market.

5. Soft Skills:

• Develop soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and attention to detail. These skills are essential for effective networking professionals.

6. Networking and Professional Development:

• Attend networking events, conferences, and meetups to connect with professionals in the field. Building a professional network can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights.

7. Certify and Advance:

• As you gain experience, aim for more advanced certifications that align with your career goals. These can help you advance into senior or specialized roles.

8. Job Search and Career Advancement:

• Look for job openings that match your skills and interests. Start with entry-level positions like network technician or junior network administrator and work your way up. Continuously seek opportunities for career advancement.

9. Stay Current:

• Networking is a rapidly evolving field. Stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and advancements by reading industry news, blogs, and forums.

A career in computer networking offers a range of opportunities, from network administration and engineering to network security and architecture. It’s a field where continuous learning and adaptation are crucial as technology evolves, making it an exciting and dynamic choice for those interested in IT.

System administrator

A system administrator, often referred to as a sysadmin, is a crucial IT professional responsible for the operation, maintenance, and security of an organization’s computer systems and networks. Their role involves ensuring that the IT infrastructure runs smoothly, efficiently, and securely to support the organization’s business operations. Here are the key responsibilities and skills associated with a career as a system administrator:

Responsibilities:

1. Server Management:
   • Install, configure, and maintain server hardware and software.
   • Monitor server performance and optimize resource usage.
   • Perform regular backups and implement disaster recovery plans.
2. Network Administration:
   • Configure and manage network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls.
   • Troubleshoot network connectivity issues.
   • Implement and maintain network security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
3. User Account Management:
   • Create and manage user accounts and access permissions.
   • Set up email accounts and distribution lists.
   • Ensure proper access control and data security.
4. Software Installation and Maintenance:
   • Install, update, and patch operating systems and software applications.
   • Manage software licenses and ensure compliance.
5. System Monitoring and Troubleshooting:
   • Continuously monitor system performance and respond to alerts and issues.
   • Diagnose and resolve hardware and software problems promptly.
6. Security Management:
   • Implement security policies and protocols to protect against cyber threats.
   • Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments.
   • Apply patches and updates to address security vulnerabilities.
7. Backup and Recovery:
   • Establish and manage backup and recovery strategies to protect data.
   • Test and validate backup and restore procedures.
8. Documentation:
   • Maintain detailed records and documentation of system configurations, changes, and procedures.
   • Create and update technical documentation for users and IT staff.
9. Automation and Scripting:
   • Use scripting languages like PowerShell or Bash to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
10. User Support:
    • Provide technical support to end-users, resolving hardware and software issues.
    • Train users on IT best practices and security protocols.
11. Capacity Planning:
    • Assess current infrastructure resources and plan for future growth and scalability.
    • Make hardware and software upgrade recommendations.
12. Disaster Recovery Planning:
    • Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
    • Ensure that data and systems can be restored in case of a catastrophic event.

Skills and Qualities:

• Technical Proficiency: A deep understanding of computer systems, networks, and IT infrastructure is essential.
• Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently.
• Attention to Detail: Precision is critical in managing complex systems to avoid errors and vulnerabilities.
• Communication: Effective communication with team members and end-users to provide support and instructions.
• Security Awareness: Awareness of cybersecurity threats and the ability to implement security measures.
• Adaptability: The IT landscape is constantly evolving, so sysadmins need to stay up-to-date with new technologies and practices.
• Organization: Effective time management and the ability to prioritize tasks are vital for sysadmins.
• Teamwork: Collaboration with other IT professionals, such as network engineers and security experts, is common.
• Documentation: Strong documentation skills to maintain records and create user guides.

Certifications:

Obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your qualifications as a system administrator. Some popular certifications for sysadmins include:

• CompTIA A+: A foundational certification for IT professionals.
• CompTIA Network+: Focuses on network technologies.
• CompTIA Security+: Covers IT security principles.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: Focused on Microsoft Azure cloud services.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A high-level certification in cybersecurity.

A career as a system administrator is dynamic and offers various opportunities across industries. Sysadmins are integral to maintaining the stability and security of an organization’s IT environment, making their role critical in the digital age.

Network administrator

A network administrator, often referred to as a network admin, plays a crucial role in managing and maintaining an organization’s computer networks. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of the network infrastructure. Here’s an overview of the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with a career as a network administrator:

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Network Setup and Configuration:
   • Design, set up, and configure network hardware and software components, including routers, switches, firewalls, and access points.
2. Network Monitoring:
   • Continuously monitor network performance and identify and resolve issues to minimize downtime.
3. Security Management:
   • Implement and maintain security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls, to protect the network from cyber threats.
4. User Account Management:
   • Create, modify, and manage user accounts, including access permissions and password policies.
5. Network Troubleshooting:
   • Diagnose and resolve network connectivity and performance problems, ensuring minimal disruption to users.
6. Backup and Recovery:
   • Establish and manage data backup and recovery procedures to safeguard critical network data.
7. Network Documentation:
   • Maintain accurate documentation of network configurations, changes, and procedures for reference and troubleshooting.
8. Software and Hardware Upkeep:
   • Install, configure, and update network-related software and firmware on network devices and servers.
9. Capacity Planning:
   • Assess current network infrastructure resources and plan for future growth and scalability, making recommendations for hardware and software upgrades.
10. Policy and Compliance:
    • Ensure that the network operates in compliance with industry regulations and organizational policies, such as data privacy and security standards.
11. Vendor Management:
    • Collaborate with network equipment vendors for technical support, maintenance, and equipment procurement.
12. Network Optimization:
    • Optimize network performance by fine-tuning configurations, implementing Quality of Service (QoS) policies, and ensuring efficient use of bandwidth.

Skills and Qualities:

• Technical Proficiency: A deep understanding of networking protocols, network architecture, and network hardware is essential.
• Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve network issues efficiently.
• Attention to Detail: Precision is vital in managing complex network configurations to prevent errors and vulnerabilities.
• Communication: Effective communication with team members and end-users to provide support and instructions.
• Security Awareness: Awareness of cybersecurity threats and the ability to implement security measures.
• Adaptability: The IT landscape is constantly evolving, so network admins need to stay updated with new technologies and practices.
• Organization: Effective time management and the ability to prioritize tasks are crucial for network administrators.
• Teamwork: Collaboration with other IT professionals, such as system administrators and security experts, is common.
• Documentation: Strong documentation skills to maintain records, network diagrams, and user guides.

Certifications:

Obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your qualifications as a network administrator. Some popular certifications for network admins include:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Focused on Cisco networking technologies.
• CompTIA Network+: Covers networking fundamentals.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A high-level certification in cybersecurity.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Focuses on auditing, control, and assurance of information systems.

A career as a network administrator offers opportunities in various industries, as nearly all organizations rely on computer networks for their daily operations. Network admins are essential for maintaining network stability, security, and performance, making their role critical in the modern IT landscape.

System Engineer

A system engineer, often referred to as a systems engineer or systems administrator, is a professional responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex computer systems and networks. They play a critical role in ensuring that an organization’s IT infrastructure functions efficiently and meets its operational needs. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with a career as a system engineer:

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. System Design and Planning:
   • Collaborate with stakeholders to determine the organization’s IT needs and design comprehensive system architectures that meet those requirements.
2. System Implementation:
   • Deploy, configure, and integrate hardware and software components to create and maintain computer systems and networks.
3. System Monitoring and Optimization:
   • Continuously monitor system performance and proactively optimize configurations to enhance efficiency and reliability.
4. Security Management:
   • Implement and manage security measures to protect systems and networks from cyber threats, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls.
5. User Account Management:
   • Create, modify, and manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls to ensure data security.
6. Backup and Recovery:
   • Establish and maintain data backup and recovery procedures to safeguard critical information.
7. Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution:
   • Diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues, minimizing disruption to users and operations.
8. Documentation:
   • Maintain detailed records of system configurations, changes, and procedures, as well as create technical documentation for end-users and IT staff.
9. Capacity Planning and Performance Tuning:
   • Assess system resource utilization and plan for future scalability, making recommendations for hardware and software upgrades.
10. Policy and Compliance:
    • Ensure that systems operate in compliance with industry regulations and organizational policies, such as data privacy and security standards.
11. Vendor Management:
    • Collaborate with vendors for technical support, maintenance, and equipment procurement.
12. Network Integration:
    • Work with network administrators and engineers to integrate systems into the organization’s network infrastructure.

Skills and Qualities:

• Technical Proficiency: A strong foundation in computer systems, networking, and IT infrastructure.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Adaptability: The ability to stay updated with emerging technologies and adapt to changes in the IT landscape.
• Attention to Detail: Precision is essential in system configurations and maintenance to prevent errors and vulnerabilities.
• Communication: Effective communication with team members, stakeholders, and end-users is crucial for providing support and instructions.
• Organization: Effective time management and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential for handling multiple system components.
• Teamwork: Collaboration with other IT professionals, such as network administrators, database administrators, and security experts.
• Automation and Scripting: Proficiency in scripting and automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks.

Certifications:

Relevant certifications can enhance your qualifications as a system engineer. Consider pursuing certifications such as:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: Focused on Microsoft Azure cloud services.
• CompTIA Server+: Covers server hardware, virtualization, and storage.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A high-level certification in cybersecurity.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Focuses on auditing, control, and assurance of information systems.

A career as a system engineer offers various opportunities across industries, as organizations of all sizes rely on robust IT systems to support their operations. System engineers play a pivotal role in designing, managing, and securing these systems, making their expertise invaluable in the modern IT landscape.

• Technical Engineer/Computer Hardware Engineer

If you are someone who likes working with the physical hardware of a computer then a job as a Computer Hardware engineer may just be for you. Computer Hardware Engineers are responsible for designing and developing computer systems as well as managing the computerised hardware of other peripherals, such as printers and modems. Due to the varied and demanding nature of the role, Engineers may be required to be certified to a high level and will need to be very technically minded and educated. 

What Does a Computer Hardware Engineer Do?

On a daily basis, this may require working with desktop computers, laptops, computer processors, graphics cards, sound cards, circuit boards, cabling and more. As a certified Hardware Engineer, you may be required to build, install, remove, update or test the hardware of any given computer. 

The role of a Computer Hardware Engineer is incredibly varied and they can have multiple projects on the go at any one time. Depending on who your employer is, you may be based within a computer research laboratory testing and building new hardware, or working within a highly technical centre that designs systems for vehicles or medical facilities.

How Much Can You Earn as a Computer Hardware Engineer?

Due to the highly technical nature of the job role, a Computer Engineer can expect to have quite a good starting salary which rises greatly, depending on specialisation and seniority. On average starting roles across the US, for a newly qualified Engineer, can be around $65-70k with that salary rising potentially to around $200k, depending on varying factors.

To give yourself the best chance of earning a higher salary, specialising in a particular area of Hardware Engineering will probably be the best route. By specialising in specific areas of Engineering you can increase the demand for your skillset thus improving your prospects of a higher salary.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer?

To be a Computer Hardware Engineer you should probably have some of the following skills or traits:

• An analytical and technical mind
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Curious and inquisitive 
• Willing to learn and test new skills often

The above list isn’t necessarily exhaustive of the skills needed to become a Computer Hardware Engineer, but they do give a good groundwork to start on. As previously mentioned this kind of role is highly technical and requires long hours of blueprinting, building and testing of computer systems. This means that a good foundation of knowledge is required as well as the willingness to constantly educate yourself and keep on top of new technologies. 

You should also be capable of communicating very technical aspects of computer hardware design to someone who isn’t necessarily technically minded. You will be expected to work with teams ranging from administration to software engineers and having the ability to pass on technical information in an understandable manner is key.

Some more Computer Hardware serve as…

• Network Engineer
• Technical support
• Help desk technician/Network support technician
• IT technician
• IT administrator
• Field service technician
• Security Database development and administration
• Intranet Specialist