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Is being a computer hardware engineer a good fit for you?

Researches, designs and tests computer equipment. May oversee how it is made and installed.

What the work involves

  • Keeps skills up to date with fast changes in computer technology.
  • Designs and develops computer hardware, including processors, chips, printers and disk drives.
  • Talks with engineering staff and checks specifications to see how hardware works with software.
  • Builds, tests and modifies prototypes using working models or computer simulation.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be hands-on, curious and organising. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onStrong. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousStrong. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeLow. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingLow. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingLow. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingStrong. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Security. Steady work in a well-run organisation.

How much training it needs

Degree required. Usually a degree, sometimes more study after. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if a computer hardware engineer is one of yours.

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